Notable Alumni of West Virginia University
West Virginia University (WVU) boasts a distinguished and diverse alumni network that has made significant contributions across various fields. Its alumni have achieved prominence in areas ranging from entertainment and sports to politics, business, and public service. This article highlights some of the university's most notable graduates and former students, showcasing their accomplishments and impact on the world.
Ranking and Recognition
WVU is recognized for its strong alumni base, securing a high ranking among universities worldwide. According to EduRank, West Virginia University ranks 293rd globally, 121st in North America, and 114th in the United States based on the aggregated prominence of its alumni.
Prominent Alumni
Entertainment and Media
- Steve Harvey: A versatile entertainer, Steve Harvey is an American comedian, television host, actor, writer, and producer. He is known for hosting "The Steve Harvey Morning Show," "Family Feud," "Celebrity Family Feud," "Family Feud Africa," and "Judge Steve Harvey." Harvey's achievements include seven Daytime Emmy Awards, two Marconi Awards, and fourteen NAACP Image Awards.
- Cheryl Hines: An accomplished actress, Cheryl Hines is best known for her role as Cheryl in HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," which earned her two Emmy Award nominations. She also starred in the ABC sitcom "Suburgatory" and directed the film "Serious Moonlight." Hines is married to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Don Knotts: A beloved comedian and actor, Don Knotts is famous for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show," for which he won five Emmy Awards. He also played Ralph Furley on "Three's Company" and starred in comedic films like "The Incredible Mr. Limpet" and "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken."
- Conchata Ferrell: An actress known for her roles in television and film, Conchata Ferrell played Berta the housekeeper on "Two and a Half Men," earning two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her performance in "L.A. Law."
- Chris Sarandon: A versatile actor, Chris Sarandon is known for his roles in "Fright Night," "The Princess Bride," "Child's Play," and as the voice of Jack Skellington in "The Nightmare Before Christmas." He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in "Dog Day Afternoon."
- Billy Mays: A well-known television personality, William Darrell Mays Jr. was a direct-response advertisement salesperson who promoted products like OxiClean, Orange Glo, and Kaboom. His infomercials were famous for his catchphrase "Hi, Billy Mays here."
- Emily Calandrelli: An American science communicator, engineer, author, and television presenter. She is the host and an executive producer of Xploration Outer Space.
- Paul Dooley: An American character actor known for his roles in "Breaking Away", "Popeye", "Strange Brew", "Sixteen Candles" and various Christopher Guest mockumentaries. He co-created the PBS children's show The Electric Company.
Sports
- Jerry West: A legendary basketball player and executive, Jerry West played for the Los Angeles Lakers and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Known as "the Logo," his silhouette is the basis for the NBA logo. He was also called "Mr. Clutch" for his ability to perform in key situations and "Zeke from Cabin Creek."
- Geno Smith: A professional football quarterback, Eugene Cyril Smith III plays for the Seattle Seahawks. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers, setting numerous records and earning multiple awards.
- Pat McAfee: A sports analyst, color commentator, and former professional football punter, Patrick Justin McAfee works for ESPN's "College GameDay" and hosts "The Pat McAfee Show." He is also a color commentator for WWE Raw.
- Joe Mazzulla: The head coach for the Boston Celtics of the NBA, Joseph Mazzulla played college basketball for West Virginia University as a point guard.
- Will Grier: A professional football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, William Grier played college football for the Florida Gators and West Virginia Mountaineers.
- Rich Rodriguez: An American college football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at West Virginia University, his second stint with his alma mater.
- Jeff Hostetler: A former professional football player, William Jeffrey Hostetler was a quarterback in the NFL for the New York Giants, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, and Washington Redskins. He won Super Bowl XXV with the Giants.
- David Sills: An American professional football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL).
- Jevon Carter: An American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Politics and Public Service
- Katherine Johnson: A mathematician who made critical contributions to the U.S. crewed spaceflights. During her 33-year career at NASA, she earned a reputation for mastering complex manual calculations and helped pioneer the use of computers. NASA recognized her "historical role as one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist."
- Joe Manchin: An American politician, Joseph Anthony Manchin III served as a United States senator from West Virginia. He was also the 34th governor of West Virginia and the 27th secretary of state of West Virginia. Before politics, he co-founded Enersystems, a coal brokerage company.
- Heather Bresch: An American business executive, Heather Bresch was the CEO of Mylan, a pharmaceutical company. She has been a central figure in controversies related to inflating her resume and the pricing of Mylan's EpiPen products.
- Anthony McAuliffe: A senior United States Army officer who earned fame as the acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division defending Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
Other Notable Alumni
- Taylor Kinney: An American actor and model. He played Jared in Zero Dark Thirty, Phil in The Other Woman, and Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Kelly Severide on the American drama Chicago Fire.
- Antoine Fuqua: An American film director known for his work in the action and thriller genres.
- Josh Stewart: An American actor who is best known for his role as Holt McLaren in the TV series Dirt and as Detective William LaMontagne Jr., on the series Criminal Minds.
- Steve Murphy: A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent who, along with Javier Peña, investigated Pablo Escobar. Their story was told in the Netflix series "Narcos."
- Oliver Luck: An American business executive and former professional football player. He is currently the executive director of the United Athletic Conference.
- Little Jimmy Dickens: An American country music singer and songwriter famous for his humorous novelty songs, his small size (4'10" [150 cm]), and his rhinestone-studded outfits
- Bill Hayes: An American actor and recording artist. His song "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" hit the top of the Billboard charts between March and May 1955.
- David Selby: An American film, television, and stage actor. He is best known for playing Quentin Collins on the daytime soap Dark Shadows (1968-71) and Richard Channing on the prime-time soap Falcon Crest (1982-90).
- Bill Eadie: An American retired professional wrestler who has competed under the names of Ax as part of Demolition and The Masked Superstar.
Potomac State College Alumni Hall of Fame
Potomac State College, a division of WVU, also recognizes its distinguished alumni through the Alumni Hall of Fame. Inductees are selected by a designated committee, and their accomplishments are permanently displayed in The Erickson Alumni Center.
Notable Potomac State College Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees:
- 1975: Ralph J.
- 1976: Ernest E.
- 1977: Ervin L.
- 1978: Isabella R.
- 1979: David G.
- 1980: Alexander B.
- 1981: Joseph W.
- 1982: James T.
- 1983: William E.
- 1984: Leonard G.
- 1985: Elizabeth P.
- 1986: James H.
- 1987: Mary F.
- 1988: Thomas J.
- 1989: Kenneth F.
- 1990: Richard A.
- 1991: Mary Lou Keplinger
- 1992: Jerry L.
- 1993: Oscar H.
- 1994: Anna Church
- 1995: Glen A.
- 1996: Harry W.
- 1997: Tom Ambrose
- 1998: Patricia A. Hartman
- 1999: A. Michael
- 2000: Betty L.
- 2001: Chester D. Harman
- 2002: Edith S.
- 2003: Dr. E.E.
- 2004: Larry G. Bolyard, Sr.
- 2016: Gary A. Seldomridge, Ph.D.
- 2017: Dr. Bernadette M.
- 2018: Theresa G.
- 2019: Tara M. Hulsey, Ph.D.
- 2021: A. Root, M.D.
- 2023: Carl D.
These individuals have made significant contributions to their professions and communities, reflecting the quality of education and values instilled at Potomac State College.
Other Notable Alumni
This is not an exhaustive list but it contains other notable alumni:
Read also: Career Paths at West Shore Educational Service District
- Jeremy Sheffey - former professional football player.
- Marc Bulger - former NFL quarterback for the St.
- Jedd Gyorko - former second baseman for the St.
- Karen S. Evans - de facto CIO of the United States under President George W.
- Ken Ward Jr.
- Clark S.
- Frank L.
- William G.
- Joseph M.
- William E.
- Kathleen M.
- Sen. Harley M.
- William C.
- Edward F.
- M. Arch A. Moore, Jr.
- Ephraim F.
- Matthew M.
- Stuart F.
- Paul S.
- William S.
- John G.
- Cecil H.
- Christopher C.
- Karen S.
- James M.
- Steven C.
Read also: Explore CFK
Read also: West Virginia University College of Law History
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