The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), a vibrant public research university in Paradise, Nevada, just east of the iconic Las Vegas Strip, has produced a diverse array of University of Nevada Las Vegas notable alumni who have made significant marks across entertainment, sports, business, and academia. With over 150,000 alumni worldwide, UNLV's graduates leverage the unique energy of Las Vegas—a global hub for hospitality, gaming, and entertainment—to launch impactful careers. This network underscores the university's role in fostering innovation and leadership, particularly in fields tied to Nevada's economy.
Categories of notable alumni from University of Nevada Las Vegas include entertainment figures like Food Network star Guy Fieri (B.S. Hospitality Management, 1995), known for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and model Arianny Celeste (attended UNLV), a prominent UFC ring girl. Sports standouts from the UNLV Rebels, such as basketball legend Stacey Augmon and others in the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame, highlight the program's legacy, including the 1990 men's basketball national championship. Business leaders like George Maloof (former owner of the Palms Casino Resort and Sacramento Kings) exemplify entrepreneurial success, while academics like physicist John W. Farley contribute to research advancements.
The importance of these famous graduates of University of Nevada Las Vegas lies in their real-world implications: they inspire current students by demonstrating pathways from campus to stardom or C-suites, bolster UNLV's reputation (ranked among top public universities by U.S. News), and strengthen alumni connections for job seekers. For instance, hospitality alumni thrive in Vegas's $60+ billion industry. Explore more via the UNLV Alumni Association or entertainment figures and sports figures lists. Job seekers can check professor insights on Rate My Professor for UNLV or browse academic jobs in Las Vegas and higher ed jobs. Parents and faculty appreciate how these achievements signal strong career outcomes, with Niche reporting solid post-grad earnings.
Unique aspects include UNLV's location fostering internships at resorts and events, producing University of Nevada Las Vegas celebrities attuned to high-stakes environments. No Nobel laureates or U.S. presidents yet, but the trajectory points to growing influence in business and media. For career advice, see how to write a winning academic CV.
Exploring the world of University of Nevada Las Vegas notable alumni (UNLV) reveals a vibrant tapestry of success stories that inspire students and job seekers alike. These famous graduates of University of Nevada Las Vegas have leveraged their Rebel education to conquer entertainment, hospitality, sports, and business, often turning Las Vegas roots into global triumphs.
Guy Fieri, the flamboyant Food Network star known for 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,' earned his Bachelor of Science in hospitality management from UNLV in 1995. His high-energy style and culinary passion have built a media empire, including restaurants and TV shows, showcasing how UNLV's hospitality program (UNLV Hospitality) launches careers in the heart of Vegas entertainment.
George Maloof, scion of the Maloof family, graduated from UNLV and transformed the Palms Casino Resort into a celebrity hotspot while owning the Sacramento Kings NBA team. His business acumen highlights UNLV's influence on millionaires and billionaires from Nevada.
Kenny Mayne, former ESPN anchor with his witty sports commentary, and Arianny Celeste (b. 1985), the iconic UFC ring girl and model, add flair to UNLV's entertainment figures. Drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. of The Killers also honed his talents post-UNLV, powering chart-topping rock anthems.
For more star power, check the entertainment-figures and sports-figures lists. UNLV alumni like these thrive in dynamic fields—perfect motivation if you're eyeing higher-ed-jobs in Las Vegas or rating professors via Rate My Professor for UNLV courses. Dive deeper at the official UNLV Alumni page or Las Vegas Sun feature. Whether chasing TV fame or hospitality breakthroughs, UNLV grads prove the desert blooms with opportunity. Parents and faculty take note: this network connects you to academic jobs in Las Vegas.
This section highlights notable alumni from University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in entertainment fields such as actors, musicians, comedians, magicians, and television personalities. These graduates have made significant impacts in Las Vegas entertainment, film, television, and music, contributing to the city's vibrant show business culture and global recognition.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Kimmel | Comedian, Television Host | unknown | Host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Emmy-winning late-night talk show personality. | |
| Carrot Top | Comedian | Marketing | 1986 | Prop comedian known for his high-energy performances and long-running residency at Luxor Las Vegas. |
| Guy Fieri | Television Personality, Chef | Hospitality Management | 1995 | Food Network host of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy's Grocery Games. |
| Vince Neil | Musician | unknown | Lead vocalist of Mötley Crüe, famous for rock anthems like Girls, Girls, Girls. | |
| Brandon Flowers | Musician | unknown | Lead singer and songwriter for The Killers, known for hits like Mr. Brightside. | |
| Holly Madison | Television Personality, Model | Psychology | 2011 | Star of The Girls Next Door and Holly's World, author, and Las Vegas show producer. |
| Teller | Magician | Latin | 1975 | Silent performer of Penn & Teller, renowned for innovative illusions and long-term shows in Las Vegas. |
| Penn Jillette | Magician, Comedian | unknown | One half of the magic duo Penn & Teller, author, and television personality with a Las Vegas residency. | |
| Jeremy Piven | Actor | Theater | unknown | Golden Globe-winning actor famous for Ari Gold in Entourage and starring roles in films like Serendipity. |
Athletes from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) have excelled in professional leagues like the NBA, NFL, PGA Tour, and tennis, demonstrating the university's robust athletic training and contributing to its legacy in collegiate and professional sports.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Carter | NBA player | attended 1986-1987 | Played three NBA seasons primarily with the Indiana Pacers. | |
| Ryan Ketchum | Olympic high jumper | unknown | Competed in high jump at the 2004 Summer Olympics representing the United States. | |
| Scott Piercy | PGA Tour golfer | unknown | Three-time PGA Tour winner who turned professional after UNLV. | |
| Quinn Smith | NFL player | unknown | NFL defensive lineman who played nine seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers. | |
| Ron McDole | NFL player | unknown | NFL defensive end with a 15-year career including the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins. | |
| Ryan Claridge | NFL player | unknown | NFL linebacker who played for the Atlanta Falcons and Milwaukee/ Green Bay Packers. | |
| Henry 'Ickey' Woods | NFL player | 1984 | NFL running back famous for the 'Ickey Shuffle' and Super Bowl XXIII participant. | |
| Sequoia McDowell | WNBA player | unknown | Professional women's basketball player in the WNBA. | |
| Lloyd Daniels | NBA player | attended 1989-1990 | Played parts of four NBA seasons with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. | |
| Keon Clark | NBA player | attended 1997-1998 | Seven-year NBA center who played for multiple teams including the Toronto Raptors. | |
| J. R. Rider | NBA player | attended 1990-1993 | NBA scoring champion in 1995 and member of the 1990 UNLV national championship team. | |
| Shawn Marion | NBA All-Star | attended 1998-1999 | Four-time NBA All-Star and 2011 NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks known for his versatility. | |
| Armen Gilliam | NBA player | Hotel Administration | 1987 | 13-year NBA career highlighted by All-Rookie honors and the UNLV 1987 Final Four run. |
| Greg Anthony | NBA player and broadcaster | Communications | 1987 | NBA point guard for 12 seasons and current CBS Sports and Westwood One analyst. |
| Stacey Augmon | NBA player | Physical Education | 1991 | 15-year NBA veteran and member of the UNLV 1990 national championship team. |
| Andre Agassi | Professional tennis player | attended 1988 | Eight-time Grand Slam singles champion and 1996 Olympic gold medalist who briefly attended UNLV before turning pro. |
University of Nevada Las Vegas alumni have made notable contributions to U.S. politics at local, state, and federal levels, including members of Congress and Nevada legislators who influence policy on education, gaming, and public services. Their achievements highlight UNLV's role in shaping Nevada's political landscape.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dina Titus | U.S. Representative | Political science | 1973 | Democratic U.S. Representative for Nevada's 1st congressional district since 2013, with prior service in the Nevada Senate and Assembly, and a former UNLV political science professor. |
| Ruben Kihuen | Former U.S. Representative | Political science | 2004 | Served as U.S. Representative for Nevada's 4th congressional district from 2017 to 2019 after terms in the Nevada Assembly and Senate. |
| Rory Reid | Former Clark County Commissioner | Law | 1993 | Longtime Clark County Commissioner, 2010 Democratic nominee for Nevada governor, and attorney who graduated from UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law. |
| Dallas Harris | Nevada State Senator | Public administration | 2006 | Democratic Majority Leader of the Nevada Senate representing District 11, known for advocacy on criminal justice reform. |
| Justin Jones | Speaker of the Nevada Assembly | Political science | 2003 | Democratic Speaker of the Nevada Assembly for District 14, focusing on education and labor issues. |
| Heidi Seevers Gansert | Nevada State Senator | Hospitality administration | 1983 | Republican Nevada State Senator for District 6, former Assemblywoman with background in business and public policy. |
University of Nevada Las Vegas alumni have achieved remarkable financial success, particularly in the gaming and hospitality sectors central to Las Vegas' economy. Their entrepreneurial ventures have shaped the city's iconic skyline and global reputation, demonstrating the power of UNLV's business education in fostering innovation and wealth creation.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Wynn | Founder and former CEO of Wynn Resorts | attended 1963 | Pioneering casino developer who built the Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, and Wynn Resorts, amassing a fortune through luxury integrated resorts and known for his influence on Las Vegas entertainment. |
