Notable Alumni of Tarleton State University: Shaping Leaders and Innovators

Tarleton State University, a distinguished member of The Texas A&M University System, has a rich history of fostering excellence and shaping the lives of its students. With a commitment to academic innovation and a focus on student success, Tarleton State has produced a diverse array of notable alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most prominent graduates, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have had on their communities and beyond.

Distinguished Alumni

Tarleton State University's Alumni Association annually honors alumni who have distinguished themselves through their careers, community service, or leadership. These individuals embody the university's core values of excellence, integrity, and respect, and serve as an inspiration to current and future students. The Legacy Awards, presented at the annual Gala, recognize individuals and supporters who exemplify these values.

James Earl Rudder

James Earl Rudder enrolled at Tarleton State University in 1929. He was a United States Army major general. As a lieutenant colonel, he commanded the historic Pointe du Hoc battle during the Invasion of Normandy. He also commanded the US troops at the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest, and led a series of delaying actions and ambushes during the Battle of the Bulge. General Rudder also at various times served as Texas Land Commissioner, the 16th president of Texas A&M University, third president of the Texas A&M University System, mayor of Brady, Texas, and a high school and college teacher and coach.

George Kennedy

George Harris Kennedy Jr. was an American actor who appeared in more than 100 film and television productions. He played "Dragline" in Cool Hand Luke (1967), winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role and being nominated for the corresponding Golden Globe. He received a second Golden Globe nomination for portraying Joe Patroni in Airport (1970).

Chris Kyle

Christopher Scott Kyle was a United States Navy SEAL sniper. He served four tours in the Iraq War and was awarded several commendations for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat. He had 160 confirmed kills and was awarded a Silver Star, three Bronze Star Medals with "V" devices for valor, 2× Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with "V" device, as well as numerous other unit and personal awards.

Charles Stenholm

Charles Walter Stenholm was an American businessman and Democratic Party politician from a rural district of the state of Texas. After establishing himself as owner-operator of a large cotton farm, he entered politics and was elected to Congress in his first run for office. Stenholm was a Democratic Party member of the United States House of Representatives for 13 terms, representing Texas's 17th congressional district from 1979 to 2005.

Millie Hughes-Fulford

Millie Elizabeth Hughes-Fulford was an American medical investigator, molecular biologist, and payload specialist who flew aboard the NASA Space Shuttle Columbia in June 1991. In 1968 she graduated with Bachelor of Science from Tarleton State University.

Ben Barnes

Benny Frank Barnes is an American real estate magnate, politician, and crisis manager, who formerly served as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives from 1965 to 1969 and the 36th Lieutenant Governor of Texas from January 21, 1969, to January 16, 1973, for two two-year terms. He was a vice-chair, as well as top fund-raiser, of John Kerry's presidential campaign. Barnes was also one of only eight persons who raised over $500,000 for Kerry.

Mike Moncrief

Michael J. Moncrief is an American retired judge and politician who served as the 43rd mayor of Fort Worth, Texas, from 2003 to 2011.

Sid Miller

Sidney Carroll Miller is an American politician from Stephenville, Texas. He is the Texas Agriculture Commissioner, serving since January 2015. He is a Republican.

Ryan Bingham

George Ryan Bingham is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music spans multiple genres. He is currently based in Los Angeles. As of 2019, Bingham has released six studio albums and one live album, the last four of which were released under his own label, Axster Bingham Records.

James Dearth

James Dearth is a former American football long snapper. Dearth, who attended Tarleton State University, was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL draft.

E. J. Speed

Elbert Martin "E. J." Speed is an American professional football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tarleton State.

Wanda Dugger

Wanda Dugger is a visible supporter of Tarleton State University. Her Tarleton State pride shines in her support for the Bass Club. A dedicated volunteer, Wanda is active at Texan Alley Tailgates, new student orientations and countless other university events. Known for her warm hospitality, she has become a tailgating staple, welcoming students and parents alike with food, laughter and even a community water bowl for visiting dogs. For Wanda, Tarleton State has provided a community that has given her a sense of purpose, connection and belonging.

Dr. Carl Gabbard

Dr. Carl Gabbard is a Distinguished Alumnus of Tarleton State University. While working toward his degrees at Tarleton State, he founded the university’s first powerlifting team, which won the national championship in 1972. Over a distinguished 45-year career in education at both the primary and university levels, Dr. Gabbard has published over 300 research and application articles, presented his work internationally, and received numerous honors, including the Margie R. Hanson Distinguished Service Award. In appreciation for the strong educational foundation that Tarleton State offered. Beyond his professional achievements, he has left an enduring legacy through his commitment to teaching and mentorship.

Read also: The Legacy of Tarleton Football

Scott Summy

Some call Tarleton State alumnus Scott Summy “The Water Lawyer.” As the first person in his family to attend college, he didn’t know where to start. He credits Tarleton State with equipping him for the rigors of the law field. Learning time management and strategic thinking were key. Smaller classes and interaction with legendary professors like Dr. O.A. Grant and Dr. Harold Walton encouraged and guided him. Summy serves on the Texas Tech Law School Board of Trustees and last year was inducted into the school’s hall of fame. He’s also on the board of his firm and several companies formed with his children.

Chief Neil Noakes

Chief Neil Noakes earned a master’s degree in criminology from TCU in 2019. He started with the Fort Worth Police Department in 2000 as a patrol officer before eventually holding roles in areas including DWI, motors and internal affairs. With his degree in hand, Noakes was named Fort Worth’s police chief in 2021. His time in the role has been defined by community engagement and innovative leadership. A native of Millsap, Noakes will retire from law enforcement in May after 25 years of service.

Susan Reyna Poynor

Like the hoofbeats of the Texan Rider on the field, Susan Reyna Poynor’s heart beats for Tarleton State. She started as a freshman in the fall of 1987 and, as a first-generation student, made the most of every opportunity. After graduating in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in human sciences, Reyna Poynor received her master’s degree in educational leadership from what is now known as East Texas A&M University. Now, semiretired, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Max, and giving back to her community and Tarleton State. She is devoted to serving at-risk youth in her school district, volunteering at her church, and mentoring new Delta Zeta members.

Maj. Gen. Chad Parker

Maj. Gen. Chad Parker has never been idle. He attributes his work ethic to the life foundation he laid at Tarleton State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1989. Parker has amassed a long list of military accolades. He’s also proud of becoming a space qualified officer - a military professional who plans, organizes and directs space operations - and earning the Senior Army Space Badge.

Michael Beach

His journey to becoming a Tarleton State Texan started when his renowned father, Dr. Don Beach, began serving as the Dean of the College of Education and Fine Arts in 1981. Michael and his wife, Stephanie, purchased Peacock’s from her parents in 2022. Since then, they have worked to try and expand their partnership with the university and, like Dr. Involved in the Texan Club, the Tarleton Alumni Association, the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council and Keep Stephenville Beautiful, the Beach’s are always looking for new ways to “lead from the front” in their partnership with the university and the community.

Jamie Hayden

Raised on rodeo and real estate, Jamie Hayden learned resilience and self-reliance early on. Growing up in a real estate family who modeled those traits, she knew she wanted to follow her parents’ footsteps, and she began working in real estate while still in high school. Hayden graduated from Tarleton State in 2008 with a business degree and began selling real estate. The company quickly became a leader in Erath County, and in 2022 the couple sold it to legendary DFW brokerage Ebby Halliday. Jamie and Eric are fervent supporters of local rodeo and athletics as well as several community service groups.

Dr. Kenneth Estes

Dr. Kenneth Estes competed for the men’s tennis team, served as a student assistant for the men’s and women’s teams, and was in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, all while working toward his bachelor’s degree in education in 1993. Since then, Dr. Estes has served as an Alvarado ISD teacher, coach, high school principal and assistant superintendent of administrative services. He received the Tarleton State University Jim Boyd Instructional Leadership Administrator Award in 2007, and Drs. Kenneth serves his community on the Alvarado Santa’s Helpers Board of Directors and the Johnson County Economic Development Commission. He was president of the Alvarado Lions Club in 2015-2016 and is a former president and board member of the Alvarado Chamber of Commerce. Kenneth and Laura have been members of the Texan Club since 2016 and are lifetime members of the Tarleton State University Alumni Association.

Nancy Golden Turley

As a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority, Tau Beta Chi Business Chapter and the student senate, she was an example for other students to follow. She would also serve as Miss TSU during her time on campus. Receiving the Accounting Excellence Award from the Texas Society of CPAs and an appearance in the Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities highlighted her honors as a student. Her imprint on the campus remains through a street named in her honor: Nancy Golden Drive. Turley’s 45-year career has been spent working for Tarleton Distinguished Alumnus and benefactor Mike A. Myers. As chief financial officer for his Dallas-based organization, she is responsible for executive managerial and financial matters, as well as accounting and tax reporting for Myers’ corporate holdings, which include residential real estate developments, country club operations and numerous other investments. She is also a trustee on the Mike A. Turley has maintained a close bond with Tarleton State through the years, serving multiple terms on the Tarleton Alumni Association board (1984-1993, 2008-2012), as president in 1990-1992 and treasurer in 2009-2012.

Reggie Underwood

Growing up on his family’s farming and ranching operation in Eastland County, he would graduate from Gorman High School on his way to joining his nearby university’s nationally recognized rodeo team. Underwood said the biggest thing he took from Tarleton State was an appetite for learning. Reggie and his wife, Pam, own and operate a diversified farming, ranching, agronomy service and agricultural entrepreneurship business in Waxahachie. They raised three children, two of whom are Tarleton State graduates.

Cameron Gomez

The former Texan track athlete realizes the value of giving back. In that spirit, he created the $25,000 Cameron Gomez Endowed Scholarship to provide a financial boost to Dr. Gomez is a member of the Bellmead Board of Adjustments, a former Bellmead Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and a board member for La Vega Little League. Fast forward seven years, and Gomez now owns Agents of Texas serving the Waco, Central Texas and DFW Metroplex markets.

Bobby Fenoglio

For nearly 11 years, Fenoglio has dedicated his time and efforts to promoting Tarleton State. Born and raised in Nocona, his roots are grounded in perseverance and diligence. He played an active role in his family’s businesses growing up, starting out as a filling station attendant. His Tarleton affinity is personal, driven by the desire to provide his daughters with a solid educational foundation.

Dr. Dan McCoy

Dr. Dan McCoy is a physician, entrepreneur and communicator with a passion for improving the way healthcare is delivered. He currently is the president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. As an advocate for independent physicians, he was instrumental in creating TMA PracticeEdge, a physician-services company that aims to help Texas physicians stay independent by assisting with the transition to value-based care.

James E. Morgan

James E. Morgan took a circuitous route to what proved to be a highly successful law career. He was named judge of the 220th District Court of Texas in 1983, a position he held for nearly three decades. His journey to the bench began in 1970 at Tarleton when he earned his bachelor’s degree, with honors, in agricultural education.

Austin Large

Austin Large is a California native who now proudly calls Central Texas his home. While in that position he enrolled at Tarleton State University, earning his master’s in agriculture and consumer resources in 2014.

Dr. Steve Steed

Dr. Steve Steed landed at Tarleton in 1971, planning to teach a couple of accounting courses before he moved north and into the private sector. When he joined the university, enrollment hovered around 1,700, and the College of Business was on the third floor of the agricultural building in Stephenville.

Dr. Dwayne Snider

Coming to Tarleton from Gorman in 1967, Dr. Dwayne Snider had already spent some time in front of students. He returned to Tarleton in 1976 to teach, beginning a career that spanned more than four decades and ended with his retirement as associate provost.

Chancellor John Sharp

Chancellor John Sharp brings with him more than three decades of public service. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1978, and in 1982, he won a seat in the Texas Senate. Sharp earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University in 1972, where he was a member of the Corps staff of the Corps of Cadets, a member of the 1972 rugby team, and he was elected student body president. In 2018, Sharp was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus, an honor given to Aggies who have achieved excellence in their professions and made meaningful contributions to Texas A&M and the communities. In 1976, Sharp received a master’s degree in public administration from Southwest Texas State University while working full-time with the Legislative Budget Board in Austin.

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