Discover Ohio University notable alumni who have shaped industries worldwide, from journalism powerhouses to entertainment legends and sports hall of famers. Located in Athens, Ohio, this historic institution, founded in 1804 as Ohio's oldest public university, boasts an impressive lineup of notable alumni from Ohio University. Whether you're a prospective student inspired by famous graduates of Ohio University, faculty eyeing higher-ed-jobs, or parents evaluating networks, OU's alumni demonstrate the power of its renowned E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and strong liberal arts foundation. Achievements span politics, media, and athletics, fueling breakthroughs that resonate globally. Dive into Ohio University celebrities and leaders, and see how their legacies can propel your career. Ready to join this network? Explore higher-ed-jobs near Ohio on AcademicJobs.com, or check professor insights via Rate My Professor for Ohio University.
Ohio University notable alumni include trailblazers in entertainment like voice actress Nancy Cartwright, known for Bart Simpson on The Simpsons, and Roma Downey of Touched by an Angel. Influential leaders from Ohio University feature journalists such as former NBC anchor Matt Lauer and politicians like Congresswoman Betty Sutton. Sports icons, including NFL Hall of Famer Jim Parker, highlight athletic prowess. These famous graduates of Ohio University have earned accolades across fields, from Pulitzers to Hall of Fame inductions, underscoring OU's impact in United States academia and beyond. Unique aspects like its top-ranked journalism program and R1 research status amplify these successes, drawing job seekers to university jobs in the region.
Explore categories of Ohio University celebrities and influential leaders Ohio University has produced.
Imagine Nancy Cartwright channeling Bart Simpson's mischief during her Ohio University days in theater classes, honing skills that led to decades voicing the character. Matt Lauer credits OU's journalism program for launching his career from campus radio to national TV. These stories of Ohio University famous graduates reveal a supportive environment fostering bold talents. Paul Brown's innovative coaching tactics, born from OU experiences, revolutionized pro football. Such anecdotes inspire current students pursuing higher-ed-career-advice.
🏛️ Ohio University features a $709 million endowment supporting innovation. Ranked as an R1 research university, it excels in journalism (#10 nationally) and boasts MAC sports success, including football bowl wins. Diversity thrives with 25,000+ students from 100+ countries, enriching campus life in Athens.
| Alumnus | Field | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Nancy Cartwright | Entertainment | Voiced Bart Simpson, cultural icon for 30+ years |
| Matt Lauer | Journalism | Hosted top-rated morning show |
| Jim Parker | Sports | NFL dominance, Hall of Fame |
| Philip Levine | Literature | Pulitzer, Poet Laureate |
Ohio University alumni shine in entertainment and sports, inspiring students and faculty alike. Ratings reflect researched impacts:
These achievements motivate pursuits in professor jobs and beyond.
The endowment funds scholarships reducing costs for in-state tuition around $13,000/year. Alumni networks open doors to higher-ed-jobs, with connections via AcademicJobs.com enhancing career prospects.
Diverse alumni like Roma Downey represent global voices. Sports teams foster unity, with cultural events depicting OU in films like Good Will Hunting nods. Resources support inclusive communities.
Students often share how Ohio University notable alumni like Nancy Cartwright inspire creative careers, blending humor with professionalism learned on campus. Many discuss how alumni legacies motivate their studies in journalism and arts; read their detailed experiences alongside professor reviews on Rate My Professor. Feedback highlights networking perks for adjunct-professor-jobs. One review notes, "Seeing OU grads on TV pushes me daily."
Explore more via Rate My Professor or higher-ed-jobs at Ohio University.
Ohio University alumni have made significant marks in entertainment fields such as acting, music, and television hosting, bringing creativity and innovation to stages, screens, and airwaves across the United States. Categories include Actors, Musicians, Composers, Gamers, and Chess masters, showcasing diverse talents from film stars to performers.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Chappelle | Comedian and Actor | 1987-1989 | Emmy-winning comedian famous for Chappelle's Show and acclaimed Netflix specials. | |
| Roy Rogers | Actor and Singer | attended | Iconic cowboy star of over 100 Western films, known as the King of the Cowboys. | |
| Matt Lauer | Television Host | Communications (B.S.) | 1979 | Long-serving anchor of NBC's Today show for over two decades. |
| Owen Teague | Actor | Theater | 2020 | Rising actor featured in horror film It, Netflix's Bloodline, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. |
| Dom Flemons | Musician | unknown | Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. | |
| Laura Ramsey | Actress | attended | Appeared in films like The Covenant and She's the Man. | |
| Stacey Farber | Actress | attended | Known for roles in Degrassi: The Next Generation and Nurse Jackie. | |
| Piper Perabo | Actress | Theatre (B.F.A.) | 1998 | Known for her breakout role in Coyote Ugly and starring in the TV series Covert Affairs. |
This section highlights notable athletes and sports figures from Ohio University, including professional players in the NFL and NBA. These alumni have made significant impacts in professional sports, contributing to championships, hall of fame inductions, and broadcasting.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andra Davis | NFL Linebacker | 2002 | NFL linebacker who played eight seasons, primarily with the Cleveland Browns, after being drafted in the fifth round. | |
| Jeremy Harlow | NFL Offensive Lineman | unknown | Played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and practiced with other teams following his time at Ohio University. | |
| Sarah Lacy | WNBA Player | 2008 | Center who played in the WNBA for the Sacramento Monarchs and Seattle Storm after a standout career at Ohio University. | |
| Byron Rimm II | Professional Basketball Player | 1984 | Played professional basketball overseas after starring at Ohio University, known for his scoring prowess in college. | |
| Rickey Claitt | NFL Cornerback | 1981 | Played five seasons in the NFL as a cornerback for the Washington Redskins and New York Giants after being drafted in the ninth round. | |
| Ahmad Brooks | NFL Linebacker | 2003 | NFL linebacker who played 12 seasons, notably with the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals, recording 619 tackles and 60 sacks. | |
| Dave Zastudil | NFL Punter | 2002 | NFL punter who played 11 seasons primarily with the Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2011. | |
| Gary Trent | NBA Player | 1995 | NBA shooting guard drafted 43rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1995, played nine seasons across multiple teams including the Toronto Raptors. | |
| Todd Blackledge | NFL Quarterback, Sports Broadcaster | 1979 | Selected fourth overall in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, later played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and now serves as a college football analyst for ESPN. | |
| Jim Lachey | NFL Offensive Tackle, Pro Football Hall of Famer | Finance | 1982 | Played as an offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Raiders and Washington Redskins, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. |
