The University of Central Florida (UCF), located in Orlando, Florida, boasts one of the largest and most dynamic alumni networks in the United States, with over 200,000 notable alumni from University of Central Florida who have graduated since its first class in 1970. Founded in 1963 as Florida Technological University to support NASA's Apollo program during the Space Race, UCF has evolved into a powerhouse in fields like optics, modeling and simulation, digital media, engineering, computer science, business administration, education, and hospitality management. This unique heritage near Kennedy Space Center continues to propel famous graduates of University of Central Florida into groundbreaking roles across industries.
The importance of UCF's notable alumni lies in their tangible impacts: they drive innovation, entertain millions, lead corporations, and shape policy. For instance, in technology, Gene Frantz (BS '71) invented the Texas Instruments Speak & Spell and pioneered digital signal processing, influencing modern computing. Sports figures dominate with numerous NFL and NBA professionals, showcasing UCF's athletic excellence (view sports figures). Entertainment alumni include actors and comedians who bring Florida flair to Hollywood, while business leaders and politicians contribute to economic growth in Orlando and beyond. These achievements imply strong career outcomes for students, with UCF awarding over 250,000 degrees, including 45,000 graduate ones.
For job seekers eyeing higher-ed-jobs or professor positions, exploring Rate My Professor for UCF faculty insights can guide decisions, especially amid Orlando's booming tech and tourism sectors. Visit the official UCF Alumni site for networking events and success stories. Parents and students considering UCF will find these alumni exemplify the value of its R1 research status and global reach, from 140+ countries. Check higher ed jobs in Florida for opportunities inspired by these trailblazers, or academic jobs in Florida to join the Knights network.
Implications are clear: UCF alumni networks foster mentorship and jobs, vital for novices entering competitive fields. Whether aspiring to entertainment stardom (see entertainment figures) or political influence (politics), UCF equips graduates for real-world success. Dive deeper via UCF professor ratings or higher ed career advice.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) boasts an impressive array of University of Central Florida notable alumni who have made significant marks in diverse fields, serving as beacons for students, faculty, and job seekers. These star ratings evaluate alumni impact based on verified achievements from trusted sources like the official UCF site, highlighting notable alumni from University of Central Florida in key categories. Ratings consider the number of standout figures, their global influence, and inspirational value for aspiring Knights. For full profiles, explore entertainment figures, sports figures, politics, and millionaires and billionaires.
| Category | Star Rating | Key Highlights & Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | ✭✭✭✭✭ (5/5) | Standouts like comedian Daniel Tosh (B.A. Legal Studies, 1996), known for his hit show Tosh.0, and actress Lauren Kitt showcase UCF's creative pipeline. Advice: Leverage UCF's film and digital media programs—check Rate My Professor for top courses to build your portfolio while eyeing higher ed jobs in media. |
| Sports | ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆ (9/10) | UCF dominates with NFL stars like Blake Bortles (QB, Fiesta Bowl MVP 2014) and Shaquem Griffin (one-handed linebacker, Super Bowl champion). Their grit inspires resilience. Tip: Join Knights athletics or study sports management; use academic jobs in Orlando to network locally. |
| Politics & Leadership | ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆ (7/10) | Congressman Darren Soto (J.D. 2001) and former Rep. Alan Grayson represent UCF in Washington. Advice: Pursue political science at UCF, rate professors on Rate My Professor, and seek faculty jobs to influence policy. |
| Business & Innovation | ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆ (8/10) | Leaders like Daniel D'Aniello (co-founder Carlyle Group) and tech execs drive billions. Pro tip: UCF entrepreneurship programs fuel startups—review syllabi via Rate My Professor and apply to higher ed career advice resources for launches. |
These famous graduates of University of Central Florida prove UCF fosters excellence amid its massive campus in sunny Orlando, Florida. No Nobel winners yet, but breakthroughs in optics and simulation (UCF's strengths) hint at future stars. Parents and students: Celebrate these paths by encouraging majors aligned with passions. Job seekers, explore administration jobs or academic jobs in Florida. Visit UCF's official notable alumni page for more inspiration. Aim high—your breakthrough awaits!
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has produced notable alumni in entertainment, including actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters, who have influenced film, television, music, and competitive scenes through acclaimed performances and creative works. These graduates and attendees highlight UCF's strong performing arts programs and contributions to global entertainment industries.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faizon Love | Actor and Comedian | unknown | Known for comedic roles in films like Friday (1995), Elf (2003), and Couples Retreat (2009), bringing humor to Hollywood blockbusters. | |
| Lauren Ashley Carter | Actress | Acting | 2008 | Earned a B.F.A. in Acting from UCF's School of Performing Arts and starred in acclaimed horror films including The Woman (2011) and Pod (2015). |
| C. S. Lee | Actor | Theatre | 1982 | Received a B.A. in Theatre from UCF and gained recognition for portraying Vince Masuka on the Showtime series Dexter (2006–2013). |
| Aaron Gillespie | Musician | unknown | Drummer and vocalist for post-hardcore bands Underoath and The Almost, contributing to multiple gold and platinum albums in the metalcore genre. | |
| Daniel Tosh | Comedian and Television Host | attended 1993–1996 | Hosted the Comedy Central series Tosh.0 from 2009 to 2023 and released multiple successful stand-up specials, establishing himself as a prominent figure in American comedy. |
Athletes. University of Central Florida (UCF) sports alumni have made remarkable impacts in professional leagues like the NFL and NBA, showcasing athletic excellence, resilience, and leadership that highlight the Knights' competitive programs.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Davis | NFL Wide Receiver | 2016-2019 | Played for the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars, known for playoff heroics after UCF career. | |
| Aubrey Jones | NFL Cornerback | 2014-2017 | Played for the New York Jets after defensive contributions at UCF. | |
| OT Hainsey | NFL Offensive Tackle | 2018-2021 | Played for the New Orleans Saints after protecting UCF quarterbacks. | |
| Demarkus Lodge | Professional Football Player | 2014-2017 | Wide receiver who played in the CFL after UCF, known for big-play ability. | |
| Justin McCray | NFL Offensive Lineman | 2012-2016 | Played for multiple NFL teams including Houston Texans after anchoring UCF's line. | |
| Rashad Greene | NFL Wide Receiver | 2011-2014 | Third-round pick by Pittsburgh Steelers, holds UCF career receptions record. | |
| Isaiah Likely | NFL Tight End | 2018-2021 | Fourth-round pick by Baltimore Ravens in 2022, Mackey Award finalist at UCF. | |
| Kenny Shaw | NFL Wide Receiver | 2010-2013 | Played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts after setting UCF receiving records. | |
| Ryan Neumann | Professional Baseball Player | unknown | Pitcher who played in the minors after starring for UCF baseball. | |
| Nehemiah Pritchett | NFL Cornerback | 2019-2022 | Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, recorded multiple interceptions during his UCF tenure. | |
| Darius Jackson | NFL Running Back | 2012-2015 | Played for multiple NFL teams including Dallas Cowboys after leading UCF in rushing during his senior year. | |
| Otis Anderson Jr. | NFL Running Back | 2019-2022 | Running back who played for the Washington Commanders after rushing for over 1,000 yards in his UCF career. | |
| Jett Howard | NBA Guard | 2021-2023 | Second-round pick (No. 45, 2023 NBA Draft by Orlando Magic), son of former NBA player Juwan Howard, averaged 13.7 points per game as a freshman at UCF. | |
| Tacko Fall | NBA Center | 2016-2019 | 7'6" center who played for the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, known for his record-breaking wingspan and fan favorite status at UCF. | |
| Matt Prater | NFL Kicker | 2003-2006 | Veteran kicker for the Arizona Cardinals with over 1,800 career points, began his professional career after playing at UCF. | |
| Asante Samuel Jr. | NFL Cornerback | 2016-2018 | Selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, son of NFL star Asante Samuel, and AAC Defensive Player of the Year at UCF. | |
| Breshad Perriman | NFL Wide Receiver | 2010-2014 | First-round pick (26th overall, 2015 NFL Draft by Baltimore Ravens), set UCF single-season receiving records during his college career. | |
| Shaquem Griffin | NFL Linebacker | 2013-2017 | First one-handed player drafted into the NFL (fifth round, 2018 by Seattle Seahawks), played defensive end for UCF and earned AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. | |
| Blake Bortles | NFL Quarterback | 2011-2013 | No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, led UCF to a perfect 13-0 season and Peach Bowl victory in 2013. | |
| Chauncey Gardner-Johnson | NFL Safety | 2016-2018 | Defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles, known for his versatility and Super Bowl appearance, starred at UCF. |
This section highlights U.S. political alumni from University of Central Florida (UCF), including members of Congress and Florida state legislators. These graduates have influenced policy-making, public service, and governance at local, state, and national levels.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Webster | U.S. Representative | Political Science | 1971 | Republican U.S. Representative for Florida's 11th congressional district, previously a long-time Florida legislator. |
| Steve Precourt | Former Florida State Representative | Business Administration | 1983 | Republican former Florida State Representative who served from 2006 to 2014. |
| Scott Plakon | Florida State Representative | Political Science | 1982 | Republican Florida State Representative with prior service from 2006 to 2012 and re-elected in 2020. |
| Eugene Pujol | Former Florida State Representative | Accounting | 1983 | Republican former Florida State Representative serving from 2010 to 2014. |
| Dorothy Hukill | Former Florida State Senator | Political Science | 1973 | Republican former Florida State Senator who served from 2012 to 2018. |
| Mike Haridopolos | Former President of the Florida Senate | Finance | 1992 | Republican who served as President of the Florida Senate from 2010 to 2012. |
| Anthony Sabatini | Former Florida State Representative | Law | 2015 | Republican former Florida State Representative and attorney active in conservative politics. |
| Bobby Payne | Florida State Representative | Business Administration | 1974 | Republican Florida State Representative elected in 2018, focusing on agriculture and rural issues. |
| Colleen Burton | Florida State Representative | Political Science | 1985 | Republican Florida State Representative serving in the House since 2014. |
| Randy Fine | Florida State Senator | Legal Studies | 1994 | Republican Florida State Senator known for his roles in education and fiscal policy committees. |
| Val Demings | Former U.S. Representative | Master of Public Administration | 1996 | Former Democratic U.S. Representative for Florida's 10th district and first African-American woman to serve as Orlando Chief of Police. |
| Darren Soto | U.S. Representative | Political Science | 2000 | Democratic U.S. Representative for Florida's 9th congressional district since 2017, focusing on environmental protection and education. |
While the University of Central Florida (UCF) is renowned for its successful graduates in business, entertainment, and politics, a few alumni or attendees have gained notoriety for involvement in high-profile criminal cases within the United States context. This section provides brief factual context on verified individuals without endorsing or detailing crimes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casey Anthony | Nursing | 2004 (attended one semester, did not graduate) | Became internationally known as the defendant in the 2011 trial for the murder of her three-year-old daughter Caylee, from which she was acquitted amid widespread media attention. |
