The University of Virginia (UVA), founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, boasts an impressive roster of notable alumni from University of Virginia who have shaped history, culture, and industry worldwide. These famous graduates of University of Virginia exemplify the institution's commitment to excellence in liberal arts, law, engineering, and beyond, producing leaders whose impacts resonate globally. From politics to entertainment, sports figures to influential business tycoons, UVA's alumni network offers inspiration for students and job seekers eyeing higher education paths that lead to extraordinary achievements.
In politics, UVA stands out with alumni like Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. President who attended UVA Law School and later won the Nobel Peace Prize for founding the League of Nations. Robert F. Kennedy, also a UVA Law graduate, served as U.S. Attorney General and Senator, leaving a legacy in civil rights and justice. Modern leaders include U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both UVA alumni, highlighting the school's pipeline to Capitol Hill. Explore UVA's politics alumni for more trailblazers.
Entertainment shines with Katie Couric (B.A. 1979), trailblazing journalist and former Today Show anchor, and Tina Fey (B.A. 1992), Emmy-winning comedian and creator of 30 Rock. Dave Matthews, leader of the Dave Matthews Band, attended UVA, blending music with philanthropy. These University of Virginia celebrities demonstrate how the school's creative environment fosters global stardom.
Sports icons include basketball legend Ralph Sampson, three-time Naismith College Player of the Year, and NFL star Tiki Barber, both UVA graduates. Allen Iverson, NBA Hall of Famer, honed his skills at UVA. Check out sports figures from UVA.
Business leaders like billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones (B.A. 1976) and media mogul John Kluge showcase UVA's influence in finance and entrepreneurship. See UVA millionaires and billionaires. For academics, UVA counts Nobel laureates among its ranks, underscoring research prowess. View Nobel laureates.
This diverse legacy underscores UVA's importance: its Honor Code and rigorous academics build ethical leaders. Alumni stats reveal over 300,000 living graduates, with strong representation in Fortune 500 CEOs and public service. For job seekers, UVA's network aids careers—check higher ed jobs or Charlottesville opportunities. Students can draw motivation from these paths, while faculty and parents see proven outcomes. Learn about professors via Rate My Professor for UVA ratings. Visit UVA's official notable alumni page or Wikipedia list for more. Considering UVA? Its alumni prove transformative potential.
The University of Virginia (UVA) boasts an impressive roster of notable alumni across diverse fields, showcasing the institution's impact on global leadership, entertainment, business, sports, science, and more. From U.S. presidents to billionaires and Nobel laureates, UVA graduates have shaped history with groundbreaking achievements. Explore these categories to see why famous graduates of University of Virginia continue to inspire students and job seekers eyeing careers in Charlottesville, Virginia. For deeper dives, check the politics, entertainment figures, millionaires and billionaires, and Nobel laureates sections below. Thinking of studying here? Review faculty on Rate My Professor or explore higher ed jobs in the area via Charlottesville jobs.
UVA's political alumni include trailblazers who reached the highest offices, influencing U.S. policy and diplomacy with eloquence and vision.
UVA has launched comedic geniuses and media stars who dominate TV and film with sharp wit and charisma.
Business titans from UVA built empires in finance and media, turning innovative ideas into fortunes.
Learn more via UVA's official notable alumni page or Wikipedia list. Aspiring leaders, pair UVA's network with higher ed career advice and scholarships.
The University of Virginia (UVA) boasts a rich legacy of notable alumni from University of Virginia who have left indelible marks across entertainment, politics, sports, and beyond. Founded by Thomas Jefferson, UVA has nurtured talents that embody the school's motto, "Aut Caesar aut nihil" (Either a Caesar or nothing), producing famous graduates of University of Virginia who chase greatness with unrelenting passion.
Take Tina Fey, a UVA drama graduate (BA 1992), who skyrocketed to fame as the creator and star of 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live. Her sharp wit and trailblazing career, including Emmy wins and authoring bestsellers, showcase how UVA's liberal arts foundation fuels comedic genius. Similarly, Katie Couric (BA 1979, American Studies) transitioned from UVA's news bureau to anchoring the Today Show and CBS Evening News, interviewing presidents and breaking barriers for women in journalism—one of many University of Virginia celebrities captivating global audiences.
In politics, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (JD 1982) carries forward a dynasty, advocating environmental causes and running for office, while Sen. Tim Kaine (JD 1983) shaped U.S. policy as Hillary Clinton's 2016 running mate. Sports icons like NBA star Malcolm Brogdon (BA 2016, History), the 2017 Rookie of the Year, and MLB's Ryan Zimmerman (BA 2006, English), the Nationals' "Mr. Washington," highlight UVA's athletic prowess. Business titan Paul Tudor Jones II (BA 1976, Economics), a billionaire hedge fund manager, exemplifies University of Virginia billionaires driving financial innovation.
UVA alumni breakthroughs extend to science, with Nobel laureate William D. Phillips (PhD Physics 1976) pioneering laser cooling techniques. For aspiring leaders, explore higher ed jobs near Charlottesville or academic jobs in Charlottesville. Students can rate my professor at UVA to find top mentors, much like these alumni did. Check the full politics alumni list or official UVA alumni stories at UVA Notable Alumni and Virginia Alumni Association.
These stories inspire job seekers and students eyeing UVA—imagine networking with such influential leaders from University of Virginia. Dive into professor ratings or higher ed career advice to chart your path, just as these trailblazers did amid Charlottesville's vibrant scene.
University of Virginia alumni have excelled in entertainment, particularly as actors and musicians, bringing creativity and innovation to film, television, and music industries with groundbreaking performances and chart-topping hits. Categories include Actors, Musicians.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael C. Hall | Actor | English | 1993 | Golden Globe winner known for starring as the serial killer Dexter Morgan in Dexter and David Fisher in Six Feet Under. |
| Tina Fey | Actress, Comedian, Writer | Drama | attended 1989-1992 | Emmy-winning creator and star of 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live, Tina Fey revolutionized sketch comedy and television writing. |
| Stephan Jenkins | Musician, Singer | attended | Lead singer of Third Eye Blind, whose self-titled debut album sold over six million copies. | |
| Edgar Winter | Musician, Multi-instrumentalist | Liberal Arts | 1964 | Rock musician famous for instrumental hits like Frankenstein and Free Ride with his band The Edgar Winter Group. |
| Carter Beauford | Musician, Drummer | attended 1978-1980 | Drummer and founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, renowned for his versatile and dynamic percussion style. | |
| Boyd Tinsley | Musician, Violinist | Music | 1986 | Founding violinist of the Dave Matthews Band, contributing to their signature sound on numerous platinum albums. |
| Dave Matthews | Musician, Singer-Songwriter | Commerce | attended 1985-1986 | Frontman of the Dave Matthews Band, whose albums have sold over 38 million copies worldwide. |
| Rob Corddry | Actor, Comedian | English | 1993 | Emmy-nominated correspondent on The Daily Show and star of films like Hot Tub Time Machine and Childrens Hospital. |
| Rashida Jones | Actress, Producer | attended 1993-1995 | Known for her roles in Parks and Recreation, The Office, and Angie Tribeca, Rashida Jones has become a prominent figure in television comedy. | |
| Paul Giamatti | Actor | Law | 1995 | Academy Award nominee celebrated for roles in Sideways, Cinderella Man, and the miniseries John Adams. |
Notable athletes from the University of Virginia (UVA) have excelled in sports like basketball, football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis, bringing prestige to the institution through professional careers, Olympic participation, and NCAA championships. These alumni demonstrate UVA's strong athletic tradition and the impact of its programs on producing top-tier talent in American and international sports.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Harrison | MLB pitcher | unknown | San Francisco Giants prospect who attended UVA before turning pro. | |
| Matt Danowski | Professional lacrosse player | 2006 | Three-time All-American attackman at UVA and pro standout. | |
| Rob Emery | Professional lacrosse player | unknown | UVA lacrosse alum known for defensive prowess in professional leagues. | |
| Phil Boyle | Professional lacrosse player | 2015 | Two-time All-American goalie at UVA and pro player in Major League Lacrosse. | |
| Merrick Thomson | Professional lacrosse player | 2019 | Canadian lacrosse standout who played attack for UVA and transitioned to pro leagues. | |
| Zac Brown | Professional lacrosse player | unknown | Premier Lacrosse League player and UVA All-American midfielder. | |
| Lars Tiffany | Lacrosse coach | unknown | Former UVA lacrosse player turned coach, leading the team to national championships. | |
| Shayna Wecker | WNBA player | 2005 | WNBA first-round draft pick who played professionally after leading UVA women's basketball. | |
| Dawit Seyaum | Olympic runner | unknown | Ethiopian distance runner who attended UVA and competed in the Olympics, setting personal bests in the 5,000 meters. | |
| Somdev Devvarman | Professional tennis player | 2008 | Two-time NCAA Singles Champion (2008, 2009) and represented India in Davis Cup while reaching ATP top 100. | |
| Chris Taylor | MLB utility player | Commerce | 2008 | Versatile Los Angeles Dodgers player and 2020 World Series champion who has earned two All-Star selections and a Gold Glove. |
| Claudio Reyna | Professional soccer player | 1994 | U.S. national team captain and 2002 World Cup standout who played professionally in Europe for clubs like Manchester City and Rangers. | |
| Joe Harris | NBA player | Anthropology | 2014 | Holds the NBA single-season record for three-point percentage (47.4% in 2018-19) and two-time Three-Point Contest winner while playing for the Brooklyn Nets. |
| Malcolm Brogdon | NBA guard | History | 2016 | 2016 ACC Player of the Year and NBA Rookie of the Year in 2017 with the Milwaukee Bucks, later NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 with the Boston Celtics. |
| Ryan Zimmerman | MLB first baseman | 2005 | Longtime Washington Nationals star who hit the franchise's first grand slam in a playoff game and was a three-time All-Star and 2019 World Series champion. | |
| Ronde Barber | NFL cornerback | Commerce | 1997 | Holds NFL records for career interceptions by a cornerback (47) and defensive touchdowns by a cornerback (12), and won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. |
| Tiki Barber | NFL running back | Commerce | 1997 | NFL rushing leader in 2005 and two-time Pro Bowler for the New York Giants, known for his record-setting career in rushing yards by an undrafted player. |
| Ralph Sampson | NBA player | Commerce | 1983 | Three-time Naismith College Player of the Year (1981-1983) who led UVA to the 1981 NCAA Final Four and enjoyed a successful NBA career with the Houston Rockets, including four All-Star selections. |
| Mikki Moore | NFL player | 1997 | Played 11 seasons in the NFL as a tight end for teams including the San Diego Chargers and New York Jets. |
University of Virginia alumni have excelled in U.S. politics, including presidents, senators, governors, and Supreme Court justices, with limited international figures; their achievements have profoundly shaped American governance, legislation, and judicial decisions across categories like U.S. and International.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George H. W. Bush | 41st President of the United States | Law | attended 1948-1949 | Attended UVA Law School briefly after Yale, later becoming CIA Director, Vice President, and President (1989-1993). |
| Linwood Holton | Governor of Virginia | Law | LL.B. 1949 | First Republican Governor of Virginia since Reconstruction (1970-1974), promoting desegregation and modernizing state government. |
| David J. Brennan Jr. | Associate Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court | Law | J.D. 1950 | Served on the Ohio Supreme Court from 1980 to 1994, contributing to state judicial decisions. |
| Howard Coble | U.S. Representative from North Carolina | Law | J.D. 1966 | Served in Congress from 1985 to 2015, focusing on judiciary and transportation committees. |
| Eric Cantor | U.S. House Majority Leader | Government | B.A. 1985 | Served as House Majority Leader (2011-2014) and influential Republican leader. |
| Bob McDonnell | Governor of Virginia | Law | J.D. 1979 | Governor from 2010 to 2014, promoting transportation and education initiatives. |
| Jim Webb | U.S. Senator from Virginia | English | B.S. 1968 | Served as Senator (2007-2013), Navy Secretary, and author of military reform legislation. |
| Tom Perriello | U.S. Representative from Virginia | Politics | B.A. 1996 | Served in Congress (2009-2011) and as U.S. Special Envoy for Libya. |
| Riggleman Barbara Comstock | U.S. Representative from Virginia | Law | J.D. 1986 | Served in Congress (2015-2019), focusing on energy and commerce. |
| Barbara Comstock | U.S. Representative from Virginia | Law | J.D. 1986 | Republican Representative for Virginia's 10th district from 2015 to 2019. |
| Pedro Pierluisi | Governor of Puerto Rico | Law | LL.M. 1976 | Current Governor of Puerto Rico and former Resident Commissioner, advocating for island statehood. |
| Harry F. Byrd Jr. | U.S. Senator from Virginia | unknown | attended 1933-1934 | Independent Senator from 1965 to 1983, continuing his father's conservative legacy on fiscal policy and states' rights. |
| Mills E. Godwin Jr. | Governor of Virginia | Law | LL.B. 1938 | Served as Governor from 1966-1970 and 1974-1978, transitioning from Democrat to Republican and advancing education funding. |
| George Allen | U.S. Senator from Virginia and Governor of Virginia | Government and Foreign Affairs | B.A. 1983 | Served as Governor (1994-1998) and Senator (2001-2007), known for economic development and tax reforms. |
| Jerry Moran | U.S. Senator from Kansas | Law | J.D. 1982 | Republican Senator since 2010, serving on committees for agriculture, veterans, and intelligence. |
| John Warner | U.S. Senator from Virginia | Law | LL.B. 1953 | Served five terms in the Senate from 1979 to 2009, chairing the Armed Services Committee and influencing defense policy. |
| Lewis F. Powell Jr. | Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court | Law | LL.B. 1931 | Served on the Supreme Court from 1971 to 1987, authoring key opinions on abortion, affirmative action, and privacy rights. |
| Mark Warner | U.S. Senator from Virginia | Government and Foreign Affairs, Law | B.A. 1977, J.D. 1982 | Serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, focusing on cybersecurity, technology policy, and national security. |
| Tim Kaine | U.S. Senator from Virginia | Law | J.D. 1983 | Current U.S. Senator, 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee, and former Virginia Governor known for bipartisan work on infrastructure and veterans' affairs. |
| Robert F. Kennedy | U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator | Law | attended 1951 | Served as Attorney General under President John F. Kennedy and later as New York Senator, advocating for social justice before his assassination in 1968. |
| Edward M. Kennedy | U.S. Senator from Massachusetts | Law | LL.B. 1956 | Served nearly 47 years in the Senate, becoming a leading voice on health care reform, civil rights, and education policy. |
| Woodrow Wilson | 28th President of the United States | History and Political Science | PhD 1886 | Led the U.S. through World War I and championed the League of Nations as part of his Fourteen Points vision for world peace. |
The University of Virginia has produced or hosted several Nobel Laureates whose groundbreaking work in economics and physics has profoundly influenced scientific understanding and economic theory. These alumni and faculty exemplify UVA's commitment to excellence in research and innovation.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James M. Buchanan Jr. | Economist | Economics | Faculty (1957-1968) | Nobel Prize in Economics (1986) for his development of the contractual and constitutional foundations of the theory of economic and political decision-making. |
| Robert C. Richardson | Physicist | Physics | Ph.D. 1966 | Nobel Prize in Physics (1996) for the discovery of superfluidity in helium-3. |
| William D. Phillips | Physicist | Physics | B.S. 1965 | Nobel Prize in Physics (1997) for the development of methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light. |
