Texas Southern University notable alumni have left indelible marks on American history, politics, entertainment, and beyond, showcasing the power of this Houston-based Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Founded in 1947, Texas Southern University (TSU) sits on a 150-acre urban campus and serves a diverse student body through over 100 programs in fields like law, business, sciences, and the arts. Its famous graduates from Texas Southern University exemplify resilience and leadership, particularly during the Civil Rights era and into modern pop culture.
In politics, TSU stands out with trailblazers like Barbara Jordan, the first Southern Black woman elected to the Texas Senate (1966) and U.S. Congress (1972), renowned for her powerful Watergate impeachment speech, and George “Mickey” Leland, a U.S. Congressman who championed hunger relief globally until his tragic death in 1989. These influential leaders from Texas Southern University highlight the institution's emphasis on public service and advocacy. The law school has produced numerous judges, including U.S. District Judges Kenneth M. Hoyt and Brian C. Wimes, underscoring TSU's strong legal legacy.
Entertainment figures and sports stars add glamour: Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion (Megan Pete, class of 2019, Pharmacy) rose from TSU student to global icon with hits blending hip-hop and academia, while NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, a former standout Tiger, transitioned to hosting Good Morning America. Explore more on entertainment figures or sports figures from TSU.
The impact of these notable alumni from Texas Southern University extends to inspiration for current students, robust networking via the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association (TSUNAA), and implications for career success in competitive fields. With around 30 prominent graduates listed by sources like EduRank, TSU alumni drive change locally in Houston and nationally. For job seekers eyeing academia or public roles, check higher ed jobs or Rate My Professor reviews for TSU faculty to gauge the academic environment. Visit the official TSU alumni page for connections, or learn career tips at higher ed career advice. This legacy positions TSU as a launchpad for ambitious professionals worldwide.
Texas Southern University (TSU) boasts a powerhouse lineup of notable alumni from Texas Southern University, particularly shining in politics, sports, and entertainment. As one of the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation, TSU has produced trailblazers who shaped American history, dominated NFL fields, and topped music charts. Explore these famous graduates of Texas Southern University by category below, with entertaining highlights on the top figures. For more, check the politics, entertainment figures, and sports figures sections or visit TSU's official alumni page.
TSU alumni have been pivotal in U.S. politics, advocating for civil rights and public service from local to national levels.
Athletes from TSU have transitioned from gridiron glory to media stardom, showcasing grit and charisma.
TSU grads rule the stage and screen, blending talent with HBCU pride.
Many TSU lawyers and execs drive change, from judges to entrepreneurs.
While TSU lacks confirmed billionaires or Nobel laureates, its influential leaders Texas Southern University produced inspire globally. Dreaming of similar success? Check Rate My Professor for TSU faculty insights or explore higher ed jobs in Houston.
Discover the captivating stories behind some of the most famous graduates of Texas Southern University (TSU), a powerhouse historically Black university (HBCU) in Houston, Texas. These notable alumni from Texas Southern University have left indelible marks across politics, entertainment, sports, and beyond, inspiring current students and job seekers eyeing careers in higher education. Take Barbara Jordan, the trailblazing U.S. Congresswoman who graduated from TSU in 1956. Her powerful oratory at the 1976 Democratic National Convention electrified the nation, making her the first Black woman from the South elected to Congress and a symbol of civil rights advocacy. Jordan's legacy continues to motivate aspiring leaders considering higher ed jobs in public service.
Then there's George "Mickey" Leland, a TSU alumnus whose passion for humanitarian aid led him to chair the House Select Committee on Hunger before his tragic death in 1989. His work highlighted global poverty, influencing policy that resonates today. Sports fans celebrate Michael Strahan, the NFL star and TV host who honed his skills at TSU before sacking quarterbacks for the New York Giants and winning a Super Bowl in 2008. From the gridiron to hosting Good Morning America, Strahan embodies the Tiger spirit. More recently, Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion, who attended TSU, has dominated charts with hits like "Savage" and advocated for education and women's rights, showing how TSU fosters entertainment figures.
These achievements underscore TSU's role in producing influential leaders. Check out the full politics alumni, entertainment figures, and sports figures for more. For those exploring faculty insights, visit Rate My Professor pages for Texas Southern University. Stay connected via the official TSU Alumni page. Dreaming of your own breakthrough? Explore academic jobs in Houston or higher ed career advice to follow in their footsteps. With a vibrant network and programs in law, business, and communications, TSU equips graduates for global impact—proving why it's a top choice for diverse talents.
Texas Southern University (TSU) notable alumni have made remarkable contributions across diverse fields, inspiring current students, faculty, staff, parents, and job seekers worldwide. These star ratings evaluate alumni achievements based on verified impacts, leadership roles, awards, and societal influence from trusted sources like the official TSU website and US News rankings. Ratings use a 10-point scale, highlighting strengths in categories tied to famous graduates of Texas Southern University. Whether you're considering TSU in Houston, Texas, these insights offer actionable advice to channel similar success. For deeper dives, explore politics alumni, sports figures, or entertainment figures.
These ratings underscore TSU's legacy in public service and athletics, motivating you to rate professors and pursue faculty jobs. With a global audience eyeing TSU, emulate these paths for your breakthroughs—start by connecting with alumni today!
Texas Southern University alumni have excelled in entertainment fields such as actors and musicians, bringing innovative performances, chart-topping hits, and cultural influence to global audiences through music, film, and stage.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yolanda Adams | Gospel singer | Music | 1981 | Grammy Award-winning artist with multiple platinum albums and hits like 'Open My Heart,' pioneering contemporary gospel music. |
| Megan Thee Stallion | Rapper | Health Administration | attended 2013-2016 | Multi-platinum hip-hop star and three-time Grammy winner known for empowering anthems like 'Savage' and 'WAP,' blending rap with activism. |
| Arnett Cobb | Jazz saxophonist | Music | unknown | Influential tenor sax player dubbed 'The Wild Man of the Tenor Sax' for his powerful swing-era style and recordings with major jazz labels. |
| Clifton Powell | Actor | unknown | Prolific film and TV actor featured in movies like the Friday franchise, Ray, and Dead Presidents, with over 100 credits spanning decades. | |
| Johnny Nash | Singer-songwriter | 1958 | Best known for his 1972 hit 'I Can See Clearly Now,' which topped charts worldwide and showcased his reggae and pop fusion style. |
Texas Southern University alumni have excelled as athletes, particularly in American football, contributing to professional leagues like the NFL with remarkable athletic achievements and team successes; categories: Athletes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warren Wells | NFL Wide Receiver | unknown | Wide receiver known for explosive speed, leading the AFL in receiving touchdowns in 1968 and 1970 with the Oakland Raiders. | |
| Jimmie Thomas | NFL Cornerback | unknown | Cornerback who appeared in 46 NFL games for the Houston Oilers and Detroit Lions from 1970 to 1973. | |
| Ben McGee | NFL Defensive End | unknown | Defensive end who played five NFL seasons for the San Francisco 49ers and others after a standout college career at Texas Southern. | |
| Willie Ellison | NFL Fullback | unknown | Fullback who rushed for 3,235 yards over nine NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and others, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 1968. | |
| Ken Burrough | NFL Wide Receiver | unknown | Wide receiver who spent 13 NFL seasons primarily with the Houston Oilers, amassing 4,360 receiving yards and 43 touchdowns. | |
| Robert Brazile | NFL Linebacker | Physical Education | 1971 | Pro Football Hall of Famer who played for the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1984, earning six Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. |
Texas Southern University has nurtured prominent figures in U.S. politics, with alumni making lasting impacts in Congress, the Texas Legislature, and public policy on civil rights, health care, and community advocacy; categories include U.S.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbara Jordan | U.S. Representative | Political Science | 1956 | Historic first African American woman from the South elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, famed for her eloquent Watergate hearings testimony and advocacy for civil rights. |
| Mickey Leland | U.S. Representative | Mathematics | 1970 | Influential Congressman for Texas's 18th district who chaired the House Select Committee on Hunger and championed international famine relief efforts. |
| Senfronia Thompson | Texas State Representative | 1954 | Dean of the Texas House and longest-serving female legislator in state history, pioneering bills on women's rights, child protection, and education equity. | |
| Garnet Coleman | Texas State Representative | Law | 1988 | Former Texas House Democrat known for leadership in health policy, mental health reform, and criminal justice initiatives. |
| Borris Miles | Texas State Senator | Law | 1990 | Texas Senate member from Houston advocating for economic equity, public safety, and small business support in urban communities. |
| Ron Reynolds | Texas State Representative | Law | unknown | Attorney and Texas House member representing Fort Bend County, focusing on civil rights and legislative ethics. |
| Yvonne Davis | Texas State Representative | unknown | Longtime Texas House member from Dallas serving on key committees for urban affairs and homeland security. | |
| Shawn Thierry | Texas State Representative | unknown | Former Texas House Democrat advocating for public education funding and healthcare access in Houston. |
This section covers alumni of Texas Southern University who have been associated with criminal activities or high-profile legal cases, reflecting a range of outcomes in the U.S. higher education landscape where not all paths lead to acclaim.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarence Brandley | High school janitor | unknown | Wrongfully convicted in 1981 of raping and murdering high school cheerleader Cheryl Fergeson, he spent nearly 10 years on death row before being exonerated in 1990 due to recanted witness testimony and new evidence. |
