Notable Alumni of Tennessee Technological University
Tennessee Technological University (TTU), located in Cookeville, Tennessee, has a rich history dating back to 1915, when the state government assumed control of the campus. Originally known as Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, TTU has grown into a public research university and institute of technology. It places special emphasis on undergraduate education in fields related to engineering, technology, and computer science, while also offering degrees in education, liberal arts, agriculture, nursing, and other fields of study. Over the years, TTU has produced numerous accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article highlights some of the most notable graduates and former students of Tennessee Tech, showcasing their diverse achievements and lasting impact.
Academics and Research
Tennessee Tech has fostered a strong tradition of academic excellence, producing alumni who have become leaders and innovators in their respective fields.
James A. Lindsay is an American author known for his involvement in the grievance studies affair. He, along with Peter Boghossian and Helen Pluckrose, submitted hoax articles to academic journals to test scholarship and rigor in several academic fields. Lindsay has also written several books, including Cynical Theories (2020), co-authored with Pluckrose.
Barry Aron Vann is an American author, speaker, and retired Dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Colorado Christian University. Vann has published on a wide range of geographic topics. He is most noted for his work in environmental perceptions and religious geography, in particular themes in which religious beliefs are associated with forming environmental perceptions and politicized regions such as Northern Ireland and the American Bible Belt. Vann's work along the interface between religion and geography stresses the role of faith leaders in shaping the behaviours of others who, in turn, impact the cultural landscape.
Alison Piepmeier was an American scholar and feminist, known for her book Girl Zines: Making Media, Doing Feminism. She was director of Women's and Gender Studies and associate professor of English at the College of Charleston.
Read also: Your Guide to ETSU Academics
Phaneendra B. Kondapi earned a Ph.D. from Tennessee Tech.
Milad Esfahani also obtained a Ph.D. from the university.
Engineering and Technology
Reflecting Tennessee Tech's emphasis on these fields, many alumni have excelled in engineering and technology, contributing to advancements in various industries.
Thurman Donell Rodgers was a lieutenant general in the United States Army. His assignments included Commanding General of the United States Army Information Systems Command, United States Army Signal Center and Fort Gordon. Rodgers attended the Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1957 with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. He later earned an M.A. degree in public administration from the University of Northern Colorado.
Lynne E. Parker graduated with a B.S. degree.
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Paul D. Deggs, P.E., earned a B.S. degree.
Byron A. Pardue also obtained a B.S. degree.
Jonathan (Jon) Callis graduated with a B.S. degree.
Edward Smith earned a B.S. degree.
Keith Kirkpatric also obtained a B.S. degree.
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Ted Kniazewycz earned a B.S. degree.
Kevin Scott Smith graduated with a B.S. degree.
David Johnson also obtained a B.S. degree.
Mark Self earned a B.S. degree.
Cullen Lamar Dunn graduated with a B.S. degree.
Trudy A. Harper also obtained a B.S. degree.
Military Service and Leadership
Tennessee Tech has a strong connection to military service, with many alumni serving their country with distinction.
Carl Wade Stiner was a United States Army four-star general who served as Commander in Chief, United States Special Operations Command (USCINCSOC) from 1990 to 1993.
Mark Hamilton Landes is a career officer in the United States Army who has commanded First United States Army since September 2024. A 1990 graduate of the United States Military Academy, and a veteran of the Iraq War, War in Afghanistan, and Operation Inherent Resolve, he was promoted to major general in 2021.
Barry Eugene "Butch" Wilmore is an American NASA astronaut and United States Navy test pilot. He has had three spaceflights, the first of which was an 11-day Space Shuttle mission in November 2009, to the International Space Station.
Athletics
Tennessee Tech's athletic programs have produced talented athletes who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level. The Tennessee Technological University baseball program started in 1915. Did you know that there were six former Tennessee Tech University ballplayers who made it to the majors?
Rich Froning Jr. is an American professional CrossFit athlete known for his achievements participating in the CrossFit Games. He became the first person to win the CrossFit Games title of "Fittest Man on Earth" four times with his first-place finish in the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 CrossFit Games.
Scott Robert Stallings is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour.
Kevin Marquis Murphy is an American professional basketball player for CS Antonine of the Lebanese Basketball League. He played college basketball for Tennessee Tech.
Da'Rick Jamal Rogers is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Tennessee and Tennessee Tech, and signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2013.
Corey Jermaine Chamblin is an American football coach who is the defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). He is a former professional gridiron football defensive back and was signed by the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Tennessee Tech.
Adam Joseph Liberatore is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Charles Edward Jackson is an American professional basketball player for the Kyoto Hannaryz of the B.League in Japan.
Frank Tayo Omiyale is a former American football offensive tackle who played in the National Football League.
Stephen Michael Pryor is an American former professional baseball pitcher.
Ryan Dennick is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds.
Christian Walker graduated with a B.S. degree.
Arts and Entertainment
Tennessee Tech alumni have also made their mark in the world of arts and entertainment.
Dottie West was an American country singer and songwriter. She also had several credits as an actress. A distinguished figure in the country genre, West was among several people who helped to elevate the platform of female country artists.
Rodney Allan Atkins is an American country music singer and songwriter.
Jarrod Michael Alonge is an American comedian, songwriter and media producer. He is best known for his parodies of the artists, sub-genres and stereotypes within alternative music.
Trae Crowder is an American comedian and co-author of The Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin' Dixie Outta the Dark and Round Here and Over Yonder: A Front-Porch Travel Guide by Two Progressive Hillbillies.
Jake Hoot is known for his participation in The Voice.
Politics and Public Service
Many Tennessee Tech alumni have dedicated their careers to public service, holding various political offices and contributing to their communities.
John W. is a representative for Tennessee's 6th congressional district since 2019.
Ron Estes is a representative for Kansas's 4th congressional district since April 2017.
David H. Simmons is a Republican politician from Florida.
Lori Wilson was an American lawyer and politician in the state of Florida.
William Lewis Jenkins is an American politician from the state of Tennessee.
Paul Bailey is an American politician. He serves as a Republican member of the Tennessee Senate, where he represents District 15.
Jesse Lee Tate graduated with a B.S. degree.
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