Editor’s note: The original article was published by Waukee Community School District. https://www.waukeeschools.org/news/2025/12/waukee-csd-alum-makes-his-mark/
“Waukee is what made me who I am today.”
Still a semester away from graduating at Iowa State University, Jonathan Nevenhoven has already built a legacy on campus and across the country. From serving as the national collegiate FBLA president to receiving Iowa State’s most prestigious student award, Jonathan is making an impact — and he credits it all to Waukee CSD.
Stepping Up and Getting Involved
As a sophomore at Waukee High School, Jonathan joined the Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA) chapter — pulled in, he jokes, by FBLA advisor Janelle Larson.
“The reason I came to the first meeting was because she was dancing outside the room and invited us in,” Jonathan remembers. “Mrs. Larson was an incredible advisor and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone, take on opportunities, and be a ‘yes’ person.”
From there, Jonathan stepped into more leadership roles. He became the school’s FBLA treasurer, then chapter president. He also served as the WHS Student Council senior class president, participated in National Honor Society and the National Council for Youth Leadership, and served as a drum major — conducting the high school band in the 2022 Rose Parade.
Waukee does a great job of providing student experiences — whether it’s clubs or academics or theatre — to allow students to do what they love and grow as leaders,” Jonathan says. “I think that shaped me into a motivated person and drove me to serve others.”
Embracing the Next Chapter
After Jonathan graduated in 2022, he enrolled at Iowa State — bringing with him 26 college credits from DMACC dual-credit courses he took at Waukee High School.
“Waukee provided me with a foundation to be successful and be confident in myself,” Jonathan explains. “I came to college feeling like I was ahead of the game, having that leadership experience and academics behind me.”
Jonathan hit the ground running at Iowa State. He continued his involvement with FBLA, serving as the Iowa State chapter president, then state president, and now national president — leading 200,000 FBLA members across the United States.
“I’m making decisions that impact all FBLA students for years to come,” Jonathan says. “Speaking in front of thousands, planning national conferences, sitting on the board of directors — those are great leadership experiences. But seeing members grow as leaders and people is what’s truly impactful.”
Additional Leadership Roles
In addition to his leadership in FBLA — and being a double-major Honors student — Jonathan has built an extensive résumé through many other roles. Highlights include:
- Senator on Iowa State Student Government (representing the Ivy College of Business)
- Co-president of Cardinal Key Honor Society (the top honor society at Iowa State)
- Chapter president of Phi Sigma Pi honor fraternity
- Chapter president and treasurer of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity
- VP of chapter relations for Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity
- VP and director of campus relations for Iowa State’s First-Year Council
- Member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Order of Omega, and Gamma Sigma Alpha honor societies
- Lead peer mentor for Ivy Business Learning Teams
He also volunteered over 400 hours in 2024 and 2025, earning him the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
“Jonathan is an exceptional campus leader involved extensively in leadership roles in a variety of organizations,” wrote Kathy Wieland, former career services director in the Ivy College of Business. “In the 20-plus years I worked with students at Iowa State, I cannot recall a student in the Ivy College of Business who has been more involved and at such an outstanding level.”
Wallace E. Barron Award
Jonathan’s leadership and academic excellence led to his selection for the Wallace E. Barron Award — Iowa State’s most prestigious honor for seniors who display high character and outstanding achievement.
Even though he was a junior, he was eligible because he had enough credits to be classified as a senior. After being nominated by a faculty member, he was selected as one of seven honorees and was presented with a custom-made gold ring during a ceremony at the ISU Alumni Center last spring.
“When I learned I had won, I was blown away,” Jonathan says. “Meeting the other recipients — all so impactful in their colleges — was incredible. It was an honor to be a part of that group.”
Jonathan adds the award to his list of impressive honors, which include the Ronald Reagan Leadership Medal, American Citizenship Award, Warren P. Poslusny Award, and Outstanding Student in Business Education Award.
Remembering his Roots
“If I talk to anyone at Iowa State and mention I’m from Waukee, they say, ‘Oh, that’s a great school.’ The leaders and professors here know that the District sets us up for success,” Jonathan says.
As a peer mentor for incoming students in the business college, he sees that reputation firsthand. “If they came from Waukee, they always have some sort of college credit and academic experiences that will help their career,” he adds.
Coming to college with sophomore-level credits allowed Jonathan to pursue a German minor and a leadership certificate, as well as experiences he wouldn’t have been able to fit in otherwise.
“Having the opportunity to put more on my plate has been great to get internships,” he explains. “That’s really what employers are looking for — a person who is well diverse in academics and leadership.”
After graduation, Jonathan plans to pursue his master’s degree in accounting and earn his CPA license.
“Ultimately, I want to return to Iowa State or Waukee,” he says. “Whether that’s as a professor, a teacher, or an FBLA advisor, I want to give back to the people who built me into who I am today.”
