Boise State University notable alumni have made significant marks across various fields, particularly in sports and public service, showcasing the institution's ability to produce influential leaders and achievers. Located in Boise, Idaho, this public research university has a vibrant alumni network of over 115,000 graduates worldwide, many of whom credit their success to the hands-on education and community focus at Boise State. The importance of these famous graduates of Boise State University lies in their real-world impacts, inspiring current students, faculty, parents, and job seekers by demonstrating pathways from campus to high-profile careers.
In sports, Boise State stands out with its legendary football program on the iconic blue turf at Albertsons Stadium. Notable alumni from Boise State University include Kellen Moore (class of 2012), who transitioned from quarterback to offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Doug Martin (class of 2012), a former NFL running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers known for his 2012 Rookie of the Year performance. Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure (class of 1971) also honed his skills here, highlighting the program's NFL pipeline. Check out the sports-figures section for more standout athletes who've excelled professionally.
In politics, Dirk Kempthorne (class of 1978) exemplifies leadership, serving as Idaho Governor (1999-2006), U.S. Senator, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior. His career underscores Boise State's role in shaping influential leaders in state and national government. View the politics section for details on such trailblazers. While Boise State University celebrities in entertainment are fewer, alumni like television writer Krista Vernoff (Grey's Anatomy) show creative breakthroughs.
These achievements have implications for you considering Boise State: a strong alumni network aids job placements, especially in Idaho's growing sectors. For instance, explore academic jobs in Boise or higher-ed-jobs nearby. Parents and students can rate my professor reviews for Boise State University to gauge teaching quality. Job seekers, leverage higher-ed-career-advice inspired by these successes. Learn more via the official Boise State Alumni Association or Wikipedia's list. With no Nobel laureates or billionaires confirmed, the focus remains on accessible, impactful success stories that resonate globally.
Boise State University alumni have made their mark in entertainment, particularly as musicians and comedians, contributing to indie rock, classic rock bands, and stand-up comedy scenes. These figures highlight the university's role in nurturing creative talents who influence popular culture through music performances and comedic works.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Lindsay | Musician | unknown | Former lead singer of the 1960s rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders, famous for hits like 'Kicks' and 'Indian Reservation'. | |
| Ryan Stout | Comedian | Communications | 2005 | Stand-up comedian who has appeared on Comedy Central's Live at Gotham and performed at clubs across the U.S. |
| Doug Martsch | Musician | unknown | Lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the indie rock band Built to Spill, known for albums like Keep It Like a Secret. |
Athletes. Boise State University has a storied tradition in college athletics, particularly football, with alumni achieving success in the NFL, coaching, and broadcasting, demonstrating the university's strong impact on sports careers.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Childs | Former Arena Football Player | unknown | Wide receiver and Arena Football League MVP who played for the Boise State Broncos and later in professional indoor football leagues. | |
| Harvey Brock | Former NFL Defensive Back | unknown | Defensive back who played professionally in the NFL and CFL following his Boise State tenure. | |
| Chris Atwood | Former NFL Quarterback | unknown | Quarterback who appeared in NFL Europe and the Arena Football League after playing at Boise State. | |
Boise State University alumni have made significant contributions to U.S. politics, particularly in Idaho state government and federal roles, with no notable international or royalty and nobility figures. These graduates have influenced policy and leadership at local, state, and national levels through dedicated public service.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirk Kempthorne | Governor of Idaho; U.S. Secretary of the Interior | Biology | 1973 | Served as the 30th Governor of Idaho from 1999 to 2006 and as U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2006 to 2009. |
| Larry EchoHawk | Attorney General of Idaho; Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs | Political Science | 1970 | Served as Idaho's Attorney General from 1991 to 1995 and as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs from 2009 to 2012. |
| Branden Durst | Majority Leader of the Idaho House of Representatives | unknown |
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| Joe Aliotti |
| Former NFL Defensive End |
| unknown |
| Defensive end who played for the Kansas City Chiefs after his time with the Boise State Broncos. |
| D.J. Harper | Former NFL Running Back | unknown | Running back who rushed for over 3,000 yards at Boise State and briefly played in the NFL for the Tennessee Titans. |
| Orlando Alvarez | Former NFL Kicker | unknown | Kicker who played in the NFL for the Washington Redskins after a successful college career at Boise State. |
| Daren Barnes | Former NFL Linebacker | unknown | Linebacker who played five NFL seasons primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers after playing at Boise State. |
| Legedu Naanee | Former NFL Wide Receiver | unknown | Wide receiver who played seven NFL seasons with the San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers, and Baltimore Ravens following his Boise State career. |
| Ryan Clady | Former NFL Offensive Tackle | unknown | Four-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle who played for the Denver Broncos and New York Jets after starring at Boise State from 2004 to 2007. |
| Ian Johnson | Former NFL Running Back | 2009 | Boise State running back famous for the game-winning 'Statue of Liberty' play in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma. |
| Mark Schlereth | Former NFL Player and Broadcaster | Communications | 1988 | Two-time Super Bowl champion offensive lineman who played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos, and later became an analyst for ESPN. |
| Kellen Moore | NFL Offensive Coordinator | Human Performance and Sport Studies | 2012 | Record-setting quarterback for the Boise State Broncos from 2008 to 2011, who later played professionally for the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Rams before becoming offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. |
| Former Majority Leader in the Idaho House of Representatives known for his legislative leadership. |
