Eastern Illinois University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Eastern Illinois University (EIU), located in Charleston, Illinois, has a rich history of producing accomplished individuals across various fields. Established in 1895 by the Illinois State Legislature as the Eastern Illinois Normal School, EIU has evolved into a comprehensive public university, shaping the lives and careers of countless students. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and contributions to society.
Academic Excellence and Institutional Overview
Eastern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring the quality and rigor of its academic programs. The university comprises several academic divisions, including the Graduate School, Sandra & Jack Pine Honors College, and the School of Extended Learning. The Graduate School, established in 1951, enrolls approximately 1,800 full and part-time students. EIU also houses the Center for Academic Support and Achievement, the Office of Inclusion and Academic Engagement, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and the Office of Study Abroad, providing comprehensive resources for student success. The university's Booth Library hosts yearly exhibits and digital collections, while the Tarble Arts Center maintains a 1,000-piece permanent collection, including a significant collection of late 20th-century Illinois folk arts. As of 2024, tuition is approximately $10,150 for all domestic undergraduates and $12,688 for international undergraduates.
Arts and Entertainment
EIU has a strong presence in the arts and entertainment industry, with alumni making significant contributions as actors, musicians, and filmmakers.
John Malkovich
John Malkovich is an acclaimed American actor, producer, and director, recognized for his versatile performances in film and theater. He has received numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and nominations for two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.
Joan Allen
Joan Allen is a celebrated American actress known for her work on stage and screen. She has received a Tony Award and nominations for three Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.
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Burl Ives
Burl Ives was a versatile American musician, singer, and actor whose career spanned over six decades. He was known for his folk songs and acting roles in film and theater.
LisaRaye McCoy-Misick
LisaRaye McCoy, known professionally as LisaRaye, is an American actress and model. She is best known for her roles in films like "The Players Club" and television series such as "All of Us" and "Single Ladies". She also served as the First Lady of Turks and Caicos during her marriage to Michael Misick.
William Edward Phipps
William Edward Phipps was an American actor and producer known for his roles in various films and television shows, often credited simply as William Phipps.
Charlotte Martin
Charlotte Ann Martin is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for her piano-driven performances. She has released several studio albums, including "On Your Shore" and "Stromata."
Athletics
Eastern Illinois University has a proud athletic tradition, with alumni achieving success in professional sports, including football, basketball, and mixed martial arts. The university's sports teams, known as the Panthers, compete in NCAA Division I (I-AA FCS for football) in the Ohio Valley Conference.
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Sean Payton
Sean Payton is a prominent alumnus who has made a significant impact in the National Football League (NFL). The current head coach of the Denver Broncos, Payton graduated from Eastern Illinois in 1987. Before his time in Denver, Payton led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory and was named the 2006 NFL Coach of the Year.
Tony Romo
Tony Romo, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, attended Eastern Illinois University.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo, the current San Francisco 49ers quarterback, was drafted into the NFL by the New England Patriots in 2014 after a successful college career at Eastern Illinois.
Matt Hughes
Matthew Allen Hughes is a retired mixed martial artist with a background in wrestling. He is a former two-time UFC Welterweight Champion, UFC Hall of Fame inductee, and NJCAA Hall of Fame inductee.
Kevin Seitzer
Kevin Lee Seitzer is an American former professional baseball third baseman, currently the hitting coach for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for several teams, including the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers.
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Alfonzo McKinnie
Alfonzo McKinnie is an American professional basketball player who played college basketball for Eastern Illinois University and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Alexander Hollins
Alexander Hollins is an American professional football wide receiver who has played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL).
Ted Petersen
Ted Petersen is a former professional American football offensive lineman who played for nine seasons in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns, and the Indianapolis Colts.
Chris Szarka
Chris "Canuck Truck" Szarka is a former Canadian Football League fullback who spent his entire professional career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Del Unser
Delbert Bernard Unser is an American former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball as a center fielder and utility player.
Tim Bogar
Timothy Paul Bogar is an American former infielder, coach, manager, and front-office executive in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Henry Domercant
Henry Domercant is an American and Bosnian-Herzegovinian professional basketball coach and former player, currently an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Greg McMahon
Greg McMahon is an American football coach who is the special teams coordinator for the Tulane Green Wave.
Dan Steele
Dan Steele is an American bobsledder and track and field athlete who won a bronze medal in the four-man event at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Lauren Doyle
Lauren Doyle is an American rugby sevens player who won a silver medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and represented the United States at the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Olympic Games.
Randy Melvin
Randy Melvin is an American gridiron football coach who is the defensive line coach for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Business and Entrepreneurship
EIU alumni have also excelled in the world of business and entrepreneurship, demonstrating innovation and leadership in various industries.
Jimmy John Liautaud
James John Liautaud is an American restaurateur and the founder of Jimmy John's sandwich chain.
Politics and Public Service
Eastern Illinois University has a strong tradition of producing leaders in politics and public service, with alumni serving in various government positions at the state and national levels.
Jim Edgar
James Robert Edgar served as the 38th Governor of Illinois from 1991 to 1999. A moderate Republican, he previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives and as the Secretary of State of Illinois.
Mary Miller
Mary E. Miller is the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 15th congressional district since 2021. She serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Education & Labor, and the Committee on House Administration.
Kimberly Cheatle
Kimberly A. Cheatle served as the 27th director of the United States Secret Service. She is the second woman to hold the position.
Joe Knollenberg
Joseph Kastl Knollenberg was an American politician from Michigan, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Brandon W. Phelps
Brandon Phelps is a former Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 118th District.
Education
EIU alumni have made significant contributions to the field of education, serving as teachers, administrators, and university presidents.
Tisa Mason
Tisa A. Mason is an American educator and the current president of Fort Hays State University.
Other Notable Alumni
- Candace Fleming: An American writer of children's books.
- Lee Martin: An American author and professor in Ohio State University's creative writing program.
- Gary Forrester: A musician, composer, novelist, poet, and academic based in New Zealand.
- Schellas Hyndman: A retired soccer coach, formerly head coach of FC Dallas in Major League Soccer.
- Nick Maton: An American professional baseball utility player in the Chicago White Sox organization.
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