Tulane University, located in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, has produced a remarkable array of notable alumni from Tulane University who have made significant contributions across diverse fields. As a private research university founded in 1834, Tulane boasts over 100 distinguished graduates listed in sources like EduRank, spanning politics, business, entertainment, sports, academia, and health sciences. These famous graduates of Tulane University exemplify the institution's commitment to excellence and public service, particularly through its unique emphasis on community engagement in the culturally rich Gulf South region.
In politics, alumni such as Newton C. Blanchard, a former Louisiana governor and U.S. Senator, and U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (Tulane Law School, class of 1988), highlight Tulane's influence on public leadership. Business leaders and influential figures have emerged too, with impacts in energy, law, and beyond. Entertainment figures include Shannon S. Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee and a martial artist/businesswoman. Sports standouts from Tulane athletics have reached the NFL, as tracked by Pro-Football-Reference. In academia and health, pioneers like Ruth R. Benerito, inventor of wrinkle-free cotton, and figures honored in Tulane's Health Sciences alumni guide underscore breakthroughs.
The importance of these notable alumni from Tulane University lies in their global network, offering inspiration for students and job seekers eyeing careers in higher education or beyond. For instance, Tulane Law School alumni dominate Super Lawyers lists, signaling strong professional outcomes. This legacy implies robust career support, with alumni driving innovations and policy—check detailed breakdowns in politics, sports figures, and entertainment figures. Prospective faculty can explore openings via higher ed jobs, while students might rate professors on Rate My Professor for Tulane insights. Visit Tulane's official alumni site or the comprehensive Wikipedia list for more. With New Orleans' dynamic backdrop fostering resilience post-Hurricane Katrina, Tulane alumni embody adaptability, making it a top choice for those seeking impactful networks in Louisiana academic jobs.
Tulane University notable alumni have made their mark across diverse fields, from New Orleans politics to Hollywood and tech innovation. These famous graduates of Tulane University showcase the school's legacy of producing influential leaders, entertaining stars, and groundbreaking minds. Explore categories below for entertaining facts on top talents, and check detailed lists like politics, entertainment figures, millionaires and billionaires, or sports figures.
Tulane's political alumni have shaped Louisiana and national policy, with graduates serving in the U.S. Senate and key roles. Their stories blend Southern charm with hard-nosed leadership.
Tulane University celebrities light up screens and stages, bringing Crescent City flair to global audiences.
Tulane boasts business moguls, including billionaires who built tech empires from campus roots. See more.
Discover more Tulane notable alumni on the official site or rate Tulane professors for insights into faculty shaping these stars. Aspiring leaders, check higher ed jobs or career advice at AcademicJobs.com.
Tulane University notable alumni have left indelible marks across entertainment, politics, sports, and business, inspiring generations of students and job seekers eyeing a future in New Orleans, Louisiana. Imagine channeling the charisma of James Carville (BA 1966), the fiery political strategist known as the 'Ragin' Cajun,' who masterminded Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential win and became a CNN pundit with his sharp wit and Southern drawl. His entertaining insights on campaigns still captivate, proving Tulane's knack for producing influential leaders who blend intellect with showmanship.
In entertainment, Lauren Ambrose (BA 1996), star of HBO's Six Feet Under and Broadway's Exit the King, showcases Tulane's dramatic flair. Her transition from sorority sister to Golden Globe winner highlights the university's nurturing environment for creative talents. Check out more entertainment figures who've shone bright. Sports enthusiasts celebrate Marques Colston (BA 2006), the NFL's all-time leader in yards per reception for a wide receiver, who powered the New Orleans Saints to Super Bowl XLIV victory—right in his backyard. See the full sports figures list for more gridiron heroes.
Business titan David Filo (BS 1988), co-founder of Yahoo!, turned a class project into a web empire valued at billions, embodying Tulane breakthroughs in tech entrepreneurship. For politics buffs, Mary Landrieu (BA 1978), former U.S. Senator, fought for Louisiana's interests post-Katrina. These famous graduates of Tulane University remind aspiring academics and professionals why the Green Wave legacy endures. Aspiring faculty can explore Rate My Professor reviews for Tulane instructors, while job seekers scout higher ed jobs or academic jobs in New Orleans. Dive deeper via Tulane's official notable alumni page or Wikipedia list.
Tulane celebrities like these offer entertaining tales of resilience—from Carville's quips to Colston's touchdown dances—fueling motivation for students navigating higher ed career advice. Whether chasing scholarships or pondering professor salaries, their paths illuminate what's possible from Tulane's Uptown campus.
Tulane University notable alumni have left indelible marks across diverse fields, inspiring current students, faculty, parents, and job seekers worldwide. These star ratings evaluate alumni achievements based on global impact, recognition, and the number of standout figures from Tulane University, drawn from verified sources like the university's official records and US News profiles. Ratings use a 10-point scale where higher stars indicate transformative contributions and broader influence. For example, politics earns high marks due to influential leaders shaping national policy.
Politics: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆ (9/10)
Tulane boasts powerhouse alumni like James Carville, the renowned political strategist behind Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, and former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (JD 1975), who championed energy and education policies. Their success highlights Tulane's strong law and public service programs. Advice for aspiring leaders: Engage in Tulane's political science clubs and internships in New Orleans; review professor feedback on Rate My Professor to select courses that build debate skills and networks.
Entertainment & Media: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆ (7/10)
Notable alumni from Tulane University include model and actress Lauren Hutton (BA 1964), a fashion icon, and journalist Walter Isaacson (BA 1974), author of bestsellers like the Steve Jobs biography. These figures demonstrate Tulane's nurturing of creative talents. Tip: Pursue communications majors and utilize campus media resources; explore job opportunities in higher ed jobs like media roles at universities.
Sports: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆ (8/10)
Athletes like NFL wide receiver Marques Colston (BA 2006), who set franchise records with the New Orleans Saints, and head coach Sean Payton exemplify athletic excellence. Check the sports figures section for more. Advice: Join Tulane athletics or related studies; job seekers can target coaching positions via administration jobs.
Business & Tech: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆ (7/10)
David Filo (BS 1988), co-founder of Yahoo!, showcases entrepreneurial prowess. For breakthroughs, study Tulane's business school and seek mentorship. Parents, note how these paths lead to high-impact careers—consider scholarships for your child. Visit Tulane Alumni Association for networking events.
These ratings motivate by showing real paths to success. Job seekers, pair Tulane's network with higher ed career advice for tailored resumes. No Nobel laureates yet, but the trajectory is upward—stay inspired!
Tulane University boasts a rich tradition in athletics, particularly in American football, basketball, golf, and volleyball, with alumni achieving professional success in major leagues. These athletes exemplify the university's commitment to developing talent that excels on national stages, contributing to team victories and individual accolades in sports like the NFL, NBA, PGA Tour, and Olympics.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jahri Evans | NFL offensive guard | Sociology | 2006 | Six-time Pro Bowl honoree and Super Bowl XLIV champion with the New Orleans Saints, widely regarded as one of the best guards of his era. |
| Marques Colston | NFL wide receiver | Business Administration | 2006 | Super Bowl XLIV champion with the New Orleans Saints and four-time Pro Bowl selection who set franchise records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns. |
| Lauren Roth | WNBA guard | unknown | Played in the WNBA for the Minnesota Lynx after a stellar basketball career at Tulane. | |
| Colby Lea | Professional ice hockey forward | unknown | Played professionally in the AHL and ECHL after captaining Tulane's hockey team. | |
| Matt Jones | NFL quarterback | unknown | Quarterback who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars after a record-setting career at Tulane. | |
| Gabriel Rivera | NFL defensive tackle | unknown | First-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers known for his college performance at Tulane. | |
| Lorenzo Taliaferro | NFL running back | unknown | Played for the Baltimore Ravens, contributing to their playoff runs. | |
| Richard Johnson | NFL safety | unknown | Defensive back who played for the Houston Oilers and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. | |
| Lee Hedges | MLB catcher | unknown | Played in Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres after a standout career at Tulane. | |
| Felecia Hummel | Professional volleyball player | 1998 | Three-time All-American setter who led Tulane to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. | |
| Zach Strief | NFL offensive tackle | 2006 | Longtime New Orleans Saints starter who appeared in Super Bowl XLIV and later transitioned to front office roles. | |
| Ryan Griffin | NFL tight end | 2013 | Veteran tight end who played for the Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears over nine NFL seasons. | |
| Tommy Hodson | NFL quarterback | unknown | First-round draft pick by the Washington Redskins who played five NFL seasons after leading Tulane to bowl games. | |
| David Toms | Professional golfer | Business | 1989 | PGA Tour professional with 13 victories, including the 2001 PGA Championship, and over $50 million in career earnings. |
| Hot Rod Williams | NBA power forward | unknown | Played 13 NBA seasons primarily with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 12.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game after starring at Tulane. | |
| Matt Forte | NFL running back | Sociology | 2016 | Pro Bowl running back who rushed for over 9,000 yards with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets, known for his versatility as a runner and receiver. |
Tulane University alumni have made significant contributions to U.S. politics, especially in Louisiana state and federal government, including U.S. Senators, Representatives, mayors, and political strategists; categories include U.S., International, Royalty and Nobility (primarily U.S. with no prominent international or nobility figures identified). These graduates have shaped policy, led major cities, and influenced national campaigns through leadership and public service.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Vitter | U.S. Senator | Law | 1988 | Served as U.S. Senator from Louisiana from 1999 to 2017. |
| Sidney Barthelemy | Mayor of New Orleans | Public Administration | 1976 | Served as Mayor of New Orleans from 1986 to 1994. |
| Chris John | U.S. Representative | Business Administration | 1987 | Former U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 7th district (1997-2005). |
| Richard Baker | U.S. Representative | Law | 1974 | Former U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 6th district (1987-2008). |
| Ralph Abraham | U.S. Representative | Veterinary Medicine | 1988 | Former U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 5th district (2015-2021). |
| Mary Matalin | Political Consultant | 1978 | Prominent Republican strategist and advisor to George H.W. Bush's 1992 campaign. | |
| James Carville | Political Consultant | 1966 | Renowned Democratic strategist who managed Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign. | |
| Mitch Landrieu | U.S. Secretary of Transportation | Law | 1985 | Former Mayor of New Orleans (2010-2018) and current U.S. Secretary of Transportation since 2021. |
| Marc Morial | Mayor of New Orleans | Law | 1983 | Served as Mayor of New Orleans from 1994 to 2002; later President of the National Urban League. |
| C. Ray Nagin | Mayor of New Orleans | Public Administration | 1991 | Served as Mayor of New Orleans from 2002 to 2010 during Hurricane Katrina. |
| Lindy Boggs | U.S. Representative | unknown | Former U.S. Representative from Louisiana (1973-1991), succeeded her husband Hale Boggs; attended Sophie Newcomb College (Tulane affiliate). | |
| Hale Boggs | U.S. House Majority Leader | Law | 1936 | Long-serving U.S. Representative from Louisiana (1941-1973) and House Majority Leader from 1971. |
| Mary Landrieu | U.S. Senator | Sociology | 1978 | Former U.S. Senator from Louisiana (1997-2015), known for energy and infrastructure policy. |
| John Breaux | U.S. Senator | Law | 1967 | Former U.S. Senator from Louisiana (1987-2005) and U.S. Representative. |
| Cedric Richmond | U.S. Representative | Law | 1999 | Former U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 2nd district (2011-2021) and Senior Advisor to President Biden. |
| Bill Cassidy | U.S. Senator | Medicine | 1979 | Current U.S. Senator from Louisiana since 2015, previously a U.S. Representative. |
Tulane University has nurtured alumni who have achieved extraordinary financial success in technology and business, demonstrating the impact of its rigorous academic programs on entrepreneurial ventures and economic leadership in the United States.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Filo | Co-founder of Yahoo! | Electrical Engineering | 1988 | Co-founder of Yahoo!, a pioneering internet company that transformed online search and content discovery. |
