Notable Alumni of Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU) has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions across various fields. From arts and entertainment to politics and science, Seminole alumni have left their mark on the world. This article highlights some of the most notable alumni, showcasing the breadth and depth of talent nurtured at FSU. EduRank Florida State University is ranked 101st in the world, 45th in North America, and 43rd in the United States by aggregated alumni prominence.

Arts and Entertainment

Florida State University's College of Motion Picture Arts is among the best in the country, producing many famous alumni who went on to work in Hollywood.

Jim Morrison: James Douglas Morrison was an American singer, songwriter, and poet who was the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band the Doors. Enrolling at FSU in 1962 and studying until 1964, Morrison's energetic persona, poetic lyrics, distinctive voice, erratic and unpredictable performances, along with the dramatic circumstances surrounding his life and early death, have led critics and fans alike to regard him as one of the most influential frontmen in rock history. Since his death, his fame has endured as one of popular culture's top rebellious and oft-displayed icons, representing the generation gap and youth counterculture. Morrison even made history when he was arrested at Doak Campbell Stadium for a prank, showcasing his rebellious spirit even during his time at FSU.

Burt Reynolds: Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. was an American actor, most famous during the 1970s and 1980s. Reynolds first became known well as a result of featuring in television series, such as Gunsmoke (1962-1965), Hawk (1966), and Dan August (1970-1971). He had leading roles in films, such as Navajo Joe (1966) and 100 Rifles (1969), and his breakthrough role was as Lewis Medlock in Deliverance (1972).

Faye Dunaway: Dorothy Faye Dunaway is an American actress. She is the recipient of many accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA Award. In 2011, the government of France made her an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Cheryl Hines: Cheryl Ruth Hines is an American actress best known for playing Cheryl in HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2024), for which she received two Emmy Award nominations. She has also starred as Dallas Royce on the ABC sitcom Suburgatory (2011-2014), and made her directorial debut with the 2009 film Serious Moonlight. Hines is married to lawyer, and former United States presidential candidate and United States Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Megan Boone: Megan Boone is an American actress and producer, best known for her role as FBI agent and profiler Elizabeth Keen on the NBC drama series The Blacklist. She had a recurring role in Law & Order: LA and appeared in The Underground Railroad (2022) created and directed by Barry Jenkins based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead. Early in her career, she appeared in the global hit films My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009) and Step Up Revolution (2012).

Luis Fonsi: Luis Alfonso Rodríguez López-Cepero, known by his stage name Luis Fonsi, is a Puerto Rican singer known for his soulful and dance-oriented songs, most notably 2017's "Despacito." Attending the FSU School of Music, Fonsi was a member of the choir and the University Singers.

Richard Simmons: Milton Teagle "Richard" Simmons was an American fitness instructor and television personality. He was a promoter of weight-loss programs, most prominently through his television show, The Richard Simmons Show and later the Sweatin' to the Oldies line of aerobics videos. Simmons enrolled in Florida State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in art.

Rita Coolidge: Rita Coolidge is an American recording artist. During the 1970s and 1980s, her songs were on Billboard magazine's pop, country, adult contemporary, and jazz charts, and she won two Grammy Awards with fellow musician and then-husband Kris Kristofferson. Her recordings include "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," "We're All Alone", "I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love", and the theme song for the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy: "All Time High".

Read also: Westfield State University Legacy

Bert Kreischer: Albert Charles Kreischer Jr. is an American stand-up comedian, podcaster, reality television host, and actor. In 1997, he was featured in an article in Rolling Stone while attending Florida State University. The magazine named Kreischer "the top partyer at the Number One Party School in the country." The article also served as inspiration for the 2002 film National Lampoon's Van Wilder. Kreischer has served as host of the television series Hurt Bert on FX as well as Bert the Conqueror and Trip Flip on Travel Channel. He appeared in The Machine, a comedy film loosely based on his life.

Scott Stapp: Scott Stapp is an American singer and the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Creed. He has also fronted the band Art of Anarchy and has released four solo albums.

Traylor Howard: Traylor Elizabeth Howard is an American actress. From 2005 to 2009, Howard played Natalie Teeger in the USA Network television series Monk. She has also starred on the sitcoms Boston Common (1996-1997) and Two Guys and a Girl (1998-2001), while her film credits include Dirty Work (1998), Me, Myself & Irene (2000), and Son of the Mask (2005).

Vic Morrow: Victor "Vic" Morrow was an American actor. He came to prominence as one of the leads of the ABC drama series Combat! (1962-1967), which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Series. Active on screen for over three decades, his film roles include Blackboard Jungle (1955), King Creole (1958), God's Little Acre (1958), Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974), and The Bad News Bears (1976). Morrow continued acting up to his death during filming of Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) when he and two child actors were killed in a helicopter crash on set.

Casper Van Dien: Casper Robert Van Dien Jr. is an American actor, best known for his lead role as Johnny Rico in the 1997 science-fiction action film Starship Troopers. He has also appeared in a large number of television and film roles, often in daytime and primetime soap operas, and a large number of TV movies and direct-to-video films, including Starship Troopers 3: Marauder, a sequel to the original film.

Robert Urich: Robert Michael Urich was an American film, television, and stage actor and television producer. Over the course of his 30-year career, he starred in a record 15 television series. Urich graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University.

Christine Lahti: Christine Ann Lahti is an American actress and filmmaker. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the 1984 film Swing Shift. Her other film roles include…And Justice for All (1979), Housekeeping (1987), Running on Empty (1988), Leaving Normal (1992), and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019). For her directorial debut with the 1995 short film Lieberman in Love, she won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

André Holland: André Holland is an American actor widely known for his 2016 performance as Kevin in the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight.

Sports

Deion Sanders: Deion Luwynn Sanders Sr. is an American football coach and former player who is the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. Nicknamed "Prime Time" and "Coach Prime", he played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens. Sanders was also an outfielder for nine seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. He won two Super Bowl titles and made one World Series appearance in 1992, making him the only athlete to play in a Super Bowl and World Series.

Brooks Koepka: Brooks Koepka is an American professional golfer who currently plays on the LIV Golf league, where he leads with the most wins (5). Prior to joining LIV, Koepka won several times on the PGA Tour. He has won 5 major championships; the 2017 and 2018 US Open, and the 2018, 2019 and 2023 PGA Championship.

Michelle McCool: Michelle Leigh Calaway is an American retired professional wrestler best known for her tenure in WWE, where she is a former two-time, as well as first ever WWE Divas Champion and a two-time WWE Women's Champion.

Jalen Ramsey: Jalen Lattrel Ramsey is an American professional football cornerback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars fifth overall in the 2016 NFL draft.

Kirby Smart: Kirby Paul Smart is an American football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at the University of Georgia, his alma mater. As head coach, he led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.

Buster Posey: Gerald Dempsey "Buster" Posey III is an American former professional baseball catcher and is currently the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He spent his entire 12-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Giants, from 2009 until his retirement at the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Sean Gilmartin: Sean Patrick Gilmartin is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays. Gilmartin was the 28th overall selection in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft by the Atlanta Braves. Prior to beginning his professional career, Gilmartin attended Florida State University, and was an All-American pitcher for the Seminoles baseball team.

Politics and Law

Matt Gaetz: Gaetz served as a U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district from 2017 until his resignation in 2024. His district included all of Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties, and portions of Walton County. A member of the Republican Party and a self-described libertarian populist, Gaetz is widely regarded as a proponent of far-right politics as well as a staunch ally of Donald Trump in the House of Representatives.

Shannon Bream: Shannon Noelle Bream is an American journalist and attorney who is a host of Fox News Sunday on Fox News. She is also chief legal correspondent for the channel. In 2022, she became host of Fox News Sunday. Bream enrolled in Florida State University and graduated with Juris Doctor.

Charlie Crist: Charles Joseph Crist Jr. graduated with Bachelor of Arts in government from Florida State University in 1978. Crist has been a member of the Democratic Party since 2012; he was previously a Republican before becoming an independent in 2010.

Larry Hogan: Lawrence Joseph Hogan Jr. is an American politician and businessman who served as the 62nd governor of Maryland from 2015 to 2023. Hogan enrolled in Florida State University and in 1978 graduated with Bachelor of Arts in political science.

Science and Technology

Sylvia A. Earle: Sylvia Alice Earle is an American marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer, author, and lecturer. She has been a National Geographic Explorer at Large (formerly Explorer in Residence) since 1998. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and was named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998. Earle graduated with a B.S. from Florida State University.

Neil Druckmann: Neil Druckmann is an Israeli-American writer, creative director, designer, and programmer. He is the studio head and head of creative of the video game developer Naughty Dog, and is best known for his work on the game franchises Uncharted and The Last of Us, having co-created the latter.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Sara Blakely: Sara Treleaven Blakely is an American businesswoman and philanthropist. She is the founder of Spanx, an American intimate apparel company with pants and leggings, founded in Atlanta, Geo… Blakely studied communication while enrolled in Florida State University. Spanx has evolved from selling shapewear to including more products, such as activewear and jeans, in their collection. Eventually, Spanx became a multimillion-dollar company, and in 2012, Blakely was named the youngest self-made billionaire in the world.

Other Notable Alumni

In addition to the individuals highlighted above, Florida State University has produced a multitude of other notable alumni who have excelled in their respective fields. These alumni include:

Academics and Researchers: Numerous graduates have made significant contributions to academia, holding prestigious positions at universities around the world and conducting groundbreaking research.
Artists and Writers: FSU has fostered the talents of many successful artists, writers, and musicians who have enriched the cultural landscape.
Business Leaders: Alumni have achieved success in the business world, leading major corporations and launching innovative startups.
Public Servants: Graduates have dedicated their careers to public service, working in government, non-profit organizations, and international agencies.

Grads Made Good Program

Over 100 graduates of Florida State University have been recognized as Grads Made Good, a program honoring alumni who have made outstanding contributions in their community or chosen field.

Nomination Process:

Nominees must be placed in formal nomination each year with a completed online nomination form. Nominations can be made by anyone.
Nominations will be solicited through the Florida State University Alumni Association’s newsletters, social media, and alumni chapters and networks.
A completed nomination will include at least two Letters of Support.

Selection Process:

A committee appointed will select the recipients of the Grad Made Good Award.
Each year's recipients are notified upon approval of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors' Engagement Committee in Summer 2026.

List of Honorees:

The following individuals have been recognized as Grads Made Good:

Honorable Reubin O ’D. Askew (B.S.
Dr. H. Richard Blieden (Ph.D.
Thomas M. Hall (B.M. ’64, M.M.
Ney C. Landrum (B.A. ’52, M.A.
Dr. Sean Patrick McGlynn (Ph.D.
Al (Albert L.
Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas (Ph.D.
Dr. David Ward-Steinman (B.M.
Robert M. Urich (B.A.
Dr. Jacqueline L. DuPont (B.S. ’55, Ph.D.
James B. Tippin, Jr. (B.S.
Philip G. Boggs (B.S.
Dr. Neil L. Frank (M.S. ’59, Ph.D.
Dr. Virginia Spencer Carr (B.A. ’51, Ph.D.
William O. Cullom (B.S.
Sister Mary Michelle (Patricia E.) Carroll (B.S.
Maj Gen Norma Elaine Brown (B.S.
Justice Alan C. Sundberg (B.S.
Sir Jack D. L. Holmes, PhD, OIC (B.A.
Bishop Marjorie S. Matthews (M.A. ’71, Ph.D.
James C. Smith (B.S.
Dr. Mostafa F. El-Sayed (Ph.D.
Dr. Jane Srygley Mouton (M.S.
General William H. Ginn, Jr. (B.A.
Arnold T. Diaz (B.A.
Dr. Mark S. Wrighton (B.S.
Herbert F. Morgan (B.S.
Charles G. Rex (B.M. ’71, M.M.
Cynthia G. Taylor (M.S.
Dr. Norman Earl Thagard (B.S. ’65, M.S.
Dr. Orrin H. Pilkey, Jr. (Ph.D.
Stephen J. Rothman (B.S. ’72, M.F.A.
Brigadier General Michael K. Sheridan (B.S.
Richard D. “Dick" Howser (B.S.
Dr. Willis W. Tyrrell, Jr. (B.S.
Dr. Douglas M. Windham (B.A. ’64, M.A. ’67, Ph.D.
Dr. Sylvia A. Earle (B.S.
Dr. Raul P. deGuzman (M.S. ’55, Ph.D.
Maj Gen Winfield S. (Scott) Harpe (B.S.
Dr. A. Hugh Adams (B.S. ’50, M.S. ’56, Ed.D.
John J. (Joe) Gangloff (B.S.
Mary Anne Loughlin (B.S.
Dr. Joseph W. Cullen (Ph.D.
Thomas M. Culligan (B.A. ’73, M.P.A.
Dr. Howard L. Simmons (Ph.D.
James L. Massey (B.S.
Gayle Sierens Martin (B.S.
Henry Polic, II (B.A. ’67, M.A.
Davis P. Gaines (B.A.
Dr. Clyda Stokes Rent (B.A. ’64, M.S. ’66, Ph.D.
Dr. Isabel Wood Rogers (B.A.
Admiral Paul D. Miller (B.S.
Dr. Alan R. Price (B.S.
Dr. Betty L. Siegel (Ph.D.
Jennifer L. Howse (B.A. ’66, M.A.
Robert L. Ward (B.A.
William F. “Woody” Woodward (B.S. ’66, M.S.
Dr. A. Blanton Godfrey (M.S. ’70, Ph.D.
Judy Patton Lotas (B.A.
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich (B.M. ’60, M.M.
Dr. Gwynn Collins Akin (B.S.
Lt. Gen. Charles J. Cunningham, Jr. (B.S.
Dr. Robert “Bud” Grace (B.S. ’65, Ph.D.
Dr. Michael G. Berenbaum (Ph.D.
Antonio Busalacchi, Jr. (B.S. ’77, M.S. ’80, Ph.D.
Linda Zoghby (B.M. ’71, M.M.
Clifford L. Freeman (B.S.
Dr. Robert C. Harriss (B.S.
J. Bailey White (B.S.
Monsignor William A. Kerr (M.S. ’73, Ph.D.
Carolyn A. O ’Neil (B.S.
Willa Jo Zollar (M.F.A.
Mark S. Ellis (B.S. ’79, J.D.
Barbara S. Harris (B.S.
Douglas W. Marlette (B.S.
Cdr. Douglas J. Allen (B.S.
Winston E. Scott (B.M.E.
Janet L. Stoner (B.S. ’70, M.S.
Charlotte West (B.S.
Dr. Larry H. Crow (B.S. ’66, M.S. ’67, Ph.D.
Carolyn Spencer Griner (B.S.
Lt. Gen. Kenneth A. Minihan (B.A.
E. L. (Chip) Chalmers (B.F.A.
Dr. Paul Robinson (Ph.D.
Dr. Suzan Zeder (Ph.D.
Janice Huff (B.S.
Lynda Keever (B.A.
Hansel E. Tookes, II (B.S.
Mel R. Martinez (B.A. ’69, J.D.
Dr. Diane Roberts (B.A. ’79, M.A.
H. James Towey (B.S. ’78, J.D.
Raymond G. Hemann (B.S.
Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder (B.M.E.
Reverend Glenda B. Hope (B.A.
James L. Bacchus (J.D.
Dr. M. Dianne Murphy (Ph.D.
R. Eugene Taylor (B.S.
Laird B. Anderson (B.S.
Max Mayfield (M.S.
Peter F. Romero (B.S. ’71, M.A.
Steven L. Sears (B.A.
William D. Clay (B.A. ’71, M.S.
Charlie Crist (B.S.
Marvalene Hughes (Ph.D.
Mark H. Thiemens (Ph.D.
Jonathan G. King (M.F.A.
Neil H. McKee (M.S.
Kathleen Parker (B.A. ’73, M.A.
Carol J. Cooper (B.S. ’73, M.S. ’76, J.D.
Manuel H. Johnson (M.S. ’75, Ph.D.
Barry V. Qualls (B.A.
Lt. General Franklin L. “Frank” Hagenbeck (M.S.
Dr. James H. Oliver, Jr. (M.S.
Susan Hassmiller (B.S. ’77, M.S.
Mike Pate (B.S.
Senator Bob Johnson (B.S.
John Osterlund (M.S.
Judy Bense (B.A. ’67, M.S.
Jimi Cook (B.S.
Meg Crofton (B.S. ’74, M.B.A.
Randy Hanna (J.D.
Gail Skofronick-Jackson (B.S.
John Thiel (B.S.
Dale Burton (Ph.D.
Wendy Clark (B.A.
Rodney Hero (B.S.
J. Marshall Shepherd (B.S. ’91, M.S. ’93, Ph.D.
Marion Hargett (B.S.
Craig Nance (B.S. '91, M.S.
Montego Glover (B.F.A.
Damon Andrew (Ph.D.
Dulcidio de la Guardia (B.S.
Sandra Dunbar (B.S.
Sandra Barker (M.S. ’76, Ph.D.
JoAnne Graf (B.S. ’75, Ph.D.
Nancy McKay (B.A.
Gene Stearns (B.A. ’66, J.D.
Arthur L Fleming (B.S.
Myrna Hoover (B.S. '83, M.S.
David James Kennedy (B.S.
Inez Cohen (B.S.
Bruce McNeilage (B.S.
Neil St John Rambana (B.A. '92, M.A.
Lisa Balskus (B.S.N.
Jose B. Fernandez (B.A. ’70, M.A. ’71, Ph.D.
Jocelyne Fliger (M.S.W.
Sean Pittman (A.A. ’89, B.S. ’90, J.D.
Captain Julie Kim Moss (B.S.
Patricia Ragan (B.S.
Tevin Wooten (B.S.
Ryan Dorrell (B.S.
Devonta Freeman (B.S.
Jared Lyon (B.S.
Greg Thomas (B.M.
James “Chef” Barlow (B.S.
Eduardo Pérez (B.S.

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