Southeastern Louisiana University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Southeastern Louisiana University (Southeastern) stands as a public university in Hammond, Louisiana, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1925 by Linus A. Sims as Hammond Junior College. Throughout its evolution, including its time as Southeastern Louisiana College, the university has remained committed to developing leaders in various fields. The true measure of a university's greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni.
A Tradition of Excellence: The Alumni Association
To celebrate the achievements of its outstanding graduates, the Alumni Association established its awards program in 1969, which has since become a Southeastern tradition. Honored at the annual Alumni Awards Evening, the university celebrates Alumni of the Year recipients.
Notable Alumni Across Disciplines
Southeastern Louisiana University boasts a diverse range of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Here are some notable examples:
Arts and Entertainment
- Bill Evans: An American jazz pianist and composer, Evans is renowned for his use of impressionist harmony, block chords, innovative chord voicings, and rhythmically independent melodic lines. His work continues to influence jazz pianists today.
- John Fred Gourrier: Known professionally as John Fred, he was an American blue-eyed soul, swamp pop, rock and roll, and R&B performer from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, best known for the 1967 No. 1 hit song "Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)".
- Amanda Shaw: A Cajun fiddler and singer from Mandeville, Louisiana. She was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2020.
- Justin Davis: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.S. Business Marketing, Fall 2017. University of New Orleans, M.F.A. - Theatre Performance, 2021. He played the supporting role of Jeff in the Academy Award-nominated film, Sinners. The movie received 16 Oscar nominations. He also appeared in episodes of the television series’ Landman and Boots. While at Southeastern, he performed in Oedipus as Oedipus, Last Days of Judas Iscariot as Satan, and No Exit as Joseph Garcin.
- Jaren Mitchel: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A., General Studies Theatre Concentration, Summer 2011. Most recently he appeared as Jax in the Syfy/Fantasy film Osirus. He has appeared in following movies The Town that Dreaded Sundown, 21 Jump Street, Now You See Me, From the Rough, Haunted High, The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghost of Georgia, American Horror House, Scent of the Missing, Ghost Shark, W.I.N.O., Free State of Jones, Life at These Speeds, Roots, The Passion and When the Game Stands Tall. Other credits include working in award winning television series True Blood, Treme, Togetherness, Underground, Zoo, and True Detective. Commercial credits include Microsoft and Bing.
- Stephen Varnado: Stephen Varnado , B.S. General Studies - Theatre Concentration. Spring 2013, just received his Actor’s Equity Card as a stage manager in New York City.
- Michael Kramer: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.S. Industrial Technology, Spring 1997. M.F.A. in Scenic Design, Western Illinois University, Spring 2000. Michael’s production credits include production design for the CBS Super Bowl at Jackson Square, CBS Champions square and CBS Radio Row in New Orleans in 2013. He also redesigned the WDSU TV NBC affiliate in New Orleans in 2014. Most recently he has worked on ESPN First Take Travel Desk, The Pat McAfee Show - Live from the Super Bowl (Super Bowl Weekend), Good Morning Istanbul, Netflix Christmas Day Football and The Enhanced Games - Las Vegas.
- Lydia Cabellero: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A. General Studies Theatre Concentration, Fall 2016. In January, Lydia was chosen for a paid internship with the Blue Man Group’s Casting and Training office in New York City.
- Chelsea Krause: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A., General Studies Theatre Concentration, Spring 2014. Chelsea is currently living in Los Angeles working as a voice actor and voice teacher.
- Clarence Wethern: Southeastern Louisiana University, BA Communications with emphasis in Theatre, Spring 2001. Clarence has established himself as a prolific figure in the Twin Cities market.
- Marcy Jarreau: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A., General Studies Theatre Concentration, Spring 2005. After graduating, Marcy moved to New York City and began studying and performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade.
- Misty Pelas: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A. in Visual Arts, Spring 2002.University of Texas Austin, M.F.A. in Scenic Design, Spring 2005. Currently serves as Scenic Charge Artist with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
- Benjamin Norman: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A. General Studies Theatre Concentration , Fall 2010. MFA in Lighting Design, University of Southern Mississippi. Ben is currently the Campus Technical Director for Southeastern Louisiana University.
- Lynsey Manley: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A. General Studies - Theatre Concentration, Fall 2013. Lynsey Manley graduated this spring with an MFA lighting design from the University of Houston.
- Will James Stacey: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A. General Studies Theatre Concentration, Spring 2010 MFA in Theatrical Design from Western Illinois University, Spring 2014. Will has designed and/or installed lighting, scenery, graphic art, costumes, projections, and logistics for a variety of productions across the country.
- David J. Badon: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A. General Studies - Theatre Concentration, Spring 2005. Western Illinois University, M.F.A. in Scenic Design, May 2008. Currently serves as the Scenic Studio Supervisor and Facilities Manager at University of Texas at Arlington.
- Amanda Klipsch: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A. General Studies - Theatre Concentration, Spring 2012. Magna Cum Laude. Amanda is currently pursuing an MFA in Scenic Design at the University of Southern Mississippi and has been involved in many projects with Solomon Group such as: Super Bowl XLVII, the Essence Festival and several exhibits at the National World War II Museum.
- Alicia Hanley: Southeastern Louisiana University B.A. Liberal Arts Concentration in Theatre and English, Magna Cum Laude, 2009. MFA in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi. Alicia currently teaches theatre at the Math, Science and Arts Academy West, directs and stage manages professionally and owns her own theatre company, Bridge Nouveau Theatre Company LLC.
- Jeff Polito: Jeff Polito earned his MFA in Acting from the University of New Orleans in 2000 and his BA in Communications and Theater from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1996. He has been teaching at Southeastern Louisiana University since August of 2000.
- Gary Mendoza: Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A. General Studies - Theatre Concentration, Spring 1999. University of New Orleans, M.F.A. - Theatre Performance. 2003. Gary Mendoza works successfully as an actor, director, playwright and stage technician in addition to teaching Talented Theatre at Covington High School, where he’s been since 2005.
- Tara Bennett: Southeastern Louisiana University, M.A. Organizational Communication, 2012 and a B.A. Liberal Arts, Minor Theatre, Fall 2008. Currently, she works as the Entertainment Editor for DIG Magazine, the Media Coordinator for the Hammond Regional Arts Center and as a theatre critic for BroadwayWorld.com.
Athletics
- Robin Roberts: A prominent television broadcaster, Roberts co-anchors ABC's Good Morning America. She is a former basketball player and sports commentator.
- Jeff Williams: An Australian-born former left-handed pitcher, Williams played for the Hanshin Tigers baseball team. He was a specialist set-up pitcher, or closer.
- Wade Miley: An American professional baseball pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams.
- Amir Abdur-Rahim: An American basketball coach and former player, Abdur-Rahim was the head coach of the South Florida Bulls men's basketball team.
- Kyle Keller: An American professional baseball pitcher for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for multiple teams.
- Billy Kennedy: An American basketball coach who last served as an assistant coach for Wichita State University men's basketball team.
- Nathaniel Lofton: Known as "Big Easy," Lofton is an American basketball player for the Harlem Globetrotters and a reality television participant.
- DeVonte Upson: An American professional basketball player for PAOK of the Greek Basketball League (GBL) and the FIBA Europe Cup (FEC).
- Brandon Fortenberry: An American professional basketball player for Balkan Botevgrad of the Bulgarian National Basketball League.
- Mac Sceroler: An American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles in 2021.
Politics and Law
- John Schroder: An American businessman from Covington, Louisiana, who served as state treasurer from 2017 to 2024. He was formerly a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
- Barbara Forrest: A professor of philosophy at Southeastern Louisiana University, Forrest is a critic of intelligent design and the Discovery Institute.
- Carl Barbier: A senior United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. In 2022, Barbier was selected as the Southeastern Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year. As a federal judge, Barbier handled the Deepwater Horizon oil spill litigation.
- Raymond M. Clausen, Jr: A United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in January 1970.
- John Whitley: A former Louisiana corrections officer who served as the warden of Louisiana State Penitentiary (or Angola Prison) from 1990 to 1995.
- James Joseph Brady: An American lawyer who served as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.
- Charlice Byrd: A Republican member of the Georgia House of Representatives who serves District 20.
- Brandon J. Fremin: An American attorney who served as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana from 2018 to 2021.
- Steve Pugh: An American florist and politician. He served as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 2008 until January 2020.
Academics and Administration
- John L. Crain: An American accountant and academic administrator, Crain formerly served as president of Southeastern Louisiana University.
- Nick Bruno: The president of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) since November 8, 2010.
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