Notable Alumni of Florida State University: A Legacy of Strength, Skill, and Character

Introduction

Florida State University (FSU), a public research university located in Tallahassee, Florida, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1851. Throughout its long and storied existence, FSU has fostered an environment of academic excellence, innovation, and creativity, attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. As a result, the university boasts a distinguished roster of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields, leaving an indelible mark on society. These individuals embody the university's motto, "Vires, Artes, Mores" - Strength, Skill, Character - and serve as an inspiration to current and future generations of Seminoles.

Prominent Figures in Arts and Entertainment

FSU's College of Motion Picture Arts is renowned for producing exceptional talent that has achieved widespread recognition in the entertainment industry. Several alumni have made their mark in music, film, television, and literature, captivating audiences worldwide with their artistic prowess.

Music

Jim Morrison: The iconic lead singer and lyricist of The Doors, Jim Morrison, briefly attended FSU before transferring to UCLA. Despite his short time at FSU, Morrison's rebellious persona and poetic lyrics have cemented his status as one of the most influential frontmen in rock history. He was even arrested at Doak Campbell Stadium for a prank, adding to his legendary status.
Luis Fonsi: A graduate of the FSU School of Music and a member of the choir and University Singers, Luis Fonsi is a Puerto Rican singer known for his soulful and dance-oriented songs. His global hit "Despacito" catapulted him to international fame.
Iron & Wine (Samuel Beam): Known by his stage name Iron & Wine, Samuel Beam is an alumnus of the FSU College of Motion Picture Arts, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. His song "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" gained prominence after being featured in the film Twilight.

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Rita Coolidge: An American recording artist whose songs appeared on Billboard magazine's pop, country, adult contemporary, and jazz charts during the 1970s and 1980s. She won two Grammy Awards with Kris Kristofferson. Her recordings include "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," "We're All Alone", "I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love", and the theme song for the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy: "All Time High".
Scott Stapp: An American singer and the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Creed. He has also fronted the band Art of Anarchy and has released four solo albums.
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Celebrated composer and Pulitzer Prize winner.

Film and Television

Faye Dunaway: An Academy Award-winning actress, Faye Dunaway, has starred in numerous iconic films, earning her critical acclaim and a place among Hollywood's elite.
Cheryl Hines: Known for her role as Cheryl in HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, Cheryl Hines has also starred in the ABC sitcom Suburgatory and made her directorial debut with the film Serious Moonlight.

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Megan Boone: Megan Boone gained recognition for her role as FBI agent Elizabeth Keen in the NBC drama series The Blacklist. She has also appeared in films such as My Bloody Valentine 3D and Step Up Revolution.
Burt Reynolds: An American actor, most famous during the 1970s and 1980s. Reynolds first became known well as a result of featuring in television series, such as Gunsmoke (1962-1965), Hawk (1966), and Dan August (1970-1971). He had leading roles in films, such as Navajo Joe (1966) and 100 Rifles (1969), and his breakthrough role was as Lewis Medlock in Deliverance (1972).
Casper Van Dien: An American actor, best known for his lead role as Johnny Rico in the 1997 science-fiction action film Starship Troopers.
Robert Urich: An American film, television, and stage actor and television producer. Over the course of his 30-year career, he starred in a record 15 television series.
Traylor Howard: An American actress known for her roles in the sitcoms Boston Common (1996-1997) and Two Guys and a Girl (1998-2001), and in the USA Network television series Monk.

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Christine Lahti: An American actress and filmmaker. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the 1984 film Swing Shift.
André Holland: An American actor. He is widely known for his 2016 performance as Kevin in the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight.

Literature

Hunter S. Thompson: A writer and journalist, Hunter S. Thompson is credited with pioneering Gonzo journalism, a style in which the writer becomes a central figure in the narrative.
Dorothy Allison: An American writer known for her semi-autobiographical novel Bastard Out of Carolina.

Hundreds of books were written by FSU alumni authors: J. Russell K. Skowronek, Charles R. James M., John R. Richard M., Audrey B., Bill F., David B., Frances T., Henry V., Huey E., James A., Michelle D., Stephanie N., Stephen D., Taylor D., Alan G. B., Charles W., David V., Earl H., James S., Jeffrey A., Jerome S., John A., Maria T., Peter A., Richard F., Robbie G., Seleste E., Sharon L., Thomas P., Carol H., James E., Jeannette P., Anthony S., Cathy P., David M., Diane D., Lee J., Patricia B., Penny J., Robert J., Shirleen S., Yvette F., Carl S., Carol A., Caroline J. S., Chad D., Daniel S., Fredrick T., James E., John A., Jonathan T., Kathleen N., Mary R., Michael J., Michael T., Patricia B., Paul E., Richard A., Sachi G., Thomas L., Virginia A., Catherine W., Juliette L., William G., Art A., Benjamin W., Brandy T. D.S., Garth L. Nicholson & Nancy L., James B., John P., Louis E., Lucia St., Maryhelen E., R. M., Andrew K., Anne L., Bill F., C. Clyde G., Dale A., David B., David H., Helen M., Henry V., Herbert L., James A., James L., James M., William P., James M., James W., John T., Majorie T., Martin A., Matt D., Peter M., Richard A., Richard C., Richard R. E., Robert W., Rochelle A., Russel K., Sally E., Samuel G., Sean H., Stephen D., Susan A., C.V. W., Walter W., Wiley L., William R., Douglas N., Scott K., Ann M., Anthony N., Claire St., Donna H., Kenneth A., Ronald E. B.C., Chad D., Harriet B., Helen M., James O., Joel R., Malcolm R., Richard F., Wayne C., Andre M., Anne C., Carol E., Charles B., Danny L., David K., Gary W., Guy B., Herbert W., James P., Janet G., Jason W., John C., John S., John T., Lauren S., Louis H., Lloyd R., Marcy L., Nina M., R. Richard G., Richard R. E., Robert C., Sara S., Susan A., W. W., William B., David K., Julian A., Ronald E., Charles W., James M., Lance M., Mark S., Richard J., David J., Thomas E., Christine M., Edward A., Helen C., Jonathan T., Marguerite J., Michael D., Morton D., Murray D., Nicholas M., Richard J., William L., Audrey R., Brent A., Gary A., John A., John E., Loretta J., Reginald F., Stuart E., Russel K., Donald B., Guy H., James J., Joel C., Jonathan R., Joseph N., Kent E., Lloyd L., Orrin H., Robert W., Roger L., Stan L., Thomas M., Fred J., M.A.C., Malcolm R., Brent A., Dan C., David E., Deborah R., Edmund J., Freddie L., Kevin D., Linda L., Loretta A., Philip M., Stanley E., Thomas A., W. David E., Robert M., Stan L., Patricia B., Terra E.

Leaders in Business and Entrepreneurship

FSU alumni have also demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills, establishing successful businesses and making significant contributions to the business world.

Sara Blakely: A communication graduate from FSU, Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx, a company that revolutionized the shapewear industry. Blakely's innovative approach and business acumen led to Spanx becoming a multimillion-dollar company, earning her the title of the youngest self-made billionaire in the world in 2012.
James “Chef” Barlow: (BS Marketing ’95), Founder & CEO, Blue Air Training Corp.
William F. Stephenson: (BS Management '82), Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Executive Board, De Lage Landen International B.V.

Influential Figures in Politics and Public Service

FSU has produced numerous alumni who have dedicated their careers to public service, shaping policies and leading communities at the local, state, and national levels.

Charlie Crist: A former governor of Florida and U.S. Representative, Charlie Crist has served in various political roles throughout his career.
Larry Hogan: Served as the 62nd governor of Maryland from 2015 to 2023.
Matt Gaetz: A member of the Republican Party and a self-described libertarian populist, Gaetz is widely regarded as a proponent of far-right politics as well as a staunch ally of Donald Trump.
Mel R. Martinez: (B.A. ’69, J.D.)
H. James Towey: (B.S. ’78, J.D.)
James L. Bacchus: (J.D.)

Notable Athletes and Coaches

FSU's athletic programs have a long tradition of excellence, producing numerous athletes and coaches who have achieved success at the highest levels of their respective sports.

Deion Sanders: Nicknamed "Prime Time" and "Coach Prime", he played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens. Sanders was also a outfielder for nine seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. He won two Super Bowl titles and made one World Series appearance in 1992, making him the only athlete to play in a Super Bowl and World Series.
Brooks Koepka: An American professional golfer who currently plays on the LIV Golf league, where he leads with the most wins (5). Prior to joining LIV, Koepka won several times on the PGA Tour. He has won 5 major championships; the 2017 and 2018 US Open, and the 2018, 2019 and 2023 PGA Championship.
Michelle McCool: An American retired professional wrestler. She is best known for her tenure in WWE, where she is a former two-time, as well as first ever WWE Divas Champion and a two-time WWE Women's Champion.
Jalen Ramsey: An American professional football cornerback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars fifth overall in the 2016 NFL draft.
Kirby Smart: An American football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at the University of Georgia, his alma mater. As head coach, he led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.
Buster Posey: An American former professional baseball catcher and is currently the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He spent his entire 12-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Giants, from 2009 until his retirement at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
Sean Gilmartin: An American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays.

Innovators in Science and Technology

FSU alumni have made significant contributions to the fields of science and technology, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and developing innovative solutions to complex problems.

Sylvia A. Earle: A marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer, author, and lecturer. She has been a National Geographic Explorer at Large since 1998.
Neil Druckmann: An Israeli-American writer, creative director, designer, and programmer. He is the studio head and head of creative of the video game developer Naughty Dog, and is best known for his work on the game franchises Uncharted and The Last of Us, having co-created the latter.

Recognition Through the "Grads Made Good" Program

Florida State University recognizes outstanding alumni through the "Grads Made Good" program, honoring those who have made exceptional contributions to their communities or chosen fields. Nominations are solicited annually, and recipients are selected by a committee and approved by the Alumni Association National Board of Directors' Engagement Committee.

List of "Grads Made Good" Honorees

The following individuals have been recognized as "Grads Made Good" for their outstanding achievements:

Honorable Reubin O ’D. Askew (B.S.)
Dr. H. Richard Blieden (Ph.D.)
Thomas M. Hall (B.M. ’64, M.M.)
Ney C. Landrum (B.A. ’52, M.A.)
Dr. Sean Patrick McGlynn (Ph.D.)
Al (Albert L.)
Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas (Ph.D.)
Dr. David Ward-Steinman (B.M.)
Robert M. Urich (B.A.)
Dr. Jacqueline L. DuPont (B.S. ’55, Ph.D.)
James B. Tippin, Jr. (B.S.)
Philip G. Boggs (B.S.)
Dr. Neil L. Frank (M.S. ’59, Ph.D.)
Dr. Virginia Spencer Carr (B.A. ’51, Ph.D.)
William O. Cullom (B.S.)
Sister Mary Michelle (Patricia E.) Carroll (B.S.)
Maj Gen Norma Elaine Brown (B.S.)
Justice Alan C. Sundberg (B.S.)
Sir Jack D. L. Holmes, PhD, OIC (B.A.)
Bishop Marjorie S. Matthews (M.A. ’71, Ph.D.)
James C. Smith (B.S.)
Dr. Mostafa F. El-Sayed (Ph.D.)
Dr. Jane Srygley Mouton (M.S.)
General William H. Ginn, Jr. (B.A.)
Arnold T. Diaz (B.A.)
Dr. Mark S. Wrighton (B.S.)
Herbert F. Morgan (B.S.)
Charles G. Rex (B.M. ’71, M.M.)
Cynthia G. Taylor (M.S.)
Dr. Norman Earl Thagard (B.S. ’65, M.S.)
Dr. Orrin H. Pilkey, Jr. (Ph.D.)
Stephen J. Rothman (B.S. ’72, M.F.A.)
Brigadier General Michael K. Sheridan (B.S.)
Richard D. “Dick" Howser (B.S.)
Dr. Willis W. Tyrrell, Jr. (B.S.)
Dr. Douglas M. Windham (B.A. ’64, M.A. ’67, Ph.D.)
Dr. Sylvia A. Earle (B.S.)
Dr. Raul P. deGuzman (M.S. ’55, Ph.D.)
Maj Gen Winfield S. (Scott) Harpe (B.S.)
Dr. A. Hugh Adams (B.S. ’50, M.S. ’56, Ed.D.)
John J. (Joe) Gangloff (B.S.)
Mary Anne Loughlin (B.S.)
Dr. Joseph W. Cullen (Ph.D.)
Thomas M. Culligan (B.A. ’73, M.P.A.)
Dr. Howard L. Simmons (Ph.D.)
James L. Massey (B.S.)
Gayle Sierens Martin (B.S.)
Henry Polic, II (B.A. ’67, M.A.)
Davis P. Gaines (B.A.)
Dr. Clyda Stokes Rent (B.A. ’64, M.S. ’66, Ph.D.)
Dr. Isabel Wood Rogers (B.A.)
Admiral Paul D. Miller (B.S.)
Dr. Alan R. Price (B.S.)
Dr. Betty L. Siegel (Ph.D.)
Jennifer L. Howse (B.A. ’66, M.A.)
Robert L. Ward (B.A.)
William F. “Woody” Woodward (B.S. ’66, M.S.)
Dr. A. Blanton Godfrey (M.S. ’70, Ph.D.)
Judy Patton Lotas (B.A.)
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich (B.M. ’60, M.M.)
Dr. Gwynn Collins Akin (B.S.)
Lt. Gen. Charles J. Cunningham, Jr. (B.S.)
Dr. Robert “Bud” Grace (B.S. ’65, Ph.D.)
Dr. Michael G. Berenbaum (Ph.D.)
Antonio Busalacchi, Jr. (B.S. ’77, M.S. ’80, Ph.D.)
Linda Zoghby (B.M. ’71, M.M.)
Clifford L. Freeman (B.S.)
Dr. Robert C. Harriss (B.S.)
J. Bailey White (B.S.)
Monsignor William A. Kerr (M.S. ’73, Ph.D.)
Carolyn A. O ’Neil (B.S.)
Willa Jo Zollar (M.F.A.)
Mark S. Ellis (B.S. ’79, J.D.)
Barbara S. Harris (B.S.)
Douglas W. Marlette (B.S.)
Cdr. Douglas J. Allen (B.S.)
Winston E. Scott (B.M.E.)
Janet L. Stoner (B.S. ’70, M.S.)
Charlotte West (B.S.)
Dr. Larry H. Crow (B.S. ’66, M.S. ’67, Ph.D.)
Carolyn Spencer Griner (B.S.)
Lt. Gen. Kenneth A. Minihan (B.A.)
E. L. (Chip) Chalmers (B.F.A.)
Dr. Paul Robinson (Ph.D.)
Dr. Suzan Zeder (Ph.D.)
Janice Huff (B.S.)
Lynda Keever (B.A.)
Hansel E. Tookes, II (B.S.)
Mel R. Martinez (B.A. ’69, J.D.)
Dr. Diane Roberts (B.A. ’79, M.A.)
H. James Towey (B.S. ’78, J.D.)
Raymond G. Hemann (B.S.)
Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder (B.M.E.)
Reverend Glenda B. Hope (B.A.)
James L. Bacchus (J.D.)
Dr. M. Dianne Murphy (Ph.D.)
R. Eugene Taylor (B.S.)
Laird B. Anderson (B.S.)
Max Mayfield (M.S.)
Peter F. Romero (B.S. ’71, M.A.)
Steven L. Sears (B.A.)
William D. Clay (B.A. ’71, M.S.)
Charlie Crist (B.S.)
Marvalene Hughes (Ph.D.)
Mark H. Thiemens (Ph.D.)
Jonathan G. King (M.F.A.)
Neil H. McKee (M.S.)
Kathleen Parker (B.A. ’73, M.A.)
Carol J. Cooper (B.S. ’73, M.S. ’76, J.D.)
Manuel H. Johnson (M.S. ’75, Ph.D.)
Barry V. Qualls (B.A.)
Lt. General Franklin L. “Frank” Hagenbeck (M.S.)
Dr. James H. Oliver, Jr. (M.S.)
Susan Hassmiller (B.S. ’77, M.S.)
Mike Pate (B.S.)
Senator Bob Johnson (B.S.)
John Osterlund (M.S.)
Judy Bense (B.A. ’67, M.S.)
Jimi Cook (B.S.)
Meg Crofton (B.S. ’74, M.B.A.)
Randy Hanna (J.D.)
Gail Skofronick-Jackson (B.S.)
John Thiel (B.S.)
Dale Burton (Ph.D.)
Wendy Clark (B.A.)
Rodney Hero (B.S.)
J. Marshall Shepherd (B.S. ’91, M.S. ’93, Ph.D.)
Marion Hargett (B.S.)
Craig Nance (B.S. '91, M.S.)
Montego Glover (B.F.A.)
Damon Andrew (Ph.D.)
Dulcidio de la Guardia (B.S.)
Sandra Dunbar (B.S.)
Sandra Barker (M.S. ’76, Ph.D.)
JoAnne Graf (B.S. ’75, Ph.D.)
Nancy McKay (B.A.)
Gene Stearns (B.A. ’66, J.D.)
Arthur L Fleming (B.S.)
Myrna Hoover (B.S. '83, M.S.)
David James Kennedy (B.S.)
Inez Cohen (B.S.)
Bruce McNeilage (B.S.)
Neil St John Rambana (B.A. '92, M.A.)
Lisa Balskus (B.S.N.)
Jose B. Fernandez (B.A. ’70, M.A. ’71, Ph.D.)
Jocelyne Fliger (M.S.W.)
Sean Pittman (A.A. ’89, B.S. ’90, J.D.)
Captain Julie Kim Moss (B.S.)
Patricia Ragan (B.S.)
Tevin Wooten (B.S.)
Ryan Dorrell (B.S.)
Devonta Freeman (B.S.)
Jared Lyon (B.S.)
Greg Thomas (B.M.)
James “Chef” Barlow (B.S.)
Eduardo Pérez (B.S.)

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