The University of South Florida (USF), located in vibrant Tampa, Florida, boasts a robust network of over 290,000 alumni worldwide, many of whom have made significant marks across diverse fields. Searching for University of South Florida notable alumni reveals a talented cohort driving innovation, leadership, and public service. Founded in 1956, USF has rapidly ascended as a top public research university, with its graduates excelling in academia, medicine, government, business, and beyond.
Key categories highlight the breadth of impact. In academia and sciences, alumni like Alan Boss (BS 1973), a renowned astrophysicist chairing International Astronomical Union panels and NASA groups, exemplify groundbreaking contributions. Authors and psychologists such as Julia R. Burdge and Michele Elliott, founder of Kidscape, showcase literary and child protection advancements. Medicine sees leaders like Douglas J. Barrett, former University of Florida health vice president and USF College of Medicine graduate. Politics and public service feature figures like J. Michelle Childs, a U.S. District Judge, and Kurt S. Browning, Florida's former Chief Financial Officer. Sports alumni shine in professional leagues, with numerous players tracked via pro-football-reference.com (see sports figures).
These notable alumni from University of South Florida underscore the institution's role in fostering influential leaders, with implications for career aspirants eyeing academic jobs in Tampa. USF's alumni success reflects strong programs in health sciences, business, and engineering, inspiring current students. For instance, check professor insights on Rate My Professor to align with paths of famous graduates. Explore the official USF Alumni Association for awards and networking, or USF alumni resources. Job seekers can leverage this legacy via higher ed jobs and career advice, positioning USF as a launchpad for global impact.
While no Nobel laureates or billionaires dominate headlines, the collective achievements in policy, science, and athletics highlight USF's unique trajectory from regional school to powerhouse, benefiting Tampa's economy and beyond.
Discover the impressive achievements of University of South Florida notable alumni across key fields. While USF (University of South Florida) hasn't yet produced U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, or billionaires, its famous graduates of University of South Florida excel in sports, entertainment, politics, and business, inspiring students and job seekers eyeing careers in Tampa, Florida. These trailblazers highlight USF's role in fostering talent for higher ed jobs and beyond. Check professor insights on Rate My Professor for USF to see where stars like these got their start. For more, explore the sports figures, entertainment figures, and politics lists lower on the page.
USF's athletic alumni dominate professional leagues, leveraging Bulls training for NFL success and global impact.
From wrestling rings to TV screens, University of South Florida celebrities bring flair and fame.
University of South Florida influential leaders shape national policy from Congress.
These notable alumni from University of South Florida prove Bulls build winners. Aspiring leaders, rate USF faculty on Rate My Professor or browse faculty jobs. Learn more via USF's official alumni site or Tampa jobs.
Exploring University of South Florida notable alumni reveals a tapestry of success stories that can ignite your ambitions, whether you're a student eyeing a career launch or a job seeker inspired by famous graduates of University of South Florida. These star ratings evaluate alumni impact across key categories, based on verified achievements from trusted sources like the USF official site and alumni records. Ratings reflect inspirational value—how their journeys motivate through perseverance, innovation, and leadership. Think of them as benchmarks: high stars mean transformative stories that echo USF's (University of South Florida) commitment to real-world excellence. Advice woven in helps you channel this inspiration into action, like networking via higher ed jobs or checking professor insights on Rate My Professor for USF courses that build similar skills.
Overall, USF fosters trailblazers—low in Nobel or billionaire counts but high in accessible inspiration. Visit the USF Alumni Association to connect. Parents, note how these paths boost employability; job seekers, use Rate My Professor for USF insights and apply via university jobs. Emulate by balancing academics with extracurriculars for your breakthrough.
University of South Florida alumni have made their mark in entertainment as actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters, contributing to film, television, music, and competitive scenes with creative talents that resonate worldwide and showcase the university's support for artistic pursuits.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Turner | Actor | Theatre | 1983 | Member of the renowned sketch comedy group The Kids in the Hall, with appearances in films like Mystery Men and TV shows including The Outer Limits. |
| Stanley Nelson Jr. | Documentary Filmmaker | Mass Communications | unknown | Academy Award-nominated director of impactful documentaries such as Freedom Riders and The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords, earning multiple Emmys and Peabodys. |
| Vernon Reid | Guitarist and Musician | Music | 1981 | Founding member and guitarist of the Grammy-winning rock band Living Colour, pioneering the fusion of heavy metal, funk, and social commentary in music. |
| Tony Refosco | Drummer and Musician | Percussion | unknown | Drummer for the progressive metal band Animals as Leaders and former touring member of Nine Inch Nails, known for intricate technical drumming. |
| Christopher Titus | Comedian and Actor | unknown | Creator and star of the FOX sitcom Titus, known for his raw stand-up comedy specials addressing personal struggles and family dynamics. |
University of South Florida (USF) athletes have excelled in professional leagues like the NFL and MLB, particularly in football and baseball; notable alumni include Pro Bowlers and Cy Young winners who highlight the impact of USF's athletic programs on developing elite talent in categories like Athletes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courtney Williams | WNBA Guard | 2016 | Third-team All-American at USF who has played for multiple WNBA teams including the Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun. | |
| J. R. Reed | NFL Safety | 2018 | Played college football at USF before signing as undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots. | |
| George Selvie | Former NFL Defensive End | 2011 | USF's single-season sacks leader with 15.5, played five NFL seasons primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. | |
| Mark Barron | Former NFL Safety | 2012 | First-round NFL draft pick who played for the Buccaneers, Rams, and Broncos, earning a Super Bowl ring with Denver. | |
| Victor Rudd | Professional Basketball Forward | 2013 | USF's all-time leading scorer with 1,995 points, played in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies and extensively overseas. | |
| Dominique Jones | Former NBA Point Guard | 2010 | USF's all-time assists leader, drafted 25th overall by Memphis Grizzlies and played professionally in NBA and overseas leagues. | |
| Kevin Kiermaier | MLB Outfielder | 2010 | Three-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2019 Platinum Glove recipient for elite defense with the Tampa Bay Rays. | |
| Chris Archer | MLB Pitcher | 2011 | Veteran starter who pitched eight seasons for the Tampa Bay Rays, accumulating over 1,000 strikeouts and an All-Star appearance in 2015. | |
| Blake Snell | MLB Pitcher | 2011 | Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner (2018 with Rays, 2023 with Padres) and World Series champion, currently with the San Francisco Giants. | |
| Mike Alstott | Former NFL Fullback | Communications | 1996 | Known as the 'A-Train,' he spent 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rushing for over 6,000 yards and earning six Pro Bowl selections. |
This section features notable alumni in U.S. politics, including federal representatives and state officials, who have influenced policy, legislation, and governance at various levels without international or royalty figures prominent for this institution.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vern Buchanan | U.S. Representative | Business Administration (MBA) | 1986 | Serves as U.S. Congressman for Florida's 16th District since 2007, focusing on economic and financial policy. |
| Gus Bilirakis | U.S. Representative | Political Science (BA) | 1986 | U.S. Congressman representing Florida's 12th District since 2007, advocating for veterans and health issues. |
| Dennis Ross | Former U.S. Representative | unknown | 1980 | Served as U.S. Congressman for Florida's 15th District from 2011 to 2019, emphasizing agriculture and education policy. |
| Richard Corcoran | Former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives | Law (JD) | 1992 | Led the Florida House as Speaker from 2015 to 2019 and served as Florida's Education Commissioner. |
| Carlos Guillermo Smith | Florida State Representative | Public Administration (MPA) | unknown | Florida State Representative for District 43 since 2017, first openly LGBTQ member of the Florida Legislature. |
| Frank C. Brogan | Former Lieutenant Governor of Florida | Education (EdD) | unknown | Served as Florida's Lieutenant Governor from 1999 to 2003 and later as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education. |
