Notable Alumni of the University of Montevallo

The University of Montevallo, an institution with a rich history and commitment to academic excellence, has produced a diverse array of accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements in acting, music, politics, athletics, and activism. The University of Montevallo is ranked 2553rd in the world, 888th in North America, and 841st in the United States for alumni prominence.

Arts and Entertainment

Polly Holliday

Polly Dean Holliday is a retired American actress, renowned for her work on stage, television, and film. Holliday is best known for her iconic portrayal of the sassy waitress Florence Jean "Flo" Castleberry on the 1970s sitcom Alice. She reprised the role in the short-lived spin-off, Flo. Her character's catchphrase, "Kiss my grits!" became synonymous with the series Alice. She is the last surviving member of the show's main original cast.

Rebecca Luker

Rebecca Luker was an acclaimed American actress, singer, and recording artist. She was celebrated for her "crystal clear operatic soprano" and her long-lasting presence in Broadway musicals throughout her career. The New York Times drew comparisons between her and legendary actresses such as Barbara Cook and Julie Andrews, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in musical theatre.

Hannah Godwin

Hannah Godwin is an American television personality, model, and YouTuber. She gained recognition for her appearances on season 23 of The Bachelor, where she received the first impression rose and was a finalist, and season 6 of Bachelor in Paradise, where she got engaged to Dylan Barbour.

Ray Reach

Raymond Everett Reach, Jr. is an American pianist, vocalist, guitarist, composer, arranger, music producer, and educator. AL.com recognized him as one of "30 Alabamians who changed jazz history." He is the President and CEO of Ray Reach Music and Magic City Music Productions.

Politics and Public Service

Elizabeth B. Andrews

Leslie Elizabeth Bullock Andrews holds the distinction of being the first woman to represent Alabama in the United States House of Representatives. Following the death of her husband, Congressman George William Andrews, she was elected to his seat, continuing his legacy of service to the state.

Michael Williams

Michael Williams is an American politician and businessman. He served as a Republican member of the Georgia State Senate from Senate District 27, representing the majority of Forsyth County. He was also a candidate for Governor of Georgia, but was defeated in the 2018 primary.

Athletics

Rusty Greer

Thurman Clyde "Rusty" Greer III is a former professional baseball outfielder who played in Major League Baseball for the Texas Rangers from 1994 to 2002. He is currently the Head Baseball Coach for Fort Worth Christian School.

Doug Sisson

Douglas Dean Sisson is an American Professional Baseball Coach for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). This is his 30th season managing, coaching or working in professional baseball. He is currently serving as a Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President/General Manager. He has previously served as a coach, manager, and executive, working at the college, minor league, and major league levels. He served as the first base coach for the Kansas City Royals from 2011 to 2012.

Giuliano Frano

Giuliano Frano is a Canadian soccer player.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Jon Maloney

Jonathan Duncan Maloney is an English footballer who plays for Wetherby Athletic as a defender, although he has also been utilised as a striker.

Activism

Ola Delight Smith

Ola Delight Lloyd Smith was an American telegrapher, journalist, and labor activist.

University of Montevallo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2018

In addition to the notable alumni mentioned above, the University of Montevallo also has a rich history of athletic achievement. The Class of 2018 inducted into the University of Montevallo Athletics Hall of Fame included:

Glenn Murphy (men's soccer): A first team National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) NCAA Division II All-South Region selection and a first team All-Gulf South Conference selection. Murphy holds the program record with 57 assists during his playing career.
J.D. Pruitt (baseball): Named a NCAA Division II All-American and an All-South Region selection by Daktronics. Pruitt owns the program record with 76 runs scored during his junior season.
Beverly Terrell (volleyball): Named a third team NAIA All-American following her senior season and a two-time NAIA All-District 27 selection. Terrell led the Falcons with 499 digs as an outside hitter during her senior season in 1993.
Tammie Tobitt (women's basketball): The fifth-leading scorer in the history of the women's basketball program with 1,460 points. Tobitt owns the program record for the most made 3-point field goals with 289.
Dr. Harry Hamilton: A former Faculty Athletics Representative and a strong supporter of UM Athletics.

The 1993-94 women's basketball team, the first team to advance to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Final Four in program history, and the 2007 men's soccer team, the first team in program history to advance to the NCAA Division II Final Four, were also inducted.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

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