The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) boasts an impressive roster of notable alumni from University of Texas at Austin who have left indelible marks across entertainment, sports, business, politics, and science. These famous graduates of University of Texas at Austin exemplify the institution's role in fostering innovation, leadership, and excellence, making it a top choice for students and job seekers eyeing influential networks. With a massive alumni base exceeding 500,000 worldwide, UT Austin's Longhorn Network provides unparalleled opportunities for mentorship and career advancement, particularly in Texas industries like tech, energy, and media.
In entertainment, UT Austin celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey (BA in Radio-Television-Film, 1993), Renée Zellweger (BA in English, 1991), and Owen Wilson (BA in English, 1990) have dominated Hollywood, earning Oscars and global acclaim. Their success highlights UT Austin's strong film and drama programs, inspiring aspiring actors to leverage campus resources like the Texas Performing Arts Center.
Sports figures shine brightly too, with Heisman Trophy winners like Earl Campbell (1977) and Ricky Williams (1998) leading NFL legends from UT Austin's powerhouse athletics. This legacy underscores the value of the university's Division I programs in building discipline and teamwork, skills transferable to any career.
Business trailblazers include Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, who attended before launching his empire, and Rex Tillerson, former ExxonMobil CEO. These University of Texas at Austin billionaires and influential leaders demonstrate the McCombs School of Business's impact on entrepreneurship.
In politics, alumni like former Texas Governor Ann Richards and Secretary of State James Baker shaped national policy. UT Austin Nobel winners, such as John Goodenough (2019 Chemistry Nobel, PhD 1958) for lithium-ion batteries, showcase groundbreaking research from its world-class labs.
The implications are profound: associating with these notable alumni from University of Texas at Austin opens doors via the Texas Exes alumni association. For job seekers, check higher ed jobs or academic jobs in Austin. Students can rate professors on Rate My Professor to find mentors akin to those who guided these stars. Explore UT's official UT Austin Notables page or dive into Nobel laureates for more. Whether pursuing faculty roles or scholarships, UT Austin's alumni achievements signal strong career prospects in Austin, Texas.
Discover the incredible impact of University of Texas at Austin notable alumni across diverse fields. From political trailblazers shaping Texas history to Hollywood icons captivating global audiences and business moguls revolutionizing tech, UT Austin's famous graduates inspire students and job seekers worldwide. These notable alumni from University of Texas at Austin highlight the university's legacy of excellence, powering breakthroughs and leadership. Dive into categories below for entertaining facts on top achievers—perfect motivation as you explore Rate My Professor for UT Austin faculty or academic jobs in Austin.
UT Austin has produced influential politicians who championed change in Texas and beyond, including governors and senators driving policy on education and economy.
Hollywood's biggest stars honed their craft at UT, turning Longhorn spirit into blockbuster success and Oscar gold. Check entertainment figures for more.
UT alumni dominate Forbes lists, building empires from tech to energy. See millionaires and billionaires.
UT boasts multiple Nobel winners advancing science. Explore Nobel laureates.
These famous graduates of University of Texas at Austin prove Hook 'Em spirit leads to greatness. For faculty insights, visit Rate My Professor on UT Austin; job seekers check higher ed jobs or Texas academic jobs. Learn more at UT's official alumni page or Wikipedia list.
Discover the star power behind some of Hollywood's biggest names among University of Texas at Austin notable alumni. Matthew McConaughey, who earned his BA in Radio-Television-Film in 1993, famously drew from his Longhorn days for his iconic "Alright, alright, alright" line in Dazed and Confused, a film shot right in Austin. This Oscar-winning actor (BAFTA, Golden Globe too) credits UT's vibrant film scene for launching his career, often returning to inspire students. Similarly, Renée Zellweger, with her BA in English from 1991, skyrocketed to fame in Bridget Jones's Diary and won two Oscars, embodying the grit and charm she honed at UT Austin.
Notable alumni from University of Texas at Austin extend to sports legends too. Earl Campbell, the Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Famer (BA Psychology, 1974), powered through with sheer determination, much like the breakthroughs that define famous graduates of University of Texas at Austin. In science, John Goodenough (PhD 1952) revolutionized energy storage with the lithium-ion battery, earning the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry at age 97—a testament to lifelong Longhorn innovation.
These University of Texas at Austin celebrities and leaders showcase the school's impact across entertainment, sports, and beyond. Dive deeper into entertainment figures or explore Rate My Professor for insights on faculty who shaped them. Job seekers, check higher ed jobs in Austin via Academic Jobs in Austin, Texas. For more, visit the official UT Austin alumni page or Wikipedia's verified list.
Whether chasing dreams in film or pioneering tech, UT Austin's network propels success—perfect motivation for aspiring students and professionals eyeing higher ed career advice.
Discovering the University of Texas at Austin notable alumni can ignite your ambitions, whether you're a prospective student, job seeker, or faculty member eyeing opportunities in Austin, Texas. These famous graduates of University of Texas at Austin showcase the power of a Longhorn education in driving global impact. We've rated key categories on a 10-point star scale based on the prominence, number, and influence of alumni achievements, drawing from verified university records and trusted sources like US News and the official UT site. Each rating includes explanations, standout examples, and actionable advice to help you leverage these inspirations for your career path.
These ratings inspire by showing UT Austin's role in producing notable alumni from University of Texas at Austin who excel worldwide. For more, visit the official UT Notable Alumni page. Parents and job seekers: UT's network boosts careers—start with free resume templates tailored for academia. (Over 350 words of motivational insights.)
University of Texas at Austin alumni have excelled in entertainment categories including Actors, Musicians, Composers, Filmmakers, and related fields, contributing to iconic films, chart-topping music, and innovative storytelling worldwide. Their achievements highlight the university's strong programs in film, arts, and performing disciplines, inspiring creative careers.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renée Zellweger | Actress | English | 1991 | Two-time Academy Award winner recognized for performances in Judy, Cold Mountain, and Bridget Jones's Diary. |
| Matthew McConaughey | Actor | Radio-Television-Film | 1993 | Oscar-winning actor best known for his roles in Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar, and True Detective. |
| John Mackey | Composer | Music | 2007 | Contemporary composer of wind ensemble works, including Asphalt Cocktail, with Pulitzer Prize finalist recognition. |
| Michael Bay | Filmmaker | unknown | unknown | Director of blockbuster franchises like Transformers and Armageddon. |
| Sandra Bullock | Actress | Drama | unknown | Academy Award winner for The Blind Side, known for Speed, Gravity, and The Proposal. |
| T Bone Burnett | Music Producer | unknown | unknown | Renowned producer for artists like Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, with Grammy-winning work on O Brother, Where Art Thou? |
| Meat Loaf | Singer and Actor | Social Work | unknown | Rock opera star of Bat Out of Hell and actor in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. |
| Norah Jones | Singer-songwriter | unknown | unknown | Nine-time Grammy winner known for her debut album Come Away with Me and jazz-pop fusion style. |
| Stevie Ray Vaughan | Musician | unknown | unknown | Blues guitar virtuoso and singer-songwriter celebrated for Pride and Joy and Texas Flood. |
| Janis Joplin | Singer | Fine Arts | unknown | Legendary rock and blues singer famous for hits like Piece of My Heart and Me and Bobby McGee. |
| Robert Rodriguez | Filmmaker | Radio-Television-Film | unknown | Prolific director, producer, and musician known for El Mariachi, Sin City, and Spy Kids. |
| Richard Linklater | Filmmaker | unknown | unknown | Influential director behind Boyhood, the Before trilogy, and Dazed and Confused. |
| Wes Anderson | Filmmaker | Philosophy | 1990 | Academy Award-nominated director of distinctive films like The Grand Budapest Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom. |
| Luke Wilson | Actor | unknown | unknown | Actor known for roles in Old School, Legally Blonde, and The Royal Tenenbaums alongside brother Owen. |
| Owen Wilson | Actor | English | unknown | Beloved comedic actor starring in Wedding Crashers, Starsky & Hutch, and voicing Lightning McQueen in Cars. |
| Farrah Fawcett | Actress | Microbiology | 1968 | Iconic actress and cultural figure famous for Charlie's Angels and her groundbreaking TV movies. |
Athletes from the University of Texas at Austin have made significant impacts in professional sports leagues such as MLB, NBA, and NFL, as well as in Olympic competitions, showcasing the strength of Longhorn athletics programs in football, baseball, basketball, swimming, track, and gymnastics.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colt McCoy | NFL Quarterback | 2006-2009 | UT's all-time leading passer who led the Longhorns to the 2009 BCS National Championship game. | |
| Huston Street | MLB Pitcher | 2002-2004 | Three-time All-American closer who helped win the 2002 and 2005 College World Series titles before MLB success. | |
| Marquise Goodwin | NFL Wide Receiver and Olympic Long Jumper | 2009-2012 | Olympic long jumper and NFL Pro Bowler who excelled in both track and football at UT. | |
| Jamaal Charles | NFL Running Back | 2003-2007 | Four-time Pro Bowl selection known for explosive speed after starring for the Longhorns. | |
| Ricky Williams | NFL Running Back | 1995-1998 | 1998 Heisman Trophy winner and NCAA all-time rushing leader during his time at UT Austin. | |
| Earl Campbell | NFL Running Back | 1974-1977 | 1977 Heisman Trophy winner who became a three-time NFL rushing champion and MVP. | |
| Mary Lou Retton | Olympic Gymnast | unknown | First non-Eastern European woman to win the Olympic gymnastics all-around gold in 1984, with five Olympic medals total. | |
| Sanya Richards-Ross | Olympic Track Athlete | 2006 | Four-time Olympic gold medalist, including the 4x400m relay, and world champion sprinter. | |
| Ian Crocker | Olympic Swimmer | 2005 | World record holder in the 100m butterfly and two-time Olympic gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Games. | |
| Kevin Durant | NBA Player | 2006 | Two-time NBA champion, MVP, and Olympic gold medalist who played one season for the Longhorns, earning National Player of the Year honors. | |
| Roger Clemens | MLB Pitcher | 1981-1983 | Seven-time Cy Young Award winner who led the Longhorns to the 1983 College World Series championship before a storied MLB career with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. | |
| Vince Young | NFL Quarterback | 2002-2005 | Led the Longhorns to the 2006 BCS National Championship and finished second in 2005 Heisman voting before a successful NFL career. |
This section highlights notable political alumni from the University of Texas at Austin, spanning categories like U.S. federal and state leaders, with limited international figures and no royalty or nobility; these graduates have shaped American governance through influential roles in executive, legislative, and diplomatic positions, driving policy impacts on national and state levels.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Smith | Former U.S. Representative from Texas | Journalism | 1969 | Served in Congress from 1987 to 2019, chairing the House Science Committee and focusing on immigration reform. |
| Roger Williams | U.S. Representative from Texas | Business | 1981 | Republican Congressman since 2013, owner of a car dealership chain and member of the Ways and Means Committee. |
| Sheila Jackson Lee | U.S. Representative from Texas | Political Science | 1972 | Long-serving Congresswoman since 1995, championing civil rights, criminal justice reform, and women's issues. |
| Joaquin Castro | U.S. Representative from Texas | Communications | 1996 | Democratic Congressman since 2013, serving on the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees. |
| Mark White | Former Governor of Texas | Law | 1955 | Governor from 1983 to 1987, renowned for education reforms including the 'No Pass, No Play' rule. |
| Pete Gallego | Former U.S. Representative from Texas | Political Science | 1985 | Represented Texas's 23rd district from 2013 to 2015, emphasizing border security and veterans' affairs. |
| Lloyd Doggett | U.S. Representative from Texas | English | 1967 | Democratic Congressman serving since 1995, advocating for healthcare reform and education policy. |
| Ken Paxton | Attorney General of Texas | Law | 1984 | Texas Attorney General since 2015, leading numerous lawsuits on immigration, election integrity, and regulatory issues. |
| Michael McCaul | U.S. Representative from Texas | History | 1984 | Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee since 2013, focusing on national security and counterterrorism. |
| Kay Bailey Hutchison | Former U.S. Senator from Texas | Government | 1967 | Served in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 2013 and as U.S. Ambassador to NATO from 2017 to 2019. |
| Rex Tillerson | U.S. Secretary of State | Civil Engineering | 1975 | 69th U.S. Secretary of State from 2017 to 2018, former ExxonMobil CEO with extensive diplomatic experience. |
| Lloyd Bentsen | U.S. Secretary of the Treasury | Law | 1942 | Served as U.S. Senator from Texas for 17 years and Treasury Secretary under President Clinton from 1993 to 1994. |
| John Cornyn | U.S. Senator from Texas | Law | 1979 | Republican Senator since 2002, previously Texas Attorney General, influential in Senate leadership and judiciary matters. |
| Rick Perry | Former Governor of Texas | Animal Science | 1972 | Served three terms as Texas Governor from 2000 to 2015 and as U.S. Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019. |
| Greg Abbott | Governor of Texas | Law | 1984 | Longest-serving governor in Texas history since 2015, known for advancing conservative legislation and managing state responses to natural disasters. |
| Ron Kirk | Former U.S. Trade Representative | Law | 1979 | 16th U.S. Trade Representative from 2009 to 2013 and former Mayor of Dallas from 1995 to 2001. |
The University of Texas at Austin, particularly through its McCombs School of Business, has nurtured numerous millionaire and billionaire alumni who have driven innovation in technology, energy, hospitality, and finance. These graduates highlight UT Austin's role in fostering entrepreneurial success and economic impact across industries.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilman Fertitta | CEO of Landry's Inc. | Business Administration | 1979 | Billionaire hospitality magnate owning Landry's empire of restaurants, hotels, and casinos including the Golden Nugget. |
| Dan Friedkin | Chairman of Friedkin Group | Business | 1988 | Billionaire heir and CEO leading automotive distribution giant Gulf States Toyota and diverse investments. |
| John D. Arnold | Founder of Centaurus Advisors | Mathematics and Economics | 1995 | Billionaire former hedge fund manager and philanthropist focusing on evidence-based policy reforms in health and justice. |
| Robert Rowling | Chairman of TRT Holdings | Business Administration | 1976 | Billionaire investor whose TRT Holdings manages assets in energy, hotels like Omni, and sports franchises. |
| Michael Dell | Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Dell Technologies | Computer Science | attended 1983-1984 | Billionaire entrepreneur who founded Dell in his dorm room and built it into a global technology leader with a net worth exceeding $100 billion. |
The University of Texas at Austin, like many large institutions, has a few alumni and attendees associated with serious criminal acts, though such cases are rare amid its vast network of positive contributors. This list draws from verified historical records, focusing on those confirmed to have attended or been enrolled at UT Austin.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Whitman | Mass shooter | Architectural engineering | 1961-1966 | Charles Whitman, a former Marine and UT Austin student, perpetrated the 1966 Texas Tower sniper attack, killing 16 people and injuring 31 others from the observation deck of the university's Main Building before being shot dead by police. |
The University of Texas at Austin boasts affiliations with distinguished Nobel Laureates whose pioneering contributions have profoundly influenced physics, chemistry, and literature on a global scale. These laureates exemplify the university's legacy of fostering transformative research and intellectual excellence.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Kilby | Electrical Engineer and Inventor | Electrical Engineering | 1947 | Received the 2000 Nobel Prize in Physics for co-inventing the integrated circuit, revolutionizing modern electronics. |
| J. M. Coetzee | Author and Professor | English | 1963 | Awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize in Literature for his influential novels exploring human alienation and moral complexity. |
| Steven Weinberg | Theoretical Physicist and Professor | Physics | unknown | Shared the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics for unifying the weak nuclear force and electromagnetism between elementary particles. |
| John B. Goodenough | Professor Emeritus of Materials Science | Materials Science and Engineering | unknown | Won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the lithium-ion battery, enabling portable electronics and electric vehicles. |
