Notable Alumni of Missouri State University
Missouri State University in Springfield boasts a diverse and accomplished alumni network. This article highlights some of the university's most prominent graduates and former students, who have made significant contributions in various fields, including entertainment, politics, business, and sports.
Prominent Alumni by Field
EduRank ranks Missouri State University - Springfield as 982nd in the world, 360th in North America, and 338th in the United States based on the aggregated prominence of its alumni. The following sections showcase notable alumni, categorized by their respective fields.
Arts and Entertainment
Missouri State University has fostered the talents of many individuals who have achieved recognition in the arts and entertainment industry.
- John Goodman: A highly acclaimed actor, John Goodman rose to prominence in television and film, earning numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Vanity Fair has lauded him as "among our very finest actors." His work spans across genres, showcasing his versatility and talent.
- Kathleen Turner: Known for her distinctive deep husky voice, Mary Kathleen Turner is an American actress with two Golden Globes and nominations for an Academy Award, a Grammy, and two Tony Awards. Her career includes memorable performances in film and theater.
- Crystal Methyd: The stage name of Cody D. Harness, Crystal Methyd is an American drag performer who competed on the twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.
- Wendy Jo Smith: Better known as Wendy Ho, Wendy Jo Smith is an American rap-artist, singer, and comedian.
- Jim Bohannon: James Everett Bohannon was an American broadcaster who hosted the nationally syndicated late-night radio talk show The Jim Bohannon Show for many years. He also hosted America in The Morning, a nationally syndicated radio news show.
- Kevin Brockmeier: Kevin John Brockmeier is an American writer of fantasy and literary fiction, best known for his novel, The Brief History of the Dead.
Politics and Public Service
A number of Missouri State University alumni have distinguished themselves in the realm of politics and public service, serving at the state and national levels.
- Roy Blunt: Roy Dean Blunt served as a United States Senator from Missouri from 2011 to 2023. Before that, he was a U.S. Representative for Missouri's 7th congressional district from 1997 to 2011.
- Bob Holden: Robert Lee Holden Jr. served as the 53rd Governor of Missouri from 2001 to 2005. He previously served as the Missouri State Treasurer and in the Missouri House of Representatives. Since leaving office, he has been involved with Webster University and the United States Heartland China Association.
- Melton D. Hancock: Melton D. "Mel" Hancock was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri's 7th congressional district. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1951.
- Ron Richard: Ronald Francis Richard was a politician from Missouri, serving in the Missouri House of Representatives and the State Senate. He was the first speaker to later be elected Missouri senator in over 100 years.
- Jolie Justus: Jolie L. Justus is an American lawyer and politician from Missouri. A Democrat, she was a member of the Missouri State Senate representing the 10th Senatorial District in Kansas City, serving as the Missouri Senate Minority Leader.
- Eric Burlison: Eric Burlison has served as the representative from Missouri's 7th congressional district since 2023. He previously served in the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate.
- Carter M. Buford: Carter M. Buford (1876-1959) was a former Democratic member of the Missouri Senate.
- Lincoln Hough: Lincoln Hough is a Republican member of the Missouri Senate.
- Wendell Bailey: Robert Wendell Bailey is an American politician from Missouri.
- Margaret B. Kelly: Margaret Blake Kelly is an American former politician and accountant from Missouri.
- Austin Petersen: Austin Wade Petersen is an American writer, political activist, commentator, and broadcaster. He was the runner-up for the Libertarian Party's nomination for President of the United States in 2016.
- Doug Harpool: Mark Douglas "Doug" Harpool is a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. He also served five terms in the Missouri House of Representatives.
- Stephen R. Bough: Stephen Rogers Bough is a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
- Frank J. Grass: Frank J. Grass is a retired United States Army general who served as the 27th chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Business
Missouri State University has produced successful leaders in the business world.
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- David Glass: David Dayne Glass was an American businessman who served as the owner and chief executive officer of the Kansas City Royals. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
- Bill Hardgrave: Bill Hardgrave is an American academic who currently serves as the president of the University of Memphis.
Athletics
Missouri State University has a strong tradition of athletic excellence, and many of its alumni have gone on to successful professional sports careers.
- Ryan Howard: Ryan James Howard, nicknamed "the Big Piece", is an American former professional baseball first baseman who played his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Philadelphia Phillies. He holds numerous Phillies franchise records and is known for being the fastest player to reach both 100 and 200 home runs.
- Clay Harbor: Clayton Lee Harbor is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Missouri State Bears.
- Pierce Johnson: Pierce William Johnson is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played for several other MLB teams and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
- Bill Mueller: William Richard Mueller is an American former professional baseball third baseman who played in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Brad Ziegler: Brad Gregory Ziegler is an American former professional baseball pitcher who pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB). Ziegler was known for his submarine delivery.
- Kyle Weems: Kyle Jordan Weems is an American professional basketball player for Derthona Basket of the Italian LBA. He played collegiately for Missouri State University and was named Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year.
- Shaun Marcum: Shaun Michal Marcum is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Blake Ahearn: Daniel Blake Ahearn is an American professional basketball coach and former player who was an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for Missouri State.
- Norm Siebern: Norman Leroy Siebern was an American professional baseball player who appeared in 1,406 games over a 12-year career in Major League Baseball.
- Mike Kickham: Michael Joseph Kickham is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
- Scott Carroll: Scott Alexander Carroll is an American former professional baseball pitcher.
- Jon Harris: Jonathan Richard Harris is an American former professional baseball pitcher.
- Dylan Coleman: Dylan David Coleman is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.
- Buddy Baumann: George Charles Baumann IV is an American former professional baseball pitcher.
Other Notable Alumni
- Don S. Davis: Donald Sinclair Davis was an American character actor best known for playing General George Hammond in the television series Stargate SG-1. He was also a theater professor, painter, and United States Army captain.
- Lei'D Tapa: Seini Tonga is a German-born Tongan American professional wrestler, professional wrestling valet, model, mixed martial artist, and former women's American football player.
- Mariam Fardous: Mariam H. Fardous is a Saudi astronaut, selected as a back-up astronaut for Axiom Mission 2 by the Saudi Space Commission.
- Angelo Segrillo: Angelo de Oliveira Segrillo is a Brazilian historian specializing in Russia and in comparative studies of Russia, the West, and Brazil.
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