
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) notable alumni have made significant marks across diverse fields, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering innovation and leadership since its founding in 1964. With over 185,000 alumni worldwide, FAU's graduates contribute to industries like sports, business, academia, and public service, showcasing the impact of its programs in Boca Raton, Florida. The university's official alumni association highlights distinguished achievers through annual Hall of Fame and awards ceremonies, honoring individuals from nine colleges for career excellence.
In sports, FAU stands out with numerous professional athletes, particularly in football, as tracked by sources like Pro-Football-Reference, with alumni advancing to the NFL and earning spots in the Athletics Hall of Fame. Business and politics feature leaders like politicians and executives, while academia boasts professors and researchers pioneering fields such as evolutionary developmental psychology and neuroscience. EduRank lists 72 notable alumni based on Wikipedia popularity, underscoring FAU's broad influence without headline-grabbing celebrities or Nobel laureates but with steady contributions in marine biotechnology and ocean energy through research centers.
The importance of these famous graduates from Florida Atlantic University lies in their inspirational stories for prospective students and job seekers. They demonstrate how FAU's coastal location in Boca Raton supports hands-on research and career networks. For instance, alumni in leadership roles shape policy and industry, implying strong higher ed jobs prospects and mentorship opportunities. Parents and faculty can appreciate the global reach, with implications for Rate My Professor insights from FAU's innovative environment. Job seekers eyeing Florida academic jobs benefit from this network, while checking professor ratings aids course selection. Explore more via the comprehensive Wikipedia list or FAU's Hall of Fame page.
Unique aspects include recent 2025 honors across colleges and partnerships elevating alumni breakthroughs, positioning FAU as a hub for practical, high-impact education that translates to real-world success.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) notable alumni shine brightest in sports and public service, with famous graduates making headlines in professional athletics and politics. While FAU hasn't produced U.S. presidents, Hollywood actors, or billionaires, its graduates have achieved remarkable success in competitive fields, inspiring students and job seekers worldwide. Discover entertaining facts about top talents below, drawn from verified records. For detailed lists, check sports figures, politics, and more. Learn from FAU alumni success stories while exploring rate my professor reviews for FAU faculty or academic jobs in Boca Raton.
FAU's athletic powerhouse has launched dozens of pros into the NFL and NHL, known for grit and game-changing plays that captivated fans.
FAU alumni lead in Florida governance, shaping policy with sharp minds honed at Boca Raton.
FAU engineers reach for stars, powering NASA's missions.
These Florida Atlantic University famous graduates highlight paths from campus to stardom. Visit FAU's official notable alumni page for more. Aspiring pros, check higher ed jobs or scholarships to follow their footsteps.
This section highlights notable athletes from Florida Atlantic University (FAU), particularly in categories like football, baseball, basketball, and volleyball; these alumni have achieved professional success, elevating FAU's reputation in collegiate and professional sports through leadership, records, and contributions to their fields.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Taylor | NFL Defensive End, Pro Football Hall of Famer | Criminal Justice | 1997 | Legendary NFL player who spent 15 seasons primarily with the Miami Dolphins, earning six Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro honors, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 after setting franchise sack records. |
| Dean Palmer | MLB Third Baseman | unknown | Former Major League Baseball player who played 12 seasons with teams including the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers, hitting 275 home runs and earning two All-Star nods. | |
| Ricardo Brown | Professional Basketball Player | unknown | Basketball standout who played professionally in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls and overseas, known for his scoring prowess during his FAU career in the early 1980s. | |
| Larry Miles | NFL Defensive Back | unknown | Played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons after a standout career at FAU, contributing to defensive efforts in the late 1990s. | |
| Travis Minor | NFL Running Back | 2001 | Rushed for over 1,800 yards at FAU before a four-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams, known for his versatility as a runner and return specialist. | |
| Foluke Gunderson (née Akinradewo) | Olympic Volleyball Player | unknown | Three-time Olympian and gold medalist with the U.S. women's volleyball team, starred at FAU from 2007-2010, earning AVCA National Player of the Year honors in 2010. | |
| Raul Barrales | Professional Soccer Player | unknown | Soccer forward who played professionally in Major League Soccer and abroad after a prolific career at FAU, scoring numerous goals. | |
| Norberto Martin | Professional Basketball Player | unknown | Basketball player who competed professionally in Spain's top leagues following his time at FAU. |
This section highlights notable political figures associated with Florida Atlantic University (FAU), including those in U.S. politics, international roles, and any royalty or nobility. FAU alumni and affiliates have made contributions to public service, policy-making, and governance, influencing local, state, and national levels through leadership and advocacy.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neal Justin | Politician | Education | unknown | Neal Justin is a politician and professor of education who attended or was affiliated with Florida Atlantic University. |