List of University of Louisiana at Lafayette people

This is a partial list of notable people affiliated with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Alumni

Arts and entertainment

• Royd Anderson, filmmaker
• Felecia Angelle, voice actress affiliated with Funimation
• Marc Breaux (deceased), choreographer of movies such as Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
• James Lee Burke, novelist, writer; The Lost Get-Back Boogie was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize
• Isiah Carey, television news reporter (KRIV, Houston, Texas)
• Kody Chamberlain, comic book writer and artist
• Sue Eakin, Louisiana historian
• Judith Ford, Miss America 1969
• Adrianne Frost, comedian
• D'Jalma Garnier, musician, composer, ethnomusicologist
• Hedwig Gorski, poet, author
• Leigh Hennessy, movie and TV actress and stuntwoman
• Ali Landry, Miss USA 1996; actress
• Gary Lavergne, non-fiction novelist, writes about serial killers
• Akkineni Nagarjuna, Indian actor and television producer
• Gregory Krikko Obbott, sketch artist
• Frank Ocean, singer, songwriter
• Eddy Raven, singer and songwriter; six No. 1 songs on the country music charts
• George Rodrigue, artist known for his "Blue Dog" series and early art depicting Cajun life
• Richard Simmons, exercise guru (transferred to and graduated from Florida State University)
• Floyd Sonnier (deceased), Cajun artist
• Keith Sonnier, neon sculptor, minimalist artist
• Daniel Sunjata, actor, Tony Award nominee, winner of Theatre World Award in 2003
• A. Hays Town, architect

Business

• Patrick LeBlanc, architect and founder of LCS Corrections Services, Inc.

Law, government and politics

• Bo Ackal, state representative for Iberia and St. Martin parishes, 1972-1996 (D)
• Ernie Alexander (deceased), Louisiana state representative (2000–2008) (R)
• J. Burton Angelle (Class of 1948), state representative for St. Martin Parish, 1964-1972 (D)
• Scott Angelle, Louisiana lieutenant governor in 2010; member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission since 2013; candidate for governor in 2015 (R)
• Lottie Beebe, member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; superintendent of schools in St. Martin Parish (R)
• Charlotte Beers, former undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs (2001–2003)
• J. Rayburn Bertrand (deceased), mayor of Lafayette (1960-1972) (D)
• Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Louisiana governor (2004–2008) (D)
• Gerald Boudreaux, incoming state senator for Lafayette, St. Landry, and St. Martin parishes, effective January 2016 (D)
• Charles Boustany, U.S. representative from Louisiana's 3rd congressional district (2005-) (R)
• Kenny Bowen (deceased), mayor of Lafayette, (1972–1980; 1992–1996) (D)
• Jack Breaux (deceased), former mayor of Zachary, Louisiana (1966–1980) (R)
• John Breaux, former U.S. senator (1987–2005) (D)
• Armand Brinkhaus, former member of both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature from St. Landry Parish (D)^[1]
• Jefferson Caffery (deceased), former U.S. ambassador (1926–1955)
• Patrick T. Caffery, former U.S. representative (1969–73) (D)
• Thomas G. Clausen (deceased), last elected state superintendent of education, 1984-1988; received bachelor's degree from ULL (D)^[2]
• Cindy Courville, U.S. ambassador to the African Union
• Page Cortez, Louisiana state representative (2008-2012) and state senator (2012- ) (R)
• Mike Cross (deceased), Louisiana state senator (1981–1996) and mayor of Baker (1976–1981) (D)
• Jesse C. Deen, educator and state representative from Bossier Parish from 1972 to 1988 (D), later (R)
• Virginia deGravelles, political activist (R)
• James "Jimmy" Domengeaux (deceased), former U.S. representative and Cajun cultural activist from Lafayette (D)
• Gil Dozier (deceased), Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry from 1976 to 1980, graduated from ULL and played basketball for the Ragin' Cajuns prior to 1956^[3]
• Joey Durel, mayor-president of City of Lafayette and Lafayette Parish (R)
• William T. Dzurilla, international attorney and law clerk to Justice Byron White of the United States Supreme Court (1982–1983)
• Julie Emerson, communications specialist and incoming member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for Lafayette Parish (R)
• Warren Davis Folkes (deceased), member of both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature from West Feliciana Parish, 1944-1976; farmer in St. Francisville (D)^[4]
• Lether Frazar (deceased), former Louisiana lieutenant governor (1956–1960) (D)
• Gregory L. Fruge, former state representative from Eunice (1996–2004) (R)
• Allen C. Gremillion (deceased), former state representative from Crowley (1964–1971) (D)
• Richard T. Haik, Class of 1971, United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, based in Lafayette since 1991
• Ted Haik, former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from New Iberia (D)
• Paul Hardy, former Louisiana lieutenant governor (1988–1992) (R)
• Jimmy Hayes, former U.S. representative from Seventh District (1986–1995) (R)
• Malcolm P. Hebert, mechanical engineering graduate; the last streets and parks commissioner in Alexandria, 1973 to 1977 (D)^[5]
• David Heitmeier (Class of 1984), New Orleans optometrist and member of the Louisiana State Senate for District 7 since 2008^[6]
• Bob Hensgens, state representative from Cameron and Vermilion parishes (R)
• Donald E. Hines, Bunkie physician and president of the Louisiana State Senate from 2004 to 2008 (D)
• Mike "Pete" Huval, state representative from St. Martin Parish (R)
• J. Lomax "Max" Jordan, Jr., former state senator from Lafayette and Acadia parishes (1992–2000) (R)
• Curtis Joubert, mayor of Eunice (1981-1995) and member of the Louisiana House of Representatives (1968-1972) (D)
• Charles D. Lancaster, Jr., Louisiana state representative from 1972–1976; 1980-2008 (R)
• Jeff Landry, U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 3rd congressional district, 2011-2013
• Dud Lastrapes, former mayor of Lafayette (R)
• Dudley J. LeBlanc (deceased), entrepreneur of Hadacol, former Louisiana state senator (1940–1944; 1948–1952; 1964–1971) (D)
• Jerry Luke LeBlanc, former state representative (1989-2004), Louisiana commissioner of administration (2004-2008) and since 2008 the vice president for administration and finance at ULL (D-turned-I)
• Margaret Lowenthal (deceased), former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Lake Charles, attended ULL but graduated from Baylor (D)^[7]
• Wade O. Martin, Jr. (deceased), former Louisiana secretary of state (1944–1976) (D, later R)
• Charlie Melancon, U.S. representative (2005-2009) (D)
• Louis J. Michot (deceased), former Louisiana representative (1960–1964), Louisiana Board of Education (1968–1972) and state superintendent of education (1972–1976) (D)
• Michael J. Michot, former state senator from Lafayette (R)
• Dustin Miller, state representative for St. Landry Parish since 2016 (D)
• Roderick Miller (deceased), former Louisiana representative (1966–1968) (R)
• Ellen Bryan Moore (deceased), former Register of State Lands attended ULL but graduated from Louisiana State University (D)
• Ashton J. Mouton (deceased), youngest mayor in Lafayette history; served 1948-1956 (D)
• Robert L. Mouton (deceased), U.S. representative from Louisiana's 3rd congressional district from 1937-1941 and mayor of Lafayette from 1919-1927 and 1931-1935 (D)
• Sandra Peuler, judge of the Utah Third District Court in Salt Lake City
• Cecil J. Picard (deceased), Louisiana educator, legislator, state superintendent of education from 1996-2007 (D)
• Ed Rand (deceased) Louisiana state representative from Rapides Parish from 1960 to 1964 (D)^[8]
• Beth Rickey (deceased), political activist who opposed David Duke (R)
• Joel Robideaux, Speaker Pro Tempore of the Louisiana House of Representatives (R)
• Craig Romero, Louisiana state senator (1992–2008); president of the Iberia Parish government, 1984-1992 (R)
• Tom Schedler, Louisiana state senator (1996–2008) from St. Tammany Parish (R)
• Dennis Stine, Louisiana state representative (1987-1988) from Lake Charles; state commissioner of administration (1988-1992) (D)-turned-(R)
• Tim Stine, state representative (1988-1996) from Sulphur; former city council member (D)
• Roy R. Theriot (deceased), mayor of Abbeville from 1956 to 1960; state comptroller from 1960 to his death in 1973 (D)
• Sam H. Theriot, member of the Louisiana House of Representative from Vermilion Parish from 1979 to 1996 (D)
• Gerald Theunissen, banker in Jennings who served from 1992-2008 in both houses of the state legislature (R)
• David Thibodaux (deceased), English faculty, Lafayette Parish School Board member, four-time congressional candidate (R)
• Donald Trahan, member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 2004 to 2008 for Lafayette and Vermilion parishes; received two bachelor's degrees at ULL (R)^[9]
• J. Emile Verret (deceased), former lieutenant governor of Louisiana (1944–1948) (D)
• Randy Wiggins, state representative for Rapides Parish from 1996-2000 (R)
• Aubrey W. Young (deceased), drug and alcohol abuse coordinator within the Department of Health and Hospitals, 1965–1999; aide-de-camp to Governor John McKeithen (D)

Military, science and technology

• Steven L. Bennett, Medal of Honor and Purple Heart Recipient; Vietnam War
• Albert H. Crews, former U.S. astronaut (1962–1988)
• Charles B. DeBellevue, first Air Force weapon systems officer to become a flying "Ace" and most successful American flying ace of the Vietnam War
• Jefferson J. DeBlanc (deceased), Congressional Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient; World War II flying ace
• Jay F. Honeycutt, former director of the Kennedy Space Center
• Bennett Landreneau, major general, director of the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
• Alex McCool, manager of NASA Space Shuttle Projects Office (1960-)
• Clifford Schoeffler (deceased), former brigadier general, United States Air Force
• Wilma Subra, environmentalist, 1999 MacArthur Fellow
• Brod Veillon, brigadier general, assistant adjutant general-air for Louisiana

Religion

• Roy Bourgeois, priest; founder of the human rights group SOA Watch (1990-)
• Sam Seamans - Bishop, Reformed Episcopal Church

Sports alumni

American football

• Michael Adams, cornerback, Arizona Cardinals (2007–present)
• Louis Age, offensive tackle, Chicago Bears (1992)
• Patrise Alexander, linebacker, Washington Redskins (1996–1998)
• James Atkins, offensive tackle, Seattle Seahawks (1994–2097), Baltimore Ravens (1998–1999), Detroit Lions (2000)
• D'Anthony Batiste, offensive tackle, Carolina Panthers (2006), Atlanta Falcons (2007–08), Washington Redskins (2008–2009)
• Bill Bentley, cornerback, Detroit Lions (2013–present)
• Bill Blackburn, center, Chicago Cardinals (1946–1950)
• C. C. Brown, safety, Houston Texans (2005–2008), New York Giants (2009–present)
• Chris Cagle (deceased), halfback, New York Giants (1930–1932), Brooklyn Dodgers (1933–1934), College Football Hall of Fame (1954)
• Anthony Clement, offensive tackle, Arizona Cardinals (1998–2005), San Francisco 49ers (2005), New York Jets (2006–2007)
• Kenyon Cotton, running back, Baltimore Ravens (1997–1998)
• Richie Cunningham, place kicker, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars (1997–2002)
• Joe DeForest, linebacker, New Orleans Saints (1987)
• Jake Delhomme, quarterback, New Orleans Saints (1998–2002), Carolina Panthers (2003–2009), Cleveland Browns (2010–present)
• Tyrell Fenroy, running back; school, state and Sun Belt Conference all-time leading rusher; one of eight NCAA FBS players with four consecutive 1,000 yd seasons
• Ladarius Green, tight end, San Diego Chargers (2013–present)
• Mark Hall, defensive end, Green Bay Packers (1989–1990)
• Kyries Hebert, defensive back, Houston Texans (2002), Cincinnati Bengals (2008–present)^[10]
• Keno Hills, tackle, New Orleans Saints (1996–1998)
• Weldon Humble (deceased), offensive lineman, Cleveland Browns (1947–1950), Dallas Texans (1952), College Football Hall of Fame (1961)
• Elvis Joseph, running back, Jacksonville Jaguars (2001–2002)
• Randy McClanahan, linebacker, Oakland Raiders (1977), Buffalo Bills (1978), Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1980–1982)
• Brian Mitchell, running back, Washington Redskins (1990–1999), Philadelphia Eagles (2000–2002), New York Giants (2003)
• Donovan Morgan, wide receiver, Houston Texans (2005)
• Todd Scott, defensive back, Minnesota Vikings (1991–1994), New York Jets (1995), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1995–1996), Kansas City Chiefs (1997)
• Rafael Septien, place-kicker, Dallas Cowboys (1978–1986)
• Antwain Spann, cornerback for the New England Patriots (2006–2008)
• Brandon Stokley, wide receiver, Baltimore Ravens (1999–2002), Indianapolis Colts (2003–06), Denver Broncos (2007–2009), Seattle Seahawks (2010)
• Ike Taylor, defensive back, Pittsburgh Steelers (2003–present)
• Orlando Thomas, defensive back, Minnesota Vikings (1995–2001)
• Charles Tillman, cornerback, Chicago Bears (2003–present)
• Clarence Verdin, wide receiver, Washington Redskins (1986–1987), Indianapolis Colts (1988–1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994)
• Melvin White, cornerback, Carolina Panthers (2013–present)

Baseball

• Jose Alvarez, player for the Atlanta Braves (1977–1978)
• Gene Bacque, only non-Japanese player to receive the Eiji Sawamura Award; Hanshin (Japan) Tigers (1962–1968), Kintetsu Buffaloes (1969)
• Paul Bako, player for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals (1998–2009)
• Alvin Dark, former shortstop and manager in Major League Baseball
• Phil Devey, Canadian baseball pitcher
• Scott Dohmann, player for the Colorado Rockies (1999–2000)
• Ron Guidry, Cy Young Award winner; player for the New York Yankees (1969–1970)
• Gary Haught, player for the Oakland Athletics (1991–1992)
• Xavier Hernandez, player for the Toronto Blue Jays (1984–1986)
• Chris Howard, player for the Seattle Mariners (1988-1988)
• Jonathan Lucroy, player for the Milwaukee Brewers (2010–present)
• B. J. Ryan, player for the Baltimore Orioles (1997–2005), Toronto Blue Jays (2006–2009) Chicago Cubs (2009–present)
• Donne Wall, player for the Houston Astros (1988–1989)

Basketball-NBA

• Kevin Brooks, player for Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Adelaide 36ers (1990s)
• Bo Lamar, former Detroit Pistons and ABA player
• Elfrid Payton, player for Orlando Magic (2014)
• Fred Saunders, former Phoenix Suns (1974–1976) and Boston Celtics player (1976–1978)
• Andrew Toney, former player for Philadelphia 76ers (1980–1988)
• Marv Winkler, former player for Milwaukee Bucks (1970–71), Indiana Pacers (1971–72)

Basketball-WNBA

• Kim Perrot (deceased), former player with Houston Comets

Golf

• Mike Heinen, professional golfer
• Craig Perks, professional PGA golfer; 2002 New Zealand Sportsman of the Year

Tennis

• Tony Minnis, UL Lafayette's all-time winningest singles player with a 94-40 college career; Louisiana Coach of the Year 1995 and 1999

Track and field

• Hollis Conway, high-jump athlete; Olympic medalist, 1988 silver, 1992 bronze
• John McDonnell, UL Lafayette track athlete (1966–69); coached Arkansas to 42 NCAA championships

Trampoline

• Leigh Hennessy, two-time world champion and record-holder for most national championships

Other

• Alan Jouban (attended), professional mixed martial artist, currently for the UFC's Welterweight Division^[11]

Faculty

• Barry Jean Ancelet, folklorist of Cajun culture and expert of Cajun music and language
• Ray Authement, university president (1974–2007); longest to serve as president of a public university in the United States, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education
• Carl L. Bankston, former professor; sociologist, immigration expert
• Carl W. Bauer, Louisiana State University graduate; chief ULL lobbyist from 1990 to 2010; member of both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature from St. Mary Parish from 1966 to 1976.
• Carl A. Brasseaux, historian of French Colonial North America
• Charles deGravelles (1913–2008), former chairman of the Louisiana state Republican Party; taught oil and gas law from 1955-1962
• Henry C. Dethloff (born 1934), American historian, taught at ULL from 1962–1968
• Michael Doucet, Cajun fiddler; winner National Heritage Fellowship; designed and taught the first college course on Cajun music.
• Ernest Gaines, writer-in-residence; nominated for the 2004 Nobel Prize in Literature and the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for fiction; author of The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and A Lesson Before Dying
• Jesse Glass, former resident poet
• Jeff Hennessy, former trampoline coach to world champions
• Elemore Morgan, Jr., landscape painter, retired professor
• Paul Prudhomme, chef famous for his Cajun cuisine; former adjunct
• Burton Raffel, former professor; poet, noted for his translation of Cervantes's Don Quixote
• Roy Vernon Scott, historian of agriculture and railroads at Mississippi State University, taught at ULL 1957-1958
• John Kennedy Toole (deceased), former professor; novelist, author of A Confederacy of Dunces
• George T. Walker, business; later president of the University of Louisiana at Monroe^[12]

References

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