The University of Idaho (U of I), located in Moscow, Idaho, has produced a diverse array of notable alumni who have made significant impacts across business, engineering, politics, sports, and academia. As Idaho's flagship land-grant research university founded in 1889, U of I boasts over 100,000 alumni worldwide, many achieving prominence that underscores the institution's strong programs in engineering, law, and agriculture. These famous graduates from University of Idaho exemplify the value of its education in fostering leadership and innovation, particularly in technical and public service fields.
Key categories include business leaders like Frank Shrontz (LL.B. '54), who rose to chairman and CEO of Boeing from 1986 to 1996, steering one of the world's largest aerospace companies through major growth. Engineering standout Jack Lemley (Class of '60) managed the construction of the Channel Tunnel, connecting England and France—a feat of modern infrastructure. In politics and administration, alumni have served as university presidents and chancellors, such as C. Scott Green (Class of '84), the current U of I president, and James Henry Meyer (B.S. '47), former UC Davis chancellor. Sports figures from the Vandals athletic program, detailed in the sports-figures section, highlight athletic achievements, with inductees in the Hall of Fame contributing to NCAA Division I success in the Big Sky Conference.
These University of Idaho notable alumni demonstrate the school's emphasis on practical, research-driven education, with implications for students eyeing careers in higher ed jobs or research assistant roles. For instance, their successes in global projects imply robust networking via the U of I Alumni Association, aiding job seekers in fields like engineering and administration. Unique aspects include the rural Palouse setting fostering close-knit innovation, branch campuses in Boise and Idaho Falls expanding reach. Stats from sources like EduRank list 100 notable alumni, sorted by popularity, showing steady output of influential leaders over decades. Parents and faculty considering U of I can draw inspiration from these trajectories, while job seekers might explore higher-ed-jobs in Moscow or Academic Jobs in Moscow. Check Rate My Professor for faculty insights to align with paths like Shrontz's. This legacy positions U of I as a launchpad for impactful careers, with alumni driving economic and technological advancements.
Explore more via the official List of University of Idaho people or Vandals Hall of Fame.
The University of Idaho (UI) boasts a rich legacy of University of Idaho notable alumni who have excelled across fields, from steering major institutions to engineering global feats. While not brimming with Hollywood actors or Forbes-listed billionaires, UI's famous graduates of University of Idaho shine in leadership, business, academia, and sports—proving that Vandals punch above their weight. Dive into entertaining highlights of top figures in key categories, drawn from verified sources like the university's records. For deeper dives, explore the Wikipedia list of UI people or UI Alumni Awards. See standout politics, sports figures, and business leaders below.
UI alumni have returned to lead their alma mater and beyond, shaping higher education with grit and vision—think deans at Ivy-adjacent spots and chancellors of top campuses.
No UI billionaire moguls yet, but alumni helm aviation giants and mega-projects, turning degrees into fortunes and fame.
Vandals dominate football and more; check UI Hall of Fame for gridiron greats fueling pro careers.
These University of Idaho celebrities inspire—whether eyeing higher ed jobs in Moscow or rating profs via Rate My Professor. UI grads show small-town starts lead to big impacts.
Curious about the real-world impact of a University of Idaho education? The Vandals have produced a roster of University of Idaho notable alumni whose stories are as inspiring as they are entertaining. Take Frank Shrontz, who graduated with an LL.B. in 1954 and climbed the ranks to become Chairman and CEO of Boeing from 1986 to 1996. Under his leadership, Boeing solidified its dominance in aerospace, managing massive projects that shaped global aviation—talk about soaring to new heights from Moscow, Idaho!
Then there's Jack Lemley, Class of 1960, who orchestrated one of engineering's greatest feats: construction management for the Channel Tunnel (or "Chunnel"), the 31-mile undersea rail link between England and France. Facing geological nightmares, labor strikes, and budget overruns, Lemley delivered the project on time in 1994, proving Vandal grit conquers even the English Channel. For more engineering trailblazers, check the sports figures section highlighting athletic alumni like former Vandal football player Anthony Curcio, who transitioned into real estate success.
In academia and leadership, C. Scott Green (Class of '84) serves as the university's 19th president since 2019, while James Henry Meyer (B.S. '47) became Chancellor of UC Davis from 1969 to 1987. These notable alumni from University of Idaho showcase breakthroughs in business, infrastructure, and education. Dive deeper via the University of Idaho Alumni Awards page or Wikipedia's comprehensive list.
Whether you're a student eyeing Rate My Professor reviews for UI courses, a job seeker scouting higher ed jobs in Idaho, or parents proud of Vandal potential, these tales highlight why the university punches above its weight. Explore academic jobs in Moscow and get career tips from higher ed career advice to chart your own path. From tunneling epics to corporate skies, famous graduates of University of Idaho remind us: start in the Palouse, conquer the world.
Exploring University of Idaho notable alumni reveals a legacy of trailblazers whose accomplishments can motivate aspiring students, faculty, and job seekers. These star ratings evaluate alumni impact across key categories on a 10-point scale (✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭ for perfect), drawing from verified achievements like leadership roles, innovations, and public service. Ratings consider historical contributions, recent trends over the past decade, and inspirational value for careers in higher education and beyond. For instance, the university's alumni have excelled in demanding fields, offering blueprints for success amid Idaho's growing academic job market.
Politics & Government: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆ (9/10)
Standouts like Sarah Palin, former Alaska Governor and U.S. Vice Presidential candidate (University of Idaho attendee), highlight political prowess. Other alumni include university presidents and deans who shaped policy. This strength inspires those eyeing public service—network early via U of I Alumni Relations events. Advice: Build resilience like Palin by engaging in student government; check politics alumni for more profiles and pursue higher ed admin jobs in Idaho.
Business & Leadership: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆ (8/10)
Frank Shrontz, Boeing Chairman and CEO (LL.B. '54), exemplifies executive excellence. Alumni like Jack Lemley, manager of the Channel Tunnel project (Class of '60), drove mega-infrastructure. Over 5-10 years, Vandals have risen in tech and aviation. Tip: Emulate their strategic mindset—use free resume templates tailored for leaders and explore academic jobs in Moscow, Idaho.
Engineering & Innovation: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆ (9/10)
From marine biologist Ali Abdelghany (Ph.D. '86) to Chunnel engineer Lemley, alumni pioneer breakthroughs. Recent data shows strong output in civil engineering. Students: Focus on hands-on projects; rate faculty via Rate My Professor for University of Idaho to pick top mentors.
Sports & Athletics: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆ (7/10)
NFL stars and Hall of Famers from the Vandals program shine, per pro-football records. Advice: Channel athletic discipline into careers—athletes often transition to coaching or admin roles; view sports figures.
Academia & Research: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆ (8/10)
Leaders like C. Scott Green (19th president, Class of '84) and deans dominate. No Nobel winners noted, but steady Ph.D. impacts. Pro tip: Publish early, seek research jobs, and read how to write a winning academic CV. These ratings underscore why University of Idaho famous graduates fuel ambition—join the network for mentorship and scholarships.
Notable athletes and sports figures from the University of Idaho (Athletes) have left a lasting impact through professional careers in leagues like the NFL and MLB, highlighting the university's tradition of developing competitive talent in football, baseball, and other varsity sports.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Schlereth | Former NFL Offensive Lineman | Communications | 1988 | Two-time Super Bowl champion with the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos, later a prominent ESPN broadcaster and analyst. |
| Paul Zirilli | Former NFL Player | 1950 | Played professionally in the NFL during the early 1950s after starring for the Vandals. | |
| Anthony Curcio | Former College Football Player | unknown | Survived a life-threatening kayaking accident during college, later authored a bestselling book and inspired a film about his recovery. | |
| Justin Ena | Former NFL Defensive Tackle | 2002 | Played in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles after a college career at Idaho. | |
| Ryan Phillips | Former Professional Football Linebacker | 2005 | Nine-year CFL veteran with the Montreal Alouettes, earning three All-Star selections and a Grey Cup. | |
| Kerry Meier | Former NFL Wide Receiver | 2009 | Played four NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs after a standout college career as quarterback and receiver for the Vandals. | |
| Kellen Davis | Former NFL Tight End | 2009 | Eight-year NFL veteran primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles, recording over 100 receptions. | |
| Bennie Fowler | Former NFL Wide Receiver | 2013 | Super Bowl 50 champion with the Denver Broncos, played for multiple NFL teams including the Chicago Bears and New York Giants. | |
| Wayne Walker | Former NFL Linebacker and MLB Pitcher | Physical Education | 1958 | Played nine NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions and five MLB seasons with the same team, also known for broadcasting career. |
| Jerry Kramer | Former NFL Guard | 1957 | Pro Football Hall of Famer who played 11 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, helping secure five NFL championships including Super Bowls I and II. |
University of Idaho alumni have made their mark primarily in U.S. politics through elected offices, judiciary roles, and diplomacy, with categories spanning U.S., International, and Royalty and Nobility (though no verified nobility or royalty). These graduates have influenced state governance, national legislation, and foreign policy, demonstrating the institution's role in shaping public service leaders.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Palin | Governor of Alaska | Communications | 1987 | Served as the youngest person and first woman to be elected Governor of Alaska (2006-2009) and was the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008. |
| Dirk Kempthorne | U.S. Secretary of the Interior | Biology | 1974 | Former U.S. Senator from Idaho (1993-1999), Governor of Idaho (1999-2006), and Secretary of the Interior (2006-2009) under President George W. Bush. |
| Cecil D. Andrus | Governor of Idaho | unknown | Four-term Democratic Governor of Idaho (1971-1977, 1987-1995) and U.S. Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Carter and Clinton. | |
| Orval H. Hansen | U.S. Representative | Law | unknown | Represented Idaho's 2nd congressional district as a Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1969. |
| Kenneth O. Hanson | U.S. Representative | unknown | unknown | Served as a Democrat in the U.S. House representing Idaho's 2nd district from 1965 to 1967. |
| Philip C. Habib | Ambassador and Diplomat | unknown | 1942 | Career diplomat who served as Vice President George H. W. Bush's special envoy to the Middle East and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. |
| Larry Craig | U.S. Senator | unknown | Long-serving U.S. Senator from Idaho (1991-2009) and earlier U.S. Representative (1981-1991), known for conservative leadership. | |
| Butch Otter | Governor of Idaho | unknown | Served as Governor of Idaho from 2007 to 2019 and previously as U.S. Representative and Lt. Governor. | |
| J. Blaine Anderson | Federal Judge | Law | unknown | Senior U.S. Court of Appeals judge for the Ninth Circuit, serving from 1982 to 2000. |
