Notable Alumni of Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University (NAU), a public research university in Flagstaff, Arizona, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1899. Over the years, NAU has produced a diverse array of accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, ranging from politics and sports to science and the arts. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements and impact on society.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence
Founded as the Northern Arizona Normal School with the primary goal of training teachers, NAU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the success of its alumni, many of whom have become leaders in their respective fields.
Notable Alumni in Politics and Public Service
NAU has a strong tradition of producing leaders in politics and public service. Several alumni have held prominent positions in government, shaping policy and serving their communities.
Katie Hobbs: A graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work in 1992, Hobbs is the 24th and current Governor of Arizona, since 2023. She previously served as the Secretary of State of Arizona and as a member of the Arizona Legislature.
Raúl Héctor Castro: A Mexican American politician, diplomat, and judge, Castro served as the Governor of Arizona from 1975 to 1977. He also served as the U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia and Argentina.
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Rick Renzi: A Republican politician, Renzi represented Arizona's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1980.
Jonathan Nez: Served as the 9th President of the Navajo Nation from 2019 to 2023, after serving as Vice President and as a Navajo Nation Council delegate.
Howard Cannon: Served in the United States Senate from Nevada for four consecutive terms (1959-1983).
Andreas Borgeas: Served as a member of the California State Senate and as a member of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
Anthony Kern: An American politician and a Republican former member of the Arizona Senate, representing District 27 since 2023. He previously represented District 20 in the State House of Representatives from January 5, 2015, to January 11, 2021.
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Charlene Fernandez: Served as the Democratic leader of the Arizona House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021.
Catherine Miranda: A member of the Arizona Senate for the 11th legislative district, serving since 2023.
Jamescita Peshlakai: A former Democratic member of the Arizona State Senate, serving from 2017 to 2021.
Heather Carter: Served in the Arizona State Senate and the Arizona House of Representatives.
Chad Campbell: Served as the minority leader in the Arizona House of Representatives.
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Doug Coleman: Served as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives and as mayor of Apache Junction.
Wilson Riles: An American educator and politician from California. He was the first African American to be elected to statewide office in California.
Notable Alumni in the Arts and Entertainment
NAU has also produced a number of successful individuals in the arts and entertainment industry. These alumni have made their mark as actors, writers, and musicians, captivating audiences with their talent and creativity.
Seamus Dever: An actor known for his role as Detective Kevin Ryan in the ABC series Castle.
Michael Reeves: A Filipino-American YouTuber and Twitch streamer who produces “comedy-tech” YouTube videos. He is a member of OfflineTV, an online social entertainment group of content creators.
Kevin Hearne: An American-Canadian fantasy novelist.
Carlton Mellick III: An American author known for his contributions to the Bizarro movement in underground literature.
C. Dean Andersson: An American writer of fantasy fiction and horror novels.
Paul Genesse: A writer of young adult fantasy novels.
Notable Alumni in Sports
NAU's athletic programs have a long and storied history, producing many talented athletes who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level. These alumni have excelled in a variety of sports, representing NAU with pride and distinction.
Lopez Lomong: A South Sudanese-born American track and field athlete.
Case Cookus: An American professional football quarterback.
Hobbs Kessler: An American middle-distance runner.
Geordie Beamish: A New Zealand middle- and long-distance runner, who won the 1500 metres at the 2024 World Indoor Championships.
Ida Nilsson: A Swedish long-distance runner who also competes in ski mountaineering.
Ruben Boykin: An American former professional basketball player.
Diego Estrada: A Mexican-American long-distance runner.
Víctor Castillo: A Venezuelan track and field athlete who specialises in the long jump.
Samantha Monahan: An American professional soccer player who plays for Ballerup-Skovlunde Fodbold of the Danish Elitedivisionen.
Earl Insley: An American football coach and college athletics administrator.
Derek Mason: An American college football coach who is currently the head football coach for Middle Tennessee State University.
Notable Alumni in Science and Technology
NAU's commitment to research and innovation has fostered a strong tradition of producing successful scientists and technologists. These alumni have made significant contributions to their respective fields, advancing knowledge and improving lives.
Clyde Tombaugh: An astronomer who discovered Pluto in 1930.
William A. Stein: A software developer and previously a professor of mathematics at the University of Washington.
John Marzluff: A professor of wildlife science at the University of Washington and an author. Graduated with Master of Science in biology and Doctor of Philosophy in zoology.
Brad McRae: An American wildlife ecologist.
Other Notable Alumni
Robert Maynard, Jr: An American businessman who is the co-founder of LifeLock, Internet America, and SurchX.
Latif: A Saudi Arabian electronic sports player.
Lattie F. Coor: An American academic specialising in public policy and the past president of two universities.
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