Pittsburg State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni and Academic Excellence
Pittsburg State University, located in Pittsburg, Kansas, has a rich history of producing accomplished individuals across various fields. While it might be overshadowed by larger institutions, Pittsburg State quietly cultivates talent and fosters a strong sense of community, leading its graduates to make significant contributions in their respective domains. This article delves into the university's notable alumni, academic strengths, and overall value proposition.
A Hub of Achievement: Notable Alumni
Pittsburg State University boasts a diverse array of alumni who have excelled in fields ranging from entertainment and athletics to coaching, politics, and academia. EduRank ranks Pittsburg State University 1657th in the world, 583rd in North America, and 550th in the United States based on aggregated alumni prominence. Here are some notable figures who have walked the halls of Pittsburg State:
Arts and Entertainment
Gary Busey: An American actor known for his portrayal of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story (1978), for which he received an Academy Award nomination and won the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor. He has also starred in films such as A Star Is Born (1976), Lethal Weapon (1987), Point Break (1991) and Under Siege (1992).
James Vincent Tate: An American poet whose work earned him the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. He was a professor of English at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
James Dean Pruner: An American painter, printmaker, draftsman, zinemaker, sculptor, and poet. His works can be found in the collection of the Spencer Museum of Art at The University of Kansas, at The Stone Gallery in Hays, KS, and in numerous private collections.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to KSU Printing
Athletics and Coaching
Sam Pittman: The current head football coach at the University of Arkansas. Before Arkansas, he served as the associate head coach and offensive line coach at the University of Georgia. Pittman has spent his career as an offensive line coach at various college football programs and is known as one of the country's top recruiters.
Willie Fritz: The current head football coach at the University of Houston. He previously served as head football coach at multiple universities, including the University of Central Missouri, Sam Houston State University, Georgia Southern University, and Tulane University. From 1993 to 1996, he was the head football coach at Blinn College, where he led his teams to consecutive NJCAA National Football Championships.
Dennis Franchione: A former American college football coach who has served as head football coach at numerous universities, including Texas State University, Pittsburg State University, the University of New Mexico, Texas Christian University, the University of Alabama, and Texas A&M University. In his 27 seasons as a head coach, Franchione won eight conference championships and one divisional crown.
Brian Moorman: A former professional football punter who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburg State Gorillas and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.
Bill Russell: An American former shortstop, coach, and manager in Major League Baseball. Russell played his entire 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Read also: UW-Madison Tuition Requirements
Sherm Lollar: Was an American professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Chicago White Sox.
Tim Beck: The offensive coordinator at Vanderbilt University. He served as the head football coach at Pittsburg State University from 2010 to 2019, leading the 2011 team to the NCAA Division II Football Championship.
Edward Morris: A US-born Japanese professional basketball player for the Kyoto Hannaryz in Japan. He played college basketball for the Pittsburg State University Gorillas.
Bob Beatty: A football coach and the former head football coach for the Trinity Shamrocks, a high school American football team located at Trinity High School in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the most successful High School Football coach in Kentucky state history by championships won, with 15 state championship titles and one national championship.
Don Gutteridge: An American infielder, coach, manager, and scout in Major League Baseball. He was a member of multiple teams and later managed the Chicago White Sox.
Read also: Westfield State University Legacy
Mark Johnson: An American men's basketball coach, currently coaching at Fort Hays State University.
Melvin J. Binford: An American college football and college basketball coach and athletics administrator.
Politics and Public Service
Jake LaTurner: A U.S. Representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district from 2021 to 2025. He was also the 40th Kansas state treasurer from 2017 to 2021 and a state senator from the 13th district from 2013 to 2017.
Sally Murphy: A retired colonel who served as a United States Army Aviator. She was the first female Army helicopter pilot to graduate from flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Duane D. Thiessen: A retired lieutenant general in the United States Marine Corps and the past commander of the United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific.
Lee Tafanelli: A former Republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 47th district, who served as the Adjutant General of Kansas from 2011 to 2020.
Fernando J. Gaitan Jr.: A senior United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
Monica Murnan: An American politician and early childhood advocate who served as a Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives.
Academia and Education
Michael Shonrock: An American academic and former administrator, having served as the president of Lindenwood University and Emporia State University.
Steven A. Scott: The current president of Pittsburg State University.
Carole M. Watson: An American academic who served twice as acting Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Jacqueline A. Vietti: An American retired educator, who served as Butler Community College's president, Emporia State University's interim president, and Kansas City Kansas Community College's acting president.
John E. Jacobs: An American educator who served as an administrator at what is now known as Emporia State University.
Academic Strengths and Unique Programs
Pittsburg State University offers a diverse range of academic programs across four main colleges: the Kelce College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, and the College of Technology. The university distinguishes itself through several key academic strengths:
College of Technology
The College of Technology stands out for its hands-on approach and industry connections. Programs like automotive technology, construction management, and plastics engineering are highly regarded, with major manufacturers actively recruiting graduates. The automotive technology program is designed with input from Ford, General Motors, and Toyota, offering manufacturer-specific training tracks that often lead to guaranteed employment.
Flexibility in General Education
Pittsburg State provides flexibility in its general education requirements, allowing students to explore different areas of interest while still fulfilling core requirements in math and English.
Graduate School Focus
The graduate school focuses on professional programs designed to enhance careers. The MBA program offers evening and online options for working professionals, while the Master of Science in Technology allows students to specialize in areas such as workforce development and manufacturing systems. The Educational Leadership program has a strong presence in regional school systems, producing principals and superintendents. Nursing programs, including the RN to BSN program and the Master of Science in Nursing, cater to working nurses and produce nurse practitioners who often serve rural communities.
Specific Programs of Note
- Plastics Engineering Technology: One of the few programs of its kind in the nation, offering graduates high starting salaries.
- Automotive Technology: A four-year degree that combines technical training with business and management courses.
- Accounting: The accounting program in the Kelce College of Business maintains strong CPA exam pass rates.
- Graphics and Imaging Technologies: A program that has evolved from traditional printing to encompass digital design, 3D modeling, and packaging science.
Campus Life and Environment
The campus spans 446 acres and offers a variety of housing options, from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living. Crimson Commons, the newest residence hall, features suite-style rooms with private bathrooms. The campus recreation center, opened in 2016, includes modern fitness equipment, basketball courts, an indoor track, and a climbing wall.
Pittsburg State competes in NCAA Division II athletics, with a successful football program that has won four national championships. The university emphasizes academic performance for student-athletes, ensuring they attend classes and maintain high academic standards.
Value Proposition and Community Engagement
Pittsburg State University offers a strong value proposition, combining a solid education with practical skills and industry connections. The university has cultivated relationships with employers that translate into job opportunities for graduates. The alumni network is actively involved in mentoring and supporting current students through career fairs, guest lectures, and networking events.
The university has a close relationship with the town of Pittsburg, providing students with part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Local businesses sponsor academic programs and hire graduates, fostering a mutually beneficial town-gown relationship.
Challenges and Future Directions
Like many regional universities, Pittsburg State faces challenges related to enrollment pressures and state funding. The university must continue to update its facilities and programs to remain competitive and attract students.
tags: #pittsburg #state #university #notable #alumni
