The University of Georgia (UGA) has a long history of producing successful and notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. With a strong academic foundation and a wide range of programs, UGA has provided its graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen careers. From business and politics to arts and entertainment, UGA's notable alumni have achieved great success and have made a lasting impact on their respective industries.
Business and Entrepreneurship
UGA has a strong reputation for producing successful business leaders and entrepreneurs. One notable alumnus is Ernest Woodruff, who graduated in 1896 and went on to become the president of the Coca-Cola Company. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola expanded globally and became one of the most recognized brands in the world. Another notable alumnus is W. Frank Blair, who founded the Blair Corporation, a leading manufacturer of men’s clothing. UGA’s business school, the Terry College of Business, is named after Terry College founder and UGA alumnus, Charles H. Terry.
Politics and Public Service
UGA has also produced a number of notable alumni who have gone on to careers in politics and public service. Sanford Bishop, a 1968 graduate, has served as a U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 2nd congressional district since 1993. Jack Kingston, a 1978 graduate, served as a U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 1st congressional district from 1993 to 2015. Zell Miller, a 1957 graduate, served as the 79th Governor of Georgia from 1991 to 1999 and as a U.S. Senator from 2000 to 2005.
| Notable Alumnus | Graduation Year | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Ernest Woodruff | 1896 | President of the Coca-Cola Company |
| W. Frank Blair | 1910 | Founder of the Blair Corporation |
| Sanford Bishop | 1968 | U.S. Representative for Georgia's 2nd congressional district |
| Jack Kingston | 1978 | U.S. Representative for Georgia's 1st congressional district |
| Zell Miller | 1957 | 79th Governor of Georgia and U.S. Senator |
Arts and Entertainment
UGA has also produced a number of notable alumni who have gone on to careers in the arts and entertainment. Alton Brown, a 1987 graduate, is a well-known chef, food writer, and television personality. Jeff Foxworthy, a 1979 graduate, is a comedian, actor, and television host. Kim Basinger, a 1974 graduate, is an actress who has appeared in a number of films, including 9 1⁄2 Weeks and L.A. Confidential.
Athletics
UGA has a strong athletic program, and many of its notable alumni have gone on to successful careers in sports. Frank Sinkwich, a 1942 graduate, was a Heisman Trophy winner and played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions. Herschel Walker, a 1983 graduate, was a Heisman Trophy winner and played in the NFL for the New Jersey Generals and the Dallas Cowboys. Matthew Stafford, a 2009 graduate, is a quarterback who has played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams.
- Alton Brown: Chef, food writer, and television personality
- Jeff Foxworthy: Comedian, actor, and television host
- Kim Basinger: Actress
- Frank Sinkwich: Heisman Trophy winner and NFL player
- Herschel Walker: Heisman Trophy winner and NFL player
- Matthew Stafford: NFL quarterback
What is the most notable achievement of UGA’s alumni?
+One of the most notable achievements of UGA’s alumni is the number of successful business leaders and entrepreneurs who have graduated from the university. Many of these alumni have gone on to found their own companies or become leaders in their respective industries.
Who is the most famous UGA alumnus?
+One of the most famous UGA alumni is Ernest Woodruff, who graduated in 1896 and went on to become the president of the Coca-Cola Company. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola expanded globally and became one of the most recognized brands in the world.
