Discover the famous graduates of Georgia State University (GSU), whose achievements highlight the power of a GSU education in launching careers across diverse fields. While GSU has no U.S. presidents, Nobel winners, or billionaires among its alumni, it excels in producing influential leaders, entertainers, and athletes who captivate the world with their talents and stories. From political trailblazers to Grammy-winning rappers and Olympic medalists, these notable alumni from Georgia State University demonstrate the university's role in fostering success. Dive into entertaining facts about top figures in key categories, and explore detailed lists in politics, entertainment figures, and sports figures. Considering GSU? Check Rate My Professor reviews for faculty insights or browse higher ed jobs and academic jobs in Atlanta, Georgia.
GSU law graduates lead in Georgia politics, championing voting rights and policy change.
GSU nurtures creative talents who dominate music and media with bold voices.
Athletes from GSU's Panthers program achieve Olympic glory and pro success.
These Georgia State University celebrities inspire current students. Learn more via the official GSU alumni site or higher ed career advice.
Discovering the notable alumni from Georgia State University (GSU) reveals a tapestry of remarkable achievements that inspire students, faculty, staff, parents, and job seekers worldwide. Famous graduates of Georgia State University have left indelible marks across entertainment, sports, politics, and business, proving that this Atlanta powerhouse fosters trailblazers. Take Killer Mike, the Grammy-winning rapper and activist (Michael Santiago Render), who honed his skills at GSU before dropping hits like "Reagan" and advocating for social justice—his story shows how GSU's urban vibe fuels creative fire. Or consider Ryan Seacrest, the iconic TV host who attended GSU, launching a career spanning American Idol and his own media empire, entertaining millions daily.
In sports, Tim Hudson, a GSU baseball alum (class of 1992), became an MLB All-Star pitcher with over 220 wins across four teams, including the Atlanta Braves, embodying the grit of Panther athletes. Politics shines with Stacey Abrams, who earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) at GSU and became a voting rights pioneer, nearly becoming Georgia's governor and influencing national elections. Barry Loudermilk, holding an MBA from GSU, serves as a U.S. Congressman, championing fiscal responsibility. These Atlanta success stories highlight GSU's role in shaping influential leaders.
Check out more in our sports figures or politics lists for deeper dives. Aspiring professionals can explore Rate My Professor reviews for GSU faculty or browse higher ed jobs and faculty positions nearby. For career tips, visit how to write a winning academic CV. Learn more via GSU's official alumni page or Wikipedia list.
GSU alumni trends show steady rises in entertainment and public service over the past decade, with no Nobel winners or billionaires yet, but breakthroughs in policy and media. Whether you're eyeing scholarships or academic jobs in Georgia, these tales motivate—GSU turns everyday Panthers into legends.
This section features notable athletes from Georgia State University, primarily in categories like basketball, football, baseball, and motorsports; these alumni have excelled in professional leagues, showcasing the university's role in developing talent for high-level athletic competition and careers.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris McMurray | NASCAR driver | unknown | Stock car racing driver who has competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and other series. | |
| Dennis Pender | Professional football player | unknown | Former NFL wide receiver who played for the New York Giants. | |
| Raynald Leconte | Professional basketball player | unknown | Haitian-American basketball player known for professional play in European leagues. | |
| Willie Evans | Professional basketball player | unknown | Basketball player who pursued a professional career overseas after GSU. | |
| Kevin Whited | Professional baseball player | unknown | Former outfielder who played in Minor League Baseball organizations. | |
| Zuri Tibbs | Professional football player | unknown | American football player with professional experience post-GSU. | |
| Mo Alie-Cox | NFL tight end | Sports Administration | 2017 | Tight end for the Indianapolis Colts, notable for transitioning from college basketball at VMI to professional football after earning his master's degree at GSU. |
Georgia State University alumni have made notable contributions to U.S. politics at local, state, and federal levels, with no prominent international or royalty figures identified. These graduates have shaped policy, advocated for voting rights, and led major cities, demonstrating the university's role in fostering public service leaders.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stacey Abrams | Minority Leader, Georgia House of Representatives | Law | 1999 | Voting rights activist and politician who became the first woman to lead either party in the Georgia General Assembly. |
| Keisha Lance Bottoms | Mayor of Atlanta | City and Regional Planning | 1989 | Served as the 60th mayor of Atlanta from 2018 to 2022, focusing on economic development and public safety. |
| Sam Massell | Mayor of Atlanta | Business Administration | 1949 | Last white mayor of Atlanta before Maynard Jackson, serving from 1970 to 1974 and later as president of the Buckhead Chamber of Commerce. |
| Lee R. Anderson | U.S. Representative | Business Administration | 1953 | Represented Georgia's 7th congressional district in the U.S. House from 1965 to 1973. |
| Walt Black | Georgia State Representative | Law | unknown | Served multiple terms in the Georgia House of Representatives representing District 152. |
