
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), a powerhouse in agricultural and biological sciences, boasts an impressive roster of University of California, Davis notable alumni who have shaped industries worldwide. These notable alumni from University of California, Davis exemplify the institution's commitment to innovation, leadership, and real-world impact, inspiring current students, faculty, parents, and job seekers eyeing careers in higher education or beyond.
UC Davis alumni excel in diverse categories. In science, Randy Schekman (B.S. 1970) earned the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on cell transport mechanisms, highlighting the university's research prowess (see Nobel laureates). Politics features trailblazers like Gray Davis (MPA), California's 37th governor (1999-2003), and Ann Veneman, the first woman U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (2001-2005), who advanced global food security (see politics). Sports icons include UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn (B.A.) and tennis coach Brad Gilbert, mentor to Andre Agassi (see sports figures). Entertainment standout Adam Duritz (B.A. 1985), frontman of Counting Crows, brings artistic flair from his Davis roots.
These famous graduates of University of California, Davis underscore unique aspects like the school's veterinary medicine leadership—producing leaders in animal health—and viticulture programs fueling California's wine industry. With over 300,000 alumni in 190 countries, the network offers unparalleled opportunities; recent stats show 90% employed within six months post-graduation. For job seekers, UC Davis connections open doors in biotech and agribusiness via higher ed jobs or faculty positions. Students can check professor insights on Rate My Professor for UC Davis courses, aiding decisions on majors like animal science.
The implications are profound: alumni achievements boost UC Davis's global ranking (top 100 worldwide per QS 2024) and attract talent to Davis, near Sacramento, blending urban access with rural innovation. Explore career paths through higher ed career advice or connect via the UC Davis Alumni Association and official notable alumni page. Whether pursuing scholarships or jobs, UC Davis alumni stories prove transformative potential.
This section features notable alumni from University of California, Davis in entertainment fields such as actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters, reflecting the university's role in nurturing creative talents who have shaped popular culture and performed on global stages. These graduates demonstrate the impact of UC Davis education in fostering innovative storytellers and performers who captivate audiences worldwide.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael O'Neill | Actor | Drama | 1968 | Acclaimed television actor recognized for his roles as Lumen Pierce's father on Dexter and as Doug on The West Wing. |
| Wyatt Russell | Actor | unknown | Rising actor known for roles in 22 Jump Street, Ingrid Goes West, and the miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. | |
| Steve Miller | Musician | unknown | Grammy-winning rock musician and founder of the Steve Miller Band, famous for hits like 'The Joker' and 'Rock'n Me'. | |
| Larry Knechtel | Musician | unknown | Renowned session musician and Grammy winner who played bass and keyboards on tracks like Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. | |
| Dakin Matthews | Actor | English | 1961 | Veteran stage and screen actor appearing in shows like The West Wing, True Detective, and films such as Captain America: The First Avenger. |
| Brad Garrett | Actor | unknown | Emmy-winning actor best known for playing Robert Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond and voicing Tank in Finding Nemo. |
Athletes. University of California, Davis alumni have made significant impacts in professional sports leagues, Olympic competitions, and mixed martial arts, showcasing athletic excellence and leadership that enhance the university's legacy in collegiate athletics.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robby Woods | Professional soccer player | unknown | Played professionally in Major League Soccer after starring for the UC Davis men's soccer team. | |
| Ernie Smith | NFL defensive tackle | unknown | Played for the New York Jets and was part of their Super Bowl III championship team. | |
| Joetta Clark | Olympic track athlete | 1982 | Five-time U.S. Olympian in track and field, specializing in the 800 meters. | |
| Ryan Cochrane | Olympic cyclist | unknown | Canadian cyclist who competed in multiple Olympics, including silver in team pursuit at 2012 Games. | |
| Sue Woodstra | Olympic volleyball player | 1976 | Member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic gold medal volleyball team and later inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame. | |
| Debbie Green-Vargas | Olympic volleyball player | Physical Education | 1978 | Setter for the U.S. women's volleyball team that won gold at the 1984 Olympics. |
| Matt Nover | NFL wide receiver | 1991 | Played professionally for the Chicago Bears and other teams after a standout college career at UC Davis. | |
| Brad Otton | NFL tight end | 1997 | Played eight seasons in the NFL, including with the Super Bowl-winning Denver Broncos in 1998. | |
| Christian Okoye | NFL running back | Sociology | 1987 | Nicknamed 'The Nigerian Nightmare', led the NFL in rushing yards in 1989 with 1,480 yards for the Kansas City Chiefs. |
| Steve Bartkowski | NFL quarterback | Mathematics | 1974 | First overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and two-time Pro Bowl selection. |
| Bruce Furniss | Olympic swimmer | Social Sciences | 1977 | Two-time Olympic gold medalist in 1976 who set multiple world records in freestyle swimming events. |
| Urijah Faber | Mixed martial artist | Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology | 2000 | Former UFC bantamweight title challenger and founder of Team Alpha Male known for his wrestling background and contributions to MMA coaching. |