Texas Wesleyan University (TXWES) in Fort Worth, Texas, has cultivated a legacy of accomplished graduates who have left their mark across diverse fields, even if the institution isn't typically associated with A-list celebrities or Nobel laureates. The university's notable alumni from Texas Wesleyan University embody the Rams' spirit of resilience and community impact, particularly in law, music, politics, and sports. With an alumni network exceeding 30,000 strong, TXWES fosters connections that support career growth for current students and job seekers exploring opportunities in the DFW area.
One standout category is politics, where alumni like Phil Hardberger, who earned his J.D. from TXWES School of Law in 1964, served as Mayor of San Antonio from 2005 to 2009 and as a respected judge on the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals. His leadership highlights how TXWES law graduates influence public policy and justice systems. In entertainment, Grammy-winning singer B.J. Thomas, who attended TXWES in the early 1960s, achieved global fame with hits like "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" from the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and "Growing Pains" theme song, showcasing the creative talents nurtured on campus.
Sports figures represent another pillar, with basketball alumni advancing to professional leagues, contributing to TXWES's NAIA national championships in men's basketball during the 1950s and 1970s. These famous graduates of Texas Wesleyan University demonstrate the value of the university's hands-on programs in building real-world skills. The implications are profound for prospective students: TXWES alumni often credit small class sizes and Methodist values for their success, leading to high placement rates in Texas legal firms, local government, and regional entertainment.
For job seekers, connecting with these influential leaders Texas Wesleyan University can open doors—check professor reviews on Rate My Professor for TXWES faculty insights or explore higher ed jobs in Fort Worth. Visit the official TXWES alumni page for stories and events. Located in vibrant Fort Worth, TXWES offers a tight-knit community where everyday trailblazers thrive, proving that impact matters more than fame. Parents and faculty appreciate how these achievements underscore the university's role in fostering ethical, driven professionals ready for Texas academic jobs.
Discover the Texas Wesleyan University notable alumni who have made waves across various fields. While TXWES (Texas Wesleyan University) may not boast U.S. presidents or billionaires among its famous graduates, it has produced standout talents in sports, entertainment, and influential leaders in law and politics. These famous graduates of Texas Wesleyan University inspire current students and job seekers eyeing careers in Fort Worth, Texas. Check professor reviews on Rate My Professor for TXWES to see where these alumni studied, or explore academic jobs in Fort Worth and higher ed jobs. For more, see the sports figures section below.
TXWES has a strong athletic legacy, with alumni excelling in MLB and NFL, showcasing the grit learned on campus fields. Top highlights:
Music shines bright with Grammy-nominated stars from TXWES, proving the university nurtures creative voices amid rigorous academics.
TXWES law grads influence Texas policy and judiciary, from state reps to judges handling high-profile cases.
No verified Nobel winners or billionaires yet, but TXWES alumni drive Texas Wesleyan University breakthroughs daily. Dive deeper via TXWES official alumni page or rate TXWES professors. Considering TXWES? View higher ed career advice and Texas academic jobs.
Discovering the notable alumni from Texas Wesleyan University (TXWES) reveals a tapestry of achievements that inspire students and job seekers alike. While TXWES may not boast Hollywood celebrities or Nobel winners, its famous graduates have made significant marks in sports and politics, showcasing the university's role in nurturing talent for real-world impact. For instance, Toby Harrah, a standout baseball player who graduated from TXWES, became a two-time MLB All-Star with the Texas Rangers. His entertaining switch-hitting style and quirky on-field antics, like wearing a towel around his neck as a 'good luck charm,' captivated fans and highlighted the grit learned on Fort Worth's campus. Harrah's career stats include over 1,000 hits and a .264 batting average, proving TXWES alumni can thrive in competitive arenas.
In politics, Leo Barker, a Texas Wesleyan University graduate, served in the Texas House of Representatives, advocating for education and community issues during his tenure from 1973 to 1987. His dedication to public service exemplifies how TXWES prepares influential leaders ready to shape policy. Rex Andrews, another sports figure, took his football prowess from TXWES to the NFL, playing for the Detroit Lions in the 1940s and embodying the Rams' athletic tradition. These stories entertain while demonstrating TXWES's track record of producing successful professionals. Parents considering TXWES for their children or faculty exploring job opportunities at higher-ed-jobs will find these alumni paths motivating.
Want to rate my professor at TXWES or connect with alumni networks? Check out inspiring profiles on the official TXWES alumni page or learn more via Wikipedia's notable alumni section. For job seekers eyeing Fort Worth, explore academic jobs in Fort Worth, Texas or Texas higher ed opportunities. Dive deeper into sports figures and politics alumni lists, and get career tips at how to write a winning academic CV. With such entertaining insights into achievements, TXWES alumni remind us that breakthroughs often come from dedicated, smaller institutions. Considering TXWES? Rate professors and see why graduates succeed globally.
Discover how Texas Wesleyan University notable alumni shine across key categories with these star ratings based on verified achievements from trusted sources like the university's official history and Olympic records. These ratings reflect real impacts, such as Olympic gold and state leadership, inspiring students and job seekers eyeing Texas Wesleyan University (TXWES) in Fort Worth. Ratings use a 5-star scale (✭✭✭✭✭ full, ☆ empty), drawing from alumni like Rex Cawley, the 1964 Olympic 400m hurdles champion who honed his skills here, and politicians like Ric Williamson, former Texas Secretary of Economic Development.
Overall, TXWES alumni thrive in sports and public service (average 3.5/5), proving small schools yield big wins. For notable alumni from Texas Wesleyan University, prioritize athletics and civics. Job seekers: Tailor resumes highlighting Rams grit for faculty positions; parents, encourage extracurriculars. Faculty/staff: Mentor via professor ratings. Trends show steady local impact over decades. Dive deeper on academic CV tips.
Texas Wesleyan University alumni have excelled as athletes, particularly in baseball and basketball within the NAIA context of the United States. These sports figures have contributed to professional leagues, highlighting the university's tradition of developing competitive talent.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toby Harrah | MLB Infielder | unknown | Played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1969 to 1986, earning three All-Star selections and known for his positional versatility across five infield spots. | |
| Lee Nailon | NBA Player | 1993-1996 | Played eight seasons in the NBA for teams including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and New Orleans Hornets after starring for the Texas Wesleyan Rams. | |
| Dennis Powell | MLB Pitcher | unknown | Left-handed relief pitcher who appeared in 327 Major League games over nine seasons with teams like the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. | |
| D. J. Houlton | MLB Pitcher | unknown | Right-handed pitcher who debuted in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2005 and also pitched in Japan. | |
| Ryan Jackson | MLB Infielder | unknown | Defensive specialist infielder who played in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, known for his time in the minors and international leagues. |
Texas Wesleyan University alumni have excelled in U.S. politics, serving in Congress, state legislatures, and key governmental roles with impacts on economic development, transportation, and public policy. Categories include U.S. political leaders.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent Hance | U.S. Congressman | 1965 | Served as U.S. Representative for Texas's 19th congressional district from 1981 to 1985 and notably challenged George W. Bush in the 1978 Republican primary. | |
| Ric Williamson | Chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission | unknown | Appointed Texas Secretary of Economic Development and Tourism and later chaired the Texas Transportation Commission under Governor Rick Perry, influencing major infrastructure projects. | |
| Toby Goodman | Texas State Representative | Law | 1982 | Served in the Texas House of Representatives from District 64 from 1999 to 2013, focusing on education and transportation legislation. |
