Stephen F. Austin State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU), a public institution in Nacogdoches, Texas, has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates across various fields. Named after Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," the university strives for personal excellence in everything that it does. This article will highlight some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and contributions to society.
A Brief Overview of Stephen F. Austin State University
Established on April 4, 1917, and opened on September 18, 1923, Stephen F. Austin State University has grown into a comprehensive university offering over 120 areas of study. These include more than 80 undergraduate majors, nearly 60 graduate degrees, and four doctoral programs. SFASU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The university is a member of the University of Texas System.
Located in East Texas, SFASU is particularly known for its Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, one of only two forestry schools in the state. The university's athletic teams, the Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks, compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and the Southland Conference, with the football team participating in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
Notable Alumni
EduRank lists Stephen F. Austin State University as 1436th in the world, 504th in North America, and 472nd in the United States by aggregated alumni prominence. The following list showcases some of the most distinguished graduates and former students, recognized for their impact in various domains.
Arts and Entertainment
Don Henley: A founding member of the iconic rock band Eagles, Donald Hugh Henley is a singer, songwriter, drummer, and co-lead vocalist. He sang lead vocals on Eagles hits such as "Witchy Woman," "Desperado," "Best of My Love," "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane," "The Long Run," and "Get Over It." Henley remains the sole continuous member of the Eagles.
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Shane Carruth: An American filmmaker, screenwriter, composer, and actor, Shane Carruth is known for his innovative and experimental approach to science fiction. He gained recognition for writing, directing, and co-starring in the award-winning film Primer (2004) and followed it with Upstream Color (2013), where he served as writer, director, producer, editor, designer, and star. Steven Soderbergh has compared Carruth's unique filmmaking style to that of David Lynch and James Cameron.
Kasey Lansdale: A country music singer-songwriter from Nacogdoches, Texas, Kasey Lansdale is also an accomplished author, editor, actress, and producer. She founded and hosts the East Texas Songwriter's Workshop. Her debut album, Restless, was released in 2013, co-produced by Mike Clute and herself, with John Carter Cash as the executive producer.
Todd Slater: A poster artist, Todd Slater specializes in creating concert posters for indie and mainstream rock musicians. His work includes posters for renowned artists such as Jack White, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Neil Young. He also produces film posters for the Mondo Gallery in Austin, Texas.
Brad Maule: Known for his long-running role as Dr. Tony Jones on the soap opera General Hospital, Brad Maule graduated from SFASU in 1974.
Athletics
Thomas Walkup: A naturalized Greek professional basketball player, Thomas Ryan Walkup plays for Olympiacos in the Greek Basketball League and the EuroLeague. He also represents the Greek national team. Walkup, who studied at Stephen F Austin State University from 2011 to 2016, was named the EuroLeague Best Defender in 2024.
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Jeremiah Trotter: A former professional football player, Jeremiah Trotter was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL draft.
Willie Jefferson: A professional football defensive end for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL), Willie Hebert Jefferson III is a three-time Grey Cup champion. He was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2019 and is a six-time CFL All-Star. Jefferson played college football for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and Baylor Bears.
Mike Quinn: A former professional football quarterback, Michael Patrick Quinn played in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys. He also played in NFL Europe and the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Taylor Smith: A professional basketball player, Taylor Smith plays for Scaligera Verona of the LBA. He played college basketball for Stephen F. Austin State University.
T. J. Holyfield: A professional basketball player, Timothy Holyfield plays for Yamagata Wyverns of the B.League. He played college basketball for Stephen F. Austin and Texas Tech.
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Antonio Burks: A former professional basketball player, Antonio Burks played for the Saint John Mill Rats of the National Basketball League of Canada. He now works as a coach and assistant principal for the Rice Independent School District in Rice, Texas.
Will Vest: A professional baseball pitcher, William Lane Vest plays for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Seattle Mariners.
O.A. George Rogers Shirkey: A former American football defensive tackle who played three seasons in the American Football League with the Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders.
Politics and Public Service
Bill Owens: William Forrester Owens served as the 40th Governor of Colorado from 1999 to 2007. A member of the Republican Party, he was re-elected in 2002 with the largest Republican share of the vote in state history. As of 2025, he is the last Republican to have served as Governor of Colorado.
Wayne Christian: An American politician and financial planner, Walter Wayne Christian has served as a member of the Railroad Commission of Texas since 2017. He formerly served in the Texas House of Representatives.
Bob Cashell: Robert Alan Cashell served as the mayor of Reno, Nevada, from 2002 to 2014. He also served as the 28th lieutenant governor of Nevada and on the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents.
John A. Ramsey: An American businessman and libertarian political figure, John Ramsey is the founder and chairman of the Liberty for All Super PAC.
Dee Ann McWilliams: A retired United States Army major general, Dee Ann McWilliams is a past President of the Women in Service for America Memorial Foundation. She held various Human Relations positions during her 29-year career in the army.
Donnie R. Marshall: An American federal agent, Donnie R. Marshall served as the 7th Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration from 1999 to 2001.
Ron Lewis: Former Texas State Representative.
Science and Academia
Joseph W. Kennedy: An American chemist, Joseph William Kennedy co-discovered plutonium along with Glenn T. Seaborg, Edwin McMillan, and Arthur Wahl. During World War II, he led the CM (Chemistry and Metallurgy) Division at the Manhattan Project's Los Alamos Laboratory. After the war, he became a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, where he transformed the university into a strong research institution.
George Damoff: An internationally recognized megadrilologist with specimens on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.
Nancy Dickey: President, Texas A&M University.
Roel Lopez: Director for the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute.
Other Notable Figures
Derek Wayne Johnson: An American film director, screenwriter, editor, and producer.
Orren R. Whiddon: A lieutenant general in the United States Army, Orren Ray Whiddon served as commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division and the Second United States Army. He is a member of the SFASU alumni hall of fame.
Stephen Prentiss Payne: An American lobbyist from Houston, Texas.
Kristy Sims Curry: Head Coach of Womenâs Basketball, Texas Tech University, Former Head Coach of Womenâs Basketball, Purdue University.
Robert Wells: Livestock consultant, Noble Research Institute.
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