Notable Alumni of the University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma (OU), founded in 1890, has a rich history of producing accomplished individuals across various fields. As the state's flagship university, OU has long served the educational, cultural, economic, and healthcare needs of Oklahoma, the region, and the nation. Its alumni have made significant contributions in areas ranging from arts and entertainment to business, politics, and athletics. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni.
Arts and Entertainment
OU's Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre has produced talented performers like Adrianna Hicks, who received a scholarship from the Congressional Black Caucus and began her professional career in Germany with Stage Entertainment.
Several OU alumni have achieved recognition in the film and television industry:
- Ed Harris: A critically acclaimed actor and filmmaker, Harris has received Academy Award nominations for his performances in Apollo 13, The Truman Show, Pollock, and The Hours. He studied drama at the University of Oklahoma.
- James Garner: A legend in TV and film, Garner is known for his lead roles in Maverick and The Rockford Files, and won an Oscar for Murphy's Romance. A Norman native, he supported the Weitzenhoffer College of Fine Arts at OU with generous donations, including establishing the James Garner Professor of Drama endowed position.
- Olivia Munn: Munn rose to fame in HBO's Newsroom and also appeared in X-Men: Apocalypse. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from OU.
- Dennis Weaver: Weaver, a former Screen Actor's Guild president, starred in Gunsmoke and McCloud after graduating from the University of Oklahoma School of Drama in 1948.
- Nate Parker: Parker, an actor and film director, is known for his role in The Great Debaters.
- Rance Howard: The father of director Ron Howard, Rance Howard, who studied at the University of Oklahoma, appeared in Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and Splash.
- Iqbal Theba: A graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering Management, Theba returned to Oklahoma to study acting and starred in "Glee".
Athletics
The University of Oklahoma has a strong athletic tradition, with its teams having won 45 national championships, ranking 13th all-time in NCAA history. The university boasts 215 Academic All-Americans, the seventh-most ever. OU softball is a dynasty with eight national titles, including four straight from 2021 to 2024. The Sooners own 19 national championships in gymnastics, with the men's squad grabbing eight in the last 15 years. OU baseball has two national titles and 11 College World Series appearances. Several OU alumni have achieved prominence in professional sports:
- Troy Aikman: A former professional football quarterback, Aikman played for the Dallas Cowboys for 12 seasons, winning three Super Bowls and being named MVP of Super Bowl XXVII. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
- Adrian Peterson: Peterson is considered one of the greatest running backs in football history. He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, setting the freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards in 2004.
- Blake Griffin: A former professional basketball player, Griffin played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners and was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA draft.
- Baker Mayfield: A professional football quarterback, Mayfield played for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2017. He was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL draft.
- Jalen Hurts: A professional football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts played his final college season with the Oklahoma Sooners.
- Trae Young: A professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks, Young played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he set the NCAA Division I single-game assists record.
- Brian Bosworth: A former football linebacker, Bosworth played for the Seattle Seahawks. He won the Dick Butkus Award twice during his college football career at the University of Oklahoma.
- CeeDee Lamb: An American professional football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL).
- DeMarco Murray: An American college football coach and former professional player.
- Trent Williams: An American professional football offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL).
- Buddy Hield: A Bahamian professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Beyond their athletic achievements, some former Sooners have become famous in other areas:
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- Jim Ross: The iconic play-by-play voice in professional wrestling, Ross has worked for WCW, WWE, and AEW.
- Steve Williams: Williams, known as "Dr. Death," was a legend in wrestling, winning NWA and WCW tag-team championships.
- Jake Hager (Jack Swagger): Another former Sooner in sports entertainment, Hager has performed in WWE and AEW.
Business and Entrepreneurship
OU alumni have also made significant contributions to the business world:
- Pat Bowlen: Bowlen, who graduated from OU with degrees in business and law, was the owner of the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Crush (Arena League), and Denver Outlaws (Major League Lacrosse).
- Tim Headington: The namesake of Headington Hall, Headington was a member of the Sooners tennis team and has produced Academy Award-winning films.
- Carl M. Mayhall: A long-time partner at Ernst and Young, Mayhall helped more than 1,000 Price students secure internships at the firm.
- Michael McCafferty: After graduating from OU with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1960, Michael McCafferty moved to California to earn his MBA at Stanford University.
Politics and Public Service
Many OU alumni have served in prominent political positions:
- Chuck Hoskin Jr.: Serves as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
- Brad Henry: Former governor of Oklahoma.
Science and Technology
OU alumni have also made notable contributions to science and technology:
- Fred Haise Jr.: Haise earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Oklahoma and was one of the members of the Apollo 13 crew.
Other Notable Alumni
- Jennifer Berry: Berry attended the University of Oklahoma before winning the 2006 Miss America pageant.
- Angie Debo: Historian of Oklahoma and Native Americans.
University Recognition of Alumni Achievements
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the achievements and contributions of its alumni through the Regents’ Alumni Award ceremony. In 2024, nine alumni were recognized for their contributions to the university's vibrant future:
- Neva Hudiburgh Cochran: A registered dietitian nutritionist.
- Marilyn Grass Culp, M.D.: A sleep medicine specialist.
- Adrianna Hicks: A musical theatre performer.
- Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.: Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
- Charles R. Jones: An advocate for data science in engineering.
- Carl M. Mayhall: A partner at Ernst and Young.
- Michael McCafferty: A business executive.
- Reed Pigman: Started Texas Jet, a fixed-base operator.
- Jim R. Yates: Served as executive vice president of retail at Par Petroleum’s parent company.
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