University of Memphis: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
The University of Memphis boasts a diverse and accomplished alumni network, with graduates making significant contributions across various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements in areas ranging from politics and law to sports, entertainment, and business.
Government and Politics
The University of Memphis has produced a number of influential figures in the realm of government and politics, leaving their mark on both the local and national stage.
- Arthur Barclay: An Assemblyman in the New Jersey Legislature, representing his constituents and contributing to the legislative process.
- Bernice Donald: A distinguished jurist who served as a federal judge, upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
- John Ford: A Tennessee politician who served in the Tennessee General Assembly, representing the interests of his district.
- Willie Herenton: Served as a mayor, leading and shaping the direction of his city.
- Ed Jackson: Utilized his business acumen and endurance in his role in the Senate.
- Jim Kyle: Served in the Tennessee General Assembly, contributing to the state's legislative efforts.
- David H. Lillard Jr.: Held a prominent position in the State of Tennessee government.
- Curtis S. Person, Jr.: Served in Shelby County, Tennessee, contributing to local governance.
- Van B. Poole: Served in the Florida House of Representatives, representing his constituents' interests.
- Fred Thompson: A former United States Senator from Tennessee, also known for his work as an attorney, lobbyist, actor, and radio personality. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Memphis in 1964.
- Angie Craig: An American politician, retired journalist, and former businesswoman. representative from Minnesota's 2nd congressional district since 2019.
Legal Professionals
The University of Memphis has also nurtured legal minds who have made significant contributions to the field of law.
- John D. Martin, Sr.: A legal professional who has made his mark in the field.
- Robert Davis McCallum Jr.: Achieved distinction in the legal field.
- R.C. McCauley Williams: Serves as the CEO of B.R. Law, demonstrating leadership in the legal sector.
Athletics
The University of Memphis has a rich athletic tradition, and its alumni have achieved remarkable success in various sports.
- Derrick Rose: A former professional basketball player who played for the Memphis Tigers before being drafted first overall in the 2008 NBA draft. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009 and became the youngest player to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2011.
- Anfernee Hardaway: A former NBA player and current head coach of the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team.
- Isaac Bruce: A former NFL player who had a successful career with the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams.
- Stephen Gostkowski: A former NFL placekicker who played for the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans.
- Tyreke Evans: A professional basketball player who was selected fourth overall in the 2009 NBA draft and won the 2010 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
- James Wiseman: A professional basketball player who played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers.
- Paxton Lynch: A professional football quarterback who played college football for the Memphis Tigers and was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos.
- Lorenzen Wright: A former NBA player who played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies.
- Emoni Bates: A professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA.
- Precious Achiuwa: A professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the NBA.
- Will Barton: A professional basketball player who last played for the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
- Tarik Black: A professional basketball player for LDLC ASVEL of the LNB Élite (LNB) and Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
- Joey Dorsey: A former professional basketball player.
- Shawne Williams: A former professional basketball player.
- Antonio Gibson: A professional football running back and kickoff returner for the New England Patriots of the NFL.
- Kenneth Gainwell: An American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL).
- Chris Douglas-Roberts: A former professional basketball player.
- Dave Anderson: A former professional baseball player.
- Vincent Askew: A former professional basketball player.
- Earl Barron: A former professional basketball player.
- Antonio Burks: A former professional basketball player.
- Rodney Carney: A former professional basketball player.
- Joey Dorsey: A former professional basketball player.
- Chris Douglas-Roberts: A former professional basketball player.
- T.J. Frier: A former professional basketball player.
- Sylvester Gray: A former professional basketball player.
- Chad Harville: A former professional baseball player.
- Cedric Henderson: A former professional basketball player.
- Richard Jones: A former professional basketball player.
- Larry Kenon: A former professional basketball player.
- Ronald Leary: A former professional football player.
- Keith Lee: A former professional basketball player.
- Steve Matthews: A former professional football player.
- Hank McDowell: A former professional basketball player.
- Mike McKenzie: A former professional football player.
- Lloyd Patterson: A former professional football player.
- Elliot Perry: A former professional basketball player.
- Jack Smith: A former professional football player.
- Cliff Taylor: A former professional football player.
- Andre Turner: A former professional basketball player.
- Dan Uggla: A former professional baseball player.
- Dajuan Wagner: A former professional basketball player.
- Darius Washington: A former professional basketball player.
- Tamika Whitmore: A former professional basketball player.
- Win Wilfong: A former professional basketball player.
- DeAngelo Williams: A former professional football player.
- Shawne Williams: A former professional basketball player.
- Francis Winkler: A former professional football player.
- Jerome Woods: A former professional football player.
- Jacob Wilson: A former athlete inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame.
- Wayne Yates: A former basketball player.
- Joe Salisbury: A British professional tennis player who is a former world No. 1 in doubles.
Arts and Entertainment
The University of Memphis has fostered creativity and talent, with alumni making their mark in the arts and entertainment industry.
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- Andy Dick: An actor and comedian known for his roles in television and film.
- Michael Jeter: An actor known for his work on stage and screen, winning a Tony Award and a Primetime Emmy Award.
- Stella Stevens: An actress and model.
- Dixie Carter: An actress known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker on the sitcom Designing Women.
- William Sanderson: An actor known for his roles in Blade Runner, Newhart, Deadwood, and True Blood.
- Linda Thompson: A songwriter, former actress, and beauty pageant winner.
- Wink Martindale: A disc jockey, radio personality, game show host, and television producer.
- Clare Grant: An actress, model, and producer.
- Olan Rogers: A filmmaker, comedian, actor, and YouTuber, known for creating the animated television series Final Space.
- Eric Jerome Dickey: An author known for his crime novels.
- John Dye: An actor known for his roles in film and television.
- Evans Donnell: An animator working in Nashville.
- Jason Isbell: A musician.
- Terry Manning: A musician.
- J. Karen Thomas: An actress and singer.
- TRENYCE: A figure in the Memphis Downtowner Magazine.
- Jerry Lawler: An actor, professional wrestler, musician, podcaster, and color commentator signed to WWE.
- Richard Bausch: An award-winning author.
- Jessie Mae Hemphill: A musician.
- John E. Marcom, Jr.: A figure in publishing and journalism.
Business and Innovation
The University of Memphis has also produced successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who have made significant contributions to the economy.
- C. Metcalf Crump, Jr.: Founded The Crump Firm and has overseen architecture for Memphis University School.
- Selden P. H. Montgomery Martin: Founded Montgomery Martin Contractors.
- Thomas Marshall IV: An architect and former Memphis City Council chairman.
- William "Bill" W. Deupree, Jr.: Served as president of Morgan Keegan & Co.
- W. Parks Dixon, Jr.: Led the campaign to rejuvenate the Overton Park golf course.
- Gary K. Wunderlich, Jr.: Guided his firm's growth into a full-service investment firm.
- Courtney W. Carson: Founder and CIO of Hein Park Capital Management.
- Henry A. Klyce: An innovator in medical device manufacturing.
- Thomas "Tommy" Peters: Credited with revitalizing Beale Street's entertainment district.
- Christopher W. Canale, Jr.: A figure in the food and drink industry.
- Douglas B. Brian S. Sean A.: Figures in marketing and public relations.
- David O.: A figure in technology.
- Edward E. Aftandilian: Principal researcher in GitHub's Office of the CTO.
Academia and Research
The University of Memphis has also produced prominent academics and researchers who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
- Arthur C. Graesser: A prominent academic.
- Jennifer R. Mandel, Ph.D.: A researcher.
- Milton C. Moreland: President of Centre College.
- Miriam DeCosta-Willis: A civil rights activist.
- Benjamin L. Hooks: A civil rights leader.
- Michael Leff: An academic.
- Cecil C.: A mathematician.
- Peter J. Brand: An Associate Professor.
- Jack Cooper: Director of Jazz Studies.
- Thomas Nenon: Interim Provost.
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