Distinguished Alumni of North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University (NC State) has a long and rich history of producing graduates who have made significant contributions to a wide array of fields. From arts and entertainment to engineering and public service, NC State alumni have left an indelible mark on the world. This article highlights some of the most accomplished and notable alumni who have walked the halls of this esteemed institution.
Arts, Entertainment, and Media
NC State boasts a diverse group of alumni who have achieved prominence in the entertainment industry.
Zach Galifianakis, known for his role as Alan in "The Hangover" trilogy, earned an undergraduate degree in communication from NC State. He has had a prolific career in comedy, voice acting, and celebrity journalism. Galifianakis' talk show series, "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis," has featured guests ranging from former President Barack Obama to Brad Pitt. He grew up in North Carolina, and now lives on a farm in Sparta, North Carolina.
Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, the internet personalities behind "Good Mythical Morning," are proud North Carolina natives and NC State alumni. Their careers began with comedy sketches made for the NC State chapter of Cru, a Christian ministry. Although the duo is now located in LA, they frequently visit North Carolina and have shown great support for the school over the years. In 2024, as a part of their series “Wonderhole,” McLaughlin and Neil collaborated with the NC State College of Engineering to create axes made out of peanut butter.
Bill Burr, known for his role in “Breaking Bad” and season one of “The Mandalorian,” briefly attended NC State for two semesters. He described his time there as a routine of going from his apartment to the library and back while taking online classes.
Read also: North Carolina Basketball Greats
Dawn (Gaven Kerr), a Raleigh native, graduated from NC State in 2020 with a degree in engineering. She performs as a drag queen and went on to perform on season sixteen of “Ru-Paul’s Drag Race,” where she was known for her outlandish outfits and creativity and placed sixth overall.
Amanda Busick earned a B.S. from NC State and has made a name for herself in the media industry. Terry Gannon also holds a B.A. from NC State and has had a successful career in broadcasting. Jerry Punch earned a B.S. from NC State and has become a well-known sports commentator. Jon Reep, with a B.A. from NC State, has found success as a comedian and actor. John Tesh, also with a B.A. from NC State, is a musician and television personality. Lara Trump graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from NC State and has worked as a television producer and personality. Jill Wagner is an actress and television personality.
Athletics
NC State has a strong athletic tradition, and many of its alumni have gone on to achieve great success in professional sports.
Russell Wilson has been one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL. He was a Super Bowl XLVIII Champion with the Seattle Seahawks, where he played for a decade. Most recently, he was the starting quarterback for the New York Giants in the 2025 season. Wilson started his career playing both football and baseball at NC State.
Bill Cowher earned a B.S. from NC State and went on to become a Super Bowl-winning head coach in the NFL. Charlotte Flair graduated with a bachelor's degree in public relations from NC State and has become a prominent professional wrestler in WWE.
Read also: NOCCCD: Your Guide
Other notable athletes who attended NC State include:
- David Fox
- Roman Gabriel
- Lloyd Harrison
- Julius Hodge
- Terrence Holt
- Torry Holt
- Manny Lawson
- Philip Rivers
- Koren Robinson
- Cedric Simmons
- Dennis Smith Jr.
- David Thompson
- Jim Toman
- Mario Williams
Public Service and Government
NC State alumni have also made significant contributions to public service and government, both domestically and internationally.
Hesham Qandil, an Egyptian native, graduated from NC State with a PhD in biological and agricultural engineering with a minor in water resources. He went on to climb the ranks of the Egyptian government as an expert in water management. In 2012, he was named Prime Minister, who is functionally the head of the executive branch, and held office during a tumultuous, post-revolution time.
Several NC State alumni have served in the United States Congress, including:
- John Edwards
- J.D. Hayworth
- Walter B. Jones
- Patrick McHenry
Other notable figures in public service and government include:
Read also: Academic Pathways at UNC
- June Atkinson
- Oliver Max Gardner
- James B. Hunt Jr.
- Robert B. Jordan, III
- William Kerr Scott
- Steve Troxler
Science and Technology
NC State has a strong reputation in science and technology, and many of its alumni have become leaders in these fields.
Christina Koch earned bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and physics and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from NC State. She trained and worked at NASA, launching to the International Space Station in 2019 and staying in space for 328 days, the longest ever for a woman. In December 2020, NC State awarded Koch an honorary Doctor of Science degree.
Business and Entrepreneurship
NC State alumni have also found success in the world of business and entrepreneurship, leading innovative companies and driving economic growth.
Stephen F. earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Carolina State University in 1977. He is the chairman, president, and CEO of Linde. The company is the largest to be led by a College alumnus.
Jimmy D. Clark earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Carolina State University in 1974. Clark is a registered professional engineer and owner and president of Guy M. Clark, Inc.
Raymond A. Bryan received his bachelor’s degree in construction from North Carolina State University in 1953. He is chairman of T. A. Loving Company, known for its beautiful construction projects on NC State University’s campus, including the Park Alumni Center and the Wendell H. Murphy Center.
Barbara H. Mulkey received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from NC State in 1977 and 1984, respectively. She started Mulkey Engineers & Consultants in 1993.
Glenn E. received his BS degree in 1963 and his MS degree in 1965 in civil engineering from NC State. In 1973, he formed Soil & Material Engineers (S&ME).
Engineering
NC State's College of Engineering has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the field. The Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award, established in 1966, recognizes engineering graduates for outstanding achievement.
Debbie Y was one of the first Black women to receive a B.S. in civil engineering from N.C. State (1977) and to earn an M.S. in civil engineering-environmental engineering from the University of Pittsburgh (1980).
Dan Pleasant earned his BSCE in 1972 and MCE in 1973. He has worked at Dewberry for more than 40 years, ultimately serving as Dewberry’s chief operating officer for 12 years.
Pamela B. earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1984 and her master’s degree in civil engineering in 1987 from North Carolina State University. She is the senior vice president for WSP/ Parsons Brinckerhoff.
Michael W. Creed earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1973 and his master’s degree in engineering in 1984 from NC State. He is a co-founder of McKim & Creed, an engineering, planning, and surveying firm.
B.D. Rodgers earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1949 from North Carolina State University.
Robert G. earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering construction from North Carolina State University in 1968 and an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1974.
C. received his master’s degree and Ph.D. in 1969 and 1971, respectively, in Civil Engineering. He is chairman of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
Johnie H. earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1953. He is Chairman of the Board for both J.A. Jones Construction Company and J.A. Jones, Inc.
C. E. received his M.S. degree in 1960 and his B.S. in 1956 in Civil Engineering.
G. earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1951. From 1979-1983 he was Mayor of the City of Raleigh, having served also on the City Council. He is President of York Construction Co.
T. earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1941.
Paul N. is a 1944 graduate in Civil Engineering and Chairman of the board of the Paul N. Howard Company.
William D. received his professional degree in Civil Engineering in 1953.
Materials Science and Engineering
NC State's Department of Materials Science and Engineering has also produced many outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields. The Materials Science & Engineering Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of these graduates.
Ramón Collazo is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and a University Faculty Fellow at NC State.
Scott Walston is the vice president and chief engineer of Enterprise Technology at Boeing.
Xinghang Zhang obtained his Ph.D. from NC State in 2001 and is now a professor at Purdue University.
Karren More received her Ph.D. in 1992 from NC State MSE and is now a research staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Rajiv Singh received his Ph.D. in 1989 from NC State MSE and is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Florida and Vice President of Entegris.
Anand Tanikella received his Ph.D. in 1996 from NC State MSE and is the Global Vice President of R&D for Saint-Gobain Abrasives.
Edward C. Nixon received his master’s degree in Geology from NC State in 1954. He worked for several companies in the field of earth science.
Dr. Yushin received a Ph.D. and has focused his research efforts on the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured and nanocomposite materials for energy-related applications.
Lisa Porter is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.
Paul R. graduated with a BS in Geological Engineering in January 1959.
Mitchell Haller earned his MS in ’67 and Ph.D. in ’71 from NC State in Materials Science and Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering.
Bennie Ward graduated from Dr. Austin’s group in 1959 with a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering.
Mike Rigsbee received his Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering in 1974 from NC State.
tags: #famous #alumni #North #Carolina #State #University
