University of Arkansas - Notable People

Notable People


The University of Arkansas Alumni Association, operates chapters in 30 states throughout the United States. Throughout Arkansas's history, faculty, alumni, and former students have played prominent roles in many different fields. Among its Distinguished Alumni is Ricardo Martinelli, president of the Republic of Panama who was elected in 2009. Seventeen Arkansas graduates have held the position of governor, including the current Governor of Arkansas Mike Beebe who has represented Arkansas since 2007. Twenty-six Arkansas graduates have also represented the state of Arkansas in the United States House of Representatives in every Congress from the start of the 57th Congress in 1901 to 2009. Six Arkansas graduates have also held at least one US Senate seat from Arkansas since 1945, and from 1979–2003 held both seats, including current US Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman.

Arkansas alumni have made contributions to the business world and academia. Alumni include Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Other Arkansas business alumni include executives of major corporations like S. Robson Walton of Wal-Mart, Thomas A. Mars of Mars, Incorporated, Scott T. Ford of Alltel, David O. Russell of Verizon Communications, and Ed Wilson of Fox Broadcasting Company & Tribune Broadcasting. Other Arkansas alumni have also held Chancellor and President positions at numerous universities including David Wiley Mullins who served as the Chancellor of North Carolina State University, Dr. David Rankin Southern Arkansas University, and Ray Thornton who served as President of Arkansas State University.

Arkansas alumni have also made contributions to professional sports. Arkansas Razorbacks have gone on to play in the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB. Current alumni standouts include MLB Cy Young Award winning pitcher Cliff Lee and four time NBA All Star Joe Johnson. Others former razorbacks include 10 Olympians who have won 14 Olympic medals including Mike Conley, Sr. who won Olympics medals at the 1984 and 1992 Olympics. Eight Pro Football Hall of Famers including Dan Hampton and two time PGA Tour major championships winner John Daly have attended the University of Arkansas.

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