Virginia Tech notable alumni have left an indelible mark across diverse fields, showcasing the university's commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and excellence since its founding in 1872 as a land-grant institution in Blacksburg, Virginia. With over 350,000 living alumni worldwide, Virginia Tech (VT) boasts a network that drives progress in engineering, agriculture, business, sports, and public service. This Hokie spirit—rooted in the motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve)—translates into real-world impacts, from pioneering technological breakthroughs to shaping national policy and dominating professional sports arenas.
In sports, Virginia Tech famous graduates dominate, particularly football. Bruce Smith, a VT Hall of Famer and NFL legend, holds the all-time sack record with 200 during his 19-year career, inspiring generations of athletes. Michael Vick, another standout quarterback, revolutionized the position with his speed and arm strength, earning Pro Bowl honors and highlighting VT's athletic training programs. These figures underscore the university's powerhouse athletics, with the Hokies competing in the ACC conference and producing numerous NFL talents—check out more in the sports figures section.
Politics sees influential leaders like Eric Cantor, who earned his B.A. from VT and rose to become House Majority Leader, influencing key legislation on finance and healthcare. In business, alumni such as Richard B. Fisher, co-founder of a major investment firm, exemplify VT's engineering and business programs' role in Wall Street success. Unique aspects include VT's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning through co-ops and research, leading to alumni contributions in aerospace (e.g., NASA engineers) and tech startups. For instance, the university's proximity to research hubs in Blacksburg and Virginia fosters innovation ecosystems.
The implications are profound for prospective students and job seekers: associating with these notable alumni from Virginia Tech opens doors to mentorship, internships, and careers. Parents appreciate the proven ROI, with alumni median salaries often exceeding national averages in STEM fields per U.S. News data. Faculty and staff benefit from collaborative networks. Explore VT professors on Rate My Professor, pursue higher ed jobs, or tap career advice tailored for Hokies. Discover the full legacy at VT's official alumni site or the comprehensive Wikipedia list.
This overview reveals why famous graduates of Virginia Tech continue to inspire global audiences, proving that a VT education equips you for extraordinary achievements.
Discovering the stories behind notable alumni from Virginia Tech (VT) reveals a tapestry of remarkable achievements that inspire current students, faculty, parents, and job seekers eyeing opportunities in Blacksburg, Virginia. Known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and military traditions since its founding in 1872 as a land-grant university, VT has produced leaders who shaped history. Take Second Lieutenant Robert E. Femoyer (class of 1944), a true hero who earned the Medal of Honor posthumously during World War II for his selfless navigation under fire, saving his B-17 crew despite mortal wounds—a testament to the courage instilled in Hokies.
Military excellence runs deep, with alumni like Lieutenant General William G. Boykin (1971), who commanded Delta Force and later served as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, bringing VT's discipline to national security. Vice Admiral Jody A. Breckenridge (1975) led Coast Guard Pacific Area, while Rear Admiral J. Scott Burhoe (1976) became the 39th Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. General Carlton D. Everhart II (1983) commands Air Mobility Command, overseeing global airlift operations. These graduates highlight VT's Corps of Cadets legacy, producing seven Medal of Honor recipients overall.
Beyond defense, Robert C. Richardson, a physics alumnus, won the 1996 Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering superfluidity in helium-3, advancing low-temperature physics. For more on such influential leaders Virginia Tech, explore the official Wikipedia list of Virginia Tech alumni or VT's College of Science notable graduates page (see politics alumni). Aspiring Hokies, check Rate My Professor for VT faculty insights or browse academic jobs in Blacksburg and higher ed jobs to follow in their footsteps. These tales of breakthroughs and service make Virginia Tech famous graduates a compelling draw.
Virginia Tech (VT) boasts a remarkable track record of producing notable alumni from Virginia Tech who excel across diverse fields, inspiring current students, faculty, staff, parents, and job seekers worldwide. These achievements highlight the university's commitment to hands-on learning through its land-grant mission, fostering innovation and leadership. Below, we rate key categories on a 10-point star scale based on the prominence and impact of VT famous graduates, drawing from verified alumni successes over the past decades. Ratings reflect the number and caliber of standout figures, their contributions, and VT's role in their paths.
These ratings underscore VT's strengths in athletics and leadership, with trends showing steady growth in business over 10 years per US News data. For job seekers, VT alumni networks boost employability—check Academic Jobs in Virginia or scholarships. Parents, note how VT's co-op programs (paid internships) propel graduates. Emulate by pursuing interdisciplinary majors and internships. Explore full lists and rate VT professors to choose paths wisely. VT equips you for global impact!
Virginia Tech alumni have made their mark in entertainment fields such as actors, playwrights, and performers, bringing creativity and innovation to television, film, and theater. These Hokies have influenced popular culture through compelling performances and storytelling, though notable musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters are less prominent from this institution.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Bell | Playwright and performer | 1996 | Co-creator of the Broadway musical [title of show], earning Tony Award nominations for his innovative work in musical theater. | |
| Ben Jones | Actor | Architecture | 1964 | Best remembered as Cooter Davenport in the TV series The Dukes of Hazzard, also a former U.S. Congressman. |
| K. C. Underwood | Actor and playwright | unknown | Featured in films like The Cotton Club and Broadway productions, recognized for his work in theater and screen acting. | |
| Mary Trimble | Actress | 1963 | Appeared in TV shows such as The Waltons and films including The Devil's Rain, contributing to classic American television and cinema. | |
| Chi McBride | Actor | Music | unknown | Known for roles in Boston Public, Pushing Daisies, and Gone in the Night, he attended Virginia Tech for two years studying music before pursuing acting. |
Athletes; Virginia Tech boasts a rich tradition in college athletics, particularly football and basketball, with alumni achieving professional success in NFL, MLB, and NBA, enhancing the Hokies' reputation and motivating student-athletes through their leadership and excellence.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff King | MLB Catcher/First Baseman | 2001 | Played nine MLB seasons with teams including Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres. | |
| Kevin Jones | NFL Running Back | 2004 | ACC Player of the Year who rushed for over 2,600 yards at Virginia Tech and played in NFL. | |
| Logan Thomas | NFL Tight End/Quarterback | 2013 | Transitioned from quarterback to tight end in NFL, playing for Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers. | |
| Corey Moore | NFL Defensive End | 2000 | Outland Trophy winner and consensus All-American at Virginia Tech. | |
| Kenard Lang | NFL Defensive End | 1996 | Played 11 NFL seasons with Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns. | |
| Bryant Stith | NBA Guard | 1991 | Two-time ACC Player of the Year who played eight NBA seasons after being drafted 13th overall. | |
| Joe Saunders | MLB Pitcher | 2002 | Left-handed starter who pitched in MLB for teams like Arizona Diamondbacks and Baltimore Orioles. | |
| Carroll Dale | NFL Wide Receiver | 1957 | Five-time Pro Bowler and key contributor to Green Bay Packers' NFL championships in the 1960s. | |
| Bimbo Coles | NBA Guard | 1988 | Two-time ACC Player of the Year who enjoyed a 13-year NBA career and later coached at Virginia Tech. | |
| Dell Curry | NBA Shooting Guard | 1986 | NBA sharpshooter with over 1,000 three-pointers made in 16 seasons, father of Stephen Curry. | |
| Tyrod Taylor | NFL Quarterback | 2011 | Prolific dual-threat starter for teams like the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and New York Giants known for his efficiency and mobility. | |
| Kam Chancellor | NFL Safety | 2009 | Intimidating strong safety and cornerstone of the Seattle Seahawks' Legion of Boom defense that won Super Bowl XLVIII. | |
| DeAngelo Hall | NFL Cornerback | 2004 | Versatile defensive back and two-time Pro Bowler who played 14 NFL seasons, primarily with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. | |
| Ryan Zimmerman | MLB Third Baseman | Business Information Technology | unknown | Washington Nationals icon dubbed 'Mr. National' who helped lead the team to its first World Series title in 2019. |
| Michael Vick | NFL Quarterback | 2001 | Revolutionary dual-threat quarterback known for his speed and playmaking ability during stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Jets. | |
| Bruce Smith | NFL Hall of Fame Defensive End | Civil Engineering | 1985 | All-time NFL sack leader with 200 career sacks and Pro Football Hall of Famer who starred for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins. |
| Frank Beamer | College Football Coach | 1969 | Legendary Virginia Tech head coach for 29 seasons, inventor of the 'Lafayette Drill,' and leader to multiple ACC championships. |
Virginia Tech has produced influential alumni in U.S. politics, primarily serving in Virginia state government and Congress, with categories including U.S. politicians. These Hokies have shaped legislation and public policy through dedicated public service.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Weatherholtz | Former Virginia House of Delegates Member | Agriculture | 1983 | Served as Republican delegate for Virginia's 99th district. |
| Jackson H. Miller | Former Virginia House of Delegates Member | Political Science | 1993 | Republican who represented Virginia's 50th district from 2006 to 2020. |
| Steve Landes | Former Virginia House of Delegates Member | 1986 | Republican delegate for Virginia's 25th district from 1996 to 2020. | |
| Joseph R. Kendrick | Former Virginia House of Delegates Member | Agriculture | 1953 | Served in the Virginia House of Delegates from Virginia's 17th district. |
| C. E. French | Former Virginia House of Delegates Member | Agriculture | 1965 | Republican who represented Virginia's 20th district in the House of Delegates. |
| David N. Albo | Former Virginia House of Delegates Member | Government and International Politics | 1983 | Former Republican delegate for Virginia's 42nd district from 1994 to 2018, known for transportation policy work. |
| Morgan Griffith | U.S. Representative | Biology | 1978 | Republican Congressman for Virginia's 9th congressional district since 2011, previously a state delegate. |
| Todd Gilbert | Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates | Political Science | 1991 | Republican leader representing Virginia's 15th House district since 2006 and Speaker since 2020. |
| Robert McDonnell | 71st Governor of Virginia | Government and International Politics | 1979 | Republican politician who served as Governor of Virginia from 2010 to 2014 and as Attorney General from 2006 to 2009. |
