Southern Oregon University: A Legacy of Achievement Through Notable Alumni

Southern Oregon University (SOU), a public institution in Ashland, Oregon, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1872. Originally established as Ashland Academy, SOU has evolved through various names and stages to become a comprehensive university offering a wide array of academic programs. Its alumni have made significant contributions in diverse fields, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering excellence and innovation. This article highlights some of the notable alumni who have left their mark on the world.

A Foundation of Academic Excellence

Southern Oregon University is organized into seven academic divisions, including the Oregon Center for the Arts at SOU; Business, Communication and the Environment; Education, Health and Leadership; Humanities and Culture; Social Sciences; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and Undergraduate Studies. The university offers about 90 bachelor's degree, graduate, and certificate programs, primarily on a 10-week quarter system. This structure allows for a focused and intensive learning experience.

Notable Alumni in Arts and Entertainment

SOU has produced a number of successful individuals in the arts and entertainment industry. These alumni have achieved recognition for their talent, creativity, and contributions to their respective fields.

Ty Burrell

Perhaps one of the most recognizable names associated with SOU, Ty Burrell is an acclaimed actor best known for his role as Phil Dunphy on the ABC sitcom "Modern Family" (2009-2020). His portrayal of the lovable and quirky Phil Dunphy earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and five Screen Actors Guild Awards. Burrell's success is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.

D'Arcy Carden

D'Arcy Beth Carden is an American actress and comedian celebrated for her role as Janet in the NBC sitcom "The Good Place" (2016-2020), for which she received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She also played Gemma in "Broad City" (2014-2019) and Natalie Greer in the HBO dark comedy series "Barry" (2018-2023). Carden's versatility and comedic timing have made her a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.

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Joel David Moore

Joel David Moore is an American actor and director. His first major role was as Owen Dittman in the 2004 comedy "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story," followed by roles in the comedy "Grandma's Boy" (2006), Terry Zwigoff's "Art School Confidential" (2006), and the independent slasher film "Hatchet" (2006). Moore's diverse roles showcase his range as an actor.

Kim Rhodes

Kim Rhodes is an American actress known for portraying Cindy Harrison on the soap operas "Another World" (1996-1999) and "As the World Turns" (2000-2001), Carey Martin on the Disney Channel sitcoms "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" (2005-2008) and "The Suite Life on Deck" (2008-2011), and Sheriff Jody Mills on "Supernatural" (2010-2020). Rhodes's extensive career in television highlights her consistent presence in the industry.

Todd Field

William Todd Field is an American filmmaker and actor. He is known for directing "In the Bedroom" (2001), "Little Children" (2006), and "Tár" (2022), which were nominated for a combined fourteen Academy Awards. Field has personally received six Academy Award nominations for his films, including nominations for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

Kyra Zagorsky

Kyra Zagorsky is an American film and television actress. She has acted in the TV series "Helix," the film "The Pastor's Wife," and season eight of the TV series "Supernatural." Zagorsky's work in various genres demonstrates her adaptability as an actress.

Alumni in Politics and Public Service

SOU alumni have also made significant contributions in the realm of politics and public service, demonstrating their commitment to leadership and community development.

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Juan Carlos Romero Hicks

Juan Carlos Romero Hicks is a Mexican politician and elected official, a member of the National Action Party, and a Federal Senator since August 29, 2012. He was the Director General of the Mexican National Science and Technology Council (CONACyT) from 2006 to 2011 and served as Governor of Guanajuato from 2000 to 2006. From 1991 to 1999, he served as Chancellor of the University of Guanajuato.

Kelly Townsend

Kelly Townsend is an American author, childbirth educator, and birth doula who was a Republican politician. She was a member of the Arizona Senate representing District 16 from 2021 to 2023 and previously was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021, acting as Majority Whip from 2017 to 2018.

Steve M. Thompson

Stephen Max "Steve" Thompson is a retired businessman and Republican politician from the U.S. state of Alaska. He has been a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from District 2 in Fairbanks since 2011. He previously served as mayor of Fairbanks from 2001 to 2007.

Jason Atkinson

Jason Atkinson is an American politician in the U.S. state of Oregon. The Republican grew up in the Southern Oregon city of Ashland. He served as a senator in the Oregon State Senate from 2001 to 2013.

Pam Marsh

Pam Marsh is an American Democratic politician serving in the Oregon House of Representatives. She represents the 5th district, which covers southern Jackson County, including the city of Ashland.

Sal Esquivel

Sal Esquivel is an American businessman, real estate broker, and politician from Oregon. Esquivel is a former Republican member of the Oregon House of Representatives and senator.

Alumni in Athletics

SOU's athletic programs have produced talented athletes who have excelled in their respective sports.

Aldrick Rosas

Aldrick Rosas is an American former professional football placekicker. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for the 2018 season as a member of the New York Giants.

Austin Vanderford

Austin Vanderford is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Middleweight division. He previously fought in Bellator MMA, where he contended for the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.

Mike Whitehead

Michael Joe Whitehead is a former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight weight classes for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, IFL, Affliction, and Strikeforce.

Other Notable Alumni

Jennifer Murphy

Jennifer Murphy is an American personality and former beauty pageant contestant.

Charles Carreon

Charles Hernan Carreon is an American trial attorney best known for his involvement in a legal dispute between The Oatmeal webcomic and content aggregator FunnyJunk. As of 2012, he represented individuals and companies in matters pertaining to Internet law.

Rick Bartow

Richard Elmer "Rick" Bartow was a Native American artist and a member of the Mad River band of the Wiyot Tribe, who are indigenous to Humboldt County, California. He primarily created pastel, graphite, and mixed media drawings, wood sculpture, acrylic paintings, drypoint etchings, monotypes, and a small number of ceramic works.

Harry Kloor

Harry "Doc" Kloor is an American scientist, film producer, director, writer, and entrepreneur. Kloor was the first to be awarded two PhDs simultaneously in two distinct academic disciplines, both earned at Purdue University.

Jose Luis Romero Hicks

José Luis Romero Hicks is a private legal, economic, and financial consultant and managing partner of the law firm Romero Hicks & Galindo. He is also a member of the Mexican Council on Foreign Affairs.

Agnes Baker Pilgrim

Agnes Emma Baker Pilgrim was a Native American spiritual elder from Grants Pass, Oregon. She was the oldest member of her tribe, the Takelma. She was also the granddaughter of Jack Harney, the first elected Chief of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz.

Kenneth B. Hobson

Kenneth Burton Hobson was a general in the United States Air Force. He was also the former commander of the Air Force Logistics Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Fred Kohler

Fred Kohler is a German-born American inventor, author, and lecturer. He wrote about the human species becoming a "societal organism" as a further development in the human evolution of life.

Mylz Blake: A Journey of Entrepreneurship and Media Production

Mylz Blake, a 2017 graduate of SOU, exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and diverse opportunities that the university fosters. His journey from South Central Los Angeles to Ashland, Oregon, and eventually to Syracuse University in New York, is a testament to his ambition and drive.

Early Influences and Academic Pursuits at SOU

Mylz first learned about SOU through football and visited Ashland in the winter of 2012. His interest in broadcast journalism and digital media led him to major in communication with an emphasis in TV, radio, and film. He found inspiration in professors like Howard Schreiber and Andrew Gay. Schreiber's film course provided Mylz with hands-on experience, including working on the audio for Schreiber's film, "The Deer Whisperer."

Athletic Achievements and Academic Aspirations

After contributing to SOU's football national title in 2014 and a runner-up finish in 2015, Mylz set his sights on graduate school. He applied to Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications, submitting his football highlight films as work samples.

From Coast to Coast: Pursuing Higher Education

Following his graduation from SOU in late June 2017, Mylz embarked on a cross-country drive to begin his studies at Syracuse in July. The Newhouse School is renowned for its premier programs and notable alumni, including Mike Tirico and Bob Costas.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Black Cub Productions

While at Syracuse, Mylz and a partner, Eric, seized an opportunity that arose from an entrepreneurship class. They started creating small videos for local clients and, encouraged by positive feedback, launched their own business, Black Cub Productions. The name was inspired by the philosophies of the Black Panther Party from the 1960s.

Public Television Debut

In late April, Mylz and Black Cub Productions made their debut on New York Public Television with a 30-minute spot featuring "Behind the Woman with Dr. Juhanna Rogers."

The Impact of the SOU Experience

Mylz credits his SOU experience with opening doors for him in Syracuse, opportunities he believes he would not have had without the courage to explore new regions and connect with diverse individuals. He acknowledged the challenges of navigating perceptions as a young Black male in Ashland but emphasized the friendliness and welcoming nature of the community.

Southern Oregon University: A Hub for Community and Growth

Southern Oregon University provides a supportive environment for students to explore their passions and develop their talents. The university's commitment to community engagement is evident through its various resource centers, including the Women's Resource Center, Student Sustainability Center, Commuter Resource Center, and Queer Resource Center. These centers offer services, resources, and events that cater to the diverse needs of the student body.

The campus also boasts modern residential facilities, such as Raider Village, Greensprings Complex, Madrone Hall, and Student Apartments and Family Housing, providing students with comfortable and convenient living options.

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