Mitchell Noble
Mitchell Noble
Class Year
’19
Current home
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Major(s)
Biology
Current Position
Production Manager at Nestle — Oklahoma City Purina Factory
A Carthage graduate with a degree in biology, Mitchell Noble ’19 took the leadership skills he learned at the College to become a production manager at Nestlé Purina PetCare, where he leads a manufacturing team dedicated to producing premium pet care products. Mr. Noble remains passionate about building strong relationships with his teams, working closely with multiple departments to coordinate technical maintenance, long-term production forecasting, infrastructure improvements, and manufacturing assets.
A recipient of the Tarble Family Scholarship, Mr. Noble praises the quality of the education he received at Carthage, claiming it’s the foundation of his success. He appreciates the lessons he learned that shaped him into becoming a well-rounded person and leader. “I feel a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the institution that invested so much in my development,” he says. “I want to ensure that the same transformative opportunities remain available for future generations of students.”
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“In my role, I find the most fulfillment in the fast-paced, real-world problem-solving, where the decisions I make can have immediate, drastic impacts on our manufacturing success. There is a unique professional satisfaction in identifying and eliminating chronic losses or operational hurdles, and in implementing a solution that yields tangible results in real time. Beyond the technical challenges, one of my core priorities is coaching and developing my team members. I take great pride in mentoring individuals to reach their full potential and fostering an autonomous workforce culture. I am driven by the opportunity to leave a lasting footprint on the business and the teams I lead every day, ensuring that our people and food are safe and we consistently deliver food for pets that enhances lives.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“My experience at Carthage was instrumental in shaping the technical and interpersonal framework I use daily. The academic rigor of the curriculum taught me to approach complex operational challenges through the lens of scientific methodology, enabling me to troubleshoot real-world problems with a structured, investigative mindset. Carthage also fostered a deep understanding of the importance of human connection and organizational synergy. The collaborative environment prepared me to engage effectively across various functions and leadership levels, a skill essential for coordinating among engineering, supply chain, and frontline staff. Additionally, the College’s diverse community taught me how to lead and engage teams from a wide range of backgrounds — a skill that directly translated into my passion for coaching and development.”
How has your liberal arts education benefited you?
“A defining moment in my career occurred when I was tasked with overseeing a production line that was struggling with significant efficiency issues. To address the issue, I leaned on the holistic education I received at Carthage. Rather than viewing the problem as a purely mechanical failure, I attacked the problem from multiple angles, combining robust scientific problem-solving methodologies with the interpersonal communication skills honed in a liberal arts environment. I focused on building deep functional relationships across departments, engaging and collaborating closely with maintenance and engineering to identify root causes that had previously been overlooked.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“Choosing Carthage was a decision driven by a unique combination of opportunity, community, and academic philosophy. One of the most significant factors was the financial support from the incredibly generous Tarble Family Scholarship, which made a high-caliber education accessible and allowed me to focus fully on my development. I was also deeply drawn to Carthage’s holistic approach to higher education; the liberal arts program provided a broad intellectual foundation that encouraged me to think critically across multiple disciplines rather than just a single track. This was perfectly complemented by the College’s small class sizes, which created an environment that invites deep, meaningful collaboration with both peers and faculty. This personalized setting didn’t just provide an education — it built a community where I felt challenged and supported to grow into the leader I am today.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“The relationships I built with faculty were the cornerstone of my success, as the small class environment at Carthage allowed for more than just academic instruction; it provided a blueprint for professional leadership. Professor Paul Martino stands out as a pivotal figure in my journey. While he is undoubtedly a master of his craft in teaching Anatomy and Physiology, his actual impact went far beyond the syllabus. He is a professor who genuinely connects with his students, and his leadership models a unique blend of compassion and care, balanced with a firm sense of accountability. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have engaged with a professor who prioritized our character as much as our grades, as that foundation has directly translated into how I mentor and develop my own teams.”
What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?
“These values are not just abstract concepts for me; they are the operational pillars of my leadership style. ‘Seeking truth’ is the foundation for building meaningful, authentic relationships with those around me, ensuring that every decision is grounded in reality and mutual trust. ‘Building strength’ is reflected in my commitment to developing others. In my work, this means moving beyond simple supervision to empowering my team members with the skills and confidence they need to lead themselves. Through this, we build an organization that is resilient, capable, and collectively stronger. Finally, I believe ‘inspiring service’ is one of the greatest character-development activities. Whether I am serving the needs of my frontline team to help them succeed or contributing to the company, this value ensures that my work remains focused on a purpose greater than myself. Together, these values have shaped me into a leader who seeks to elevate the business by first elevating the people within it.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“Some of my most cherished memories involve the unique atmosphere of the Carthage campus, particularly the late hours spent in the science labs. I often think back to the intensity and discovery of physiology lab and those long night chemistry labs, where the hands-on nature of the work really brought the theories to life. Beyond the classroom, there was a special peace in studying while overlooking Lake Michigan; having that vast, beautiful horizon as a backdrop for my growth provided a sense of perspective and calm that is hard to find anywhere else.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“My advice for current students is to focus on the power of connection: build intentional relationships not only with your peers but with your faculty. These relationships will influence your life and career path more than you can imagine. Surround yourself with success by engaging with people who challenge and inspire you. Additionally, I recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone by taking courses far removed from your major. Some of my non-major classes fostered the most growth, helping me develop a well-rounded perspective that I use every day in the professional world. Finally, don’t forget to take a breath and enjoy your surroundings. The Carthage campus and the Kenosha area are truly beautiful and unique; take the time to appreciate them while you can, as those memories stay with you long after graduation.”