The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has a proud tradition of producing The College of New Jersey notable alumni who make significant contributions across various fields, particularly in public service, education, business, media, and sports. Located in Ewing Township, New Jersey, TCNJ's rigorous academic programs and emphasis on leadership have propelled many famous graduates of The College of New Jersey to influential positions, especially within the state and nationally. While not boasting Nobel winners or billionaires, TCNJ alumni demonstrate the power of a strong liberal arts education in fostering impactful careers.
In politics, alumni like former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio (Class of 1962) exemplify the school's influence. Florio, who attended when it was Trenton State College, championed environmental protection and education reform during his tenure from 1990 to 1994. Other notable alumni from The College of New Jersey in government include state legislators such as Upendra J. Chivukula, who served in the New Jersey General Assembly. These leaders highlight TCNJ's role in shaping public policy, with many graduates holding positions in state agencies and local government, contributing to New Jersey's governance.
The media and entertainment sectors feature standout figures like Katie Nolan (Class of 2005), a sports television host known for her work on Fox Sports and ESPN, bringing engaging commentary to millions. Journalists like Dana Tyler, an Emmy Award-winning anchor, also trace their roots to TCNJ, underscoring the communications program's strength.
Sports figures shine brightly too, with NFL players such as Brandon Renkart and Mike Adams emerging from TCNJ's athletic programs (see sports figures). These alumni not only excel professionally but also inspire current students by returning as mentors or speakers.
TCNJ's alumni network, spanning over 100,000 strong, boasts high placement rates in education and business, with many becoming teachers, administrators, and executives. According to TCNJ's official data, alumni report strong career outcomes, with 95% employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. This success stems from unique aspects like small class sizes, undergraduate research opportunities, and proximity to Trenton and Philadelphia job markets. For job seekers eyeing opportunities near Ewing Township or New Jersey academic jobs, TCNJ connections open doors. Explore professor feedback at Rate My Professor for TCNJ or browse higher ed jobs and higher ed career advice.
Discover more via TCNJ's official alumni page or Wikipedia list. These achievements underscore why TCNJ remains a top choice for aspiring leaders.
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) boasts a strong track record of producing notable alumni from The College of New Jersey who make meaningful impacts across diverse fields. These star ratings evaluate alumni achievements based on verified data from the university's official site, US News & World Report, and Niche reviews, focusing on influence, innovation, and leadership. Ratings use a 5-star scale where ★★★★★ represents exceptional global recognition, ★★★★☆ strong regional/national success, and lower stars indicate emerging or limited verified standouts. For job seekers and students eyeing TCNJ, these insights highlight pathways to success—network via the TCNJ Alumni Association, rate professors on Rate My Professor to choose impactful mentors, and explore higher ed jobs in New Jersey.
These ratings inspire by showing TCNJ fosters real-world leaders. Students: emulate paths by interning early. Job seekers: TCNJ network boosts faculty jobs. Parents: strong ROI evident in alumni outcomes. No verified celebrities, presidents, or criminals highlight focused excellence. Dive deeper into famous graduates of The College of New Jersey success stories for motivation.
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) boasts alumni who have made significant marks in acting, television, and film, reflecting the strength of its theater and performing arts programs. These entertainment figures highlight TCNJ's role in nurturing talent for stage and screen in the United States.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alysia Reiner | Actress | Theater | 1994 | Best known for her role as Natalie 'Fig' Figueroa, the tough prison guard in Netflix's Orange Is the New Black. |
| Brian Dietzen | Actor and Producer | Theater | 2000 | Portrays Dr. Jimmy Palmer on the long-running CBS series NCIS and has written and produced several episodes. |
| Michelle Borth | Actress | unknown | Recognized for roles such as Katherine in Hawaii Five-0 and Mary Bromfield in the DC film Shazam!. | |
| Cotter Smith | Actor | English | 1968 | Veteran stage and screen actor featured in The Americans, The West Wing, and films like The Tale. |
Sports figures from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) primarily include athletes who have excelled in professional leagues such as Major League Baseball and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL); these alumni demonstrate the impact of TCNJ's robust NCAA Division III athletic programs in fostering talent for higher levels of competition.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Furjanic | Major League Baseball pitcher | business administration | 1993 | Pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball from 1996 to 1998 after a standout college career at TCNJ. |
| Brooke Lewis | Professional soccer player | exercise science and athletic training | 2012 | Played as a defender for Sky Blue FC in the NWSL following her time on the TCNJ women's soccer team. |
This section features notable alumni in U.S. politics, primarily at the state and local levels. TCNJ graduates have contributed to New Jersey governance through legislative service and municipal leadership, shaping public policy and community development.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reed Gusciora | Mayor of Trenton | Political Science | 1983 | Long-time New Jersey General Assembly member from District 15 since 1996 and Mayor of Trenton since 2018. |
| Wayne K. Hall, Jr. | New Jersey Assemblyman | unknown | Served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing District 15. | |
| Barbara Wright | New Jersey Assemblywoman | 1973 | Former member of the New Jersey General Assembly from District 15, serving from 1996 to 1998. | |
| Ann Marie Burgess | Mayor of Ewing Township | unknown | Served as Mayor of Ewing Township, New Jersey. |
