# List of Indiana State University people

This is a list of notable current and former faculty members, alumni, and non-graduating attendees of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.

## Presidents

* William Albert Jones (1869–1879)
* George Pliny Brown (1879–1885)
* William Wood Parsons (1885–1921), LL.D., DePauw University
* Linnaeus Neal Hines (1921–1933), M.A., Cornell University
* Ralph Noble Tirey (1934–1953), M.A., Indiana University
* Dr. Raleigh Warren Holmstedt (1953–1965), Ph.D., Columbia Teachers College, Columbia University
* Dr. Alan Carson Rankin (1965–1975), D.S.Sc., Syracuse University
* Dr. Richard George Landini (1975–1992), Ph.D., University of Florida
* Dr. John Moore (1992–2000), Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
* Dr. Lloyd W. Benjamin III (2000–2008) Ph.D., University of North Carolina
* Dr. Daniel J. Bradley (2008–2018) Ph.D., Michigan State University
* Dr. Deborah J. Curtis (2018–2024) Ph.D., Indiana State University
* Dr. Michael . Godard (2024-pres.) Ph.D., Ball State University

## Faculty

* William Ashbrook
* James Chesebro
* Robert Clouse
* Jeffrey S. Harper
* Kenneth T. Henson
* Leroy Lamis, sculptor
* Charles Nicol
* Edward A. Pease Member, House of Representatives, Indiana 7th District, 1997-2001
* Michael Shelden, biographer
* Todd Whitaker

## Notable alumni
### Business

* Gerry Dick, host of Inside INdiana Business
* Tony George, founder and team owner, Indy Racing League
* Jim Lewis, president, Disney Vacation Club
* Bill Lister, senior VP and GM, Roche Diagnostics
* Will Weng, journalist, New York Times

### Medicine

* H.R. Cox, bacteriologist, discovered Rocky Mountain spotted fever treatment and several typhus vaccines
* Jill Bolte Taylor, "The Singing Scientist", neuroanatomist, one of 2008 Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People"
* J. Buzz Von Ornsteiner, forensic psychologist, television personality

### Government
#### Members of Congress (13)

* Birch Bayh, US Senator, Indiana (1963–1981); authored two Constitutional amendments
* John S. Benham, US Representative, Indiana 4th District (1919–1923)
* Thurman C. Crook, US Representative, Indiana 3rd District (1949–1951)
* Brad Ellsworth, US Representative, Indiana 8th District (2007–2011)
* Clarence C. Gilhams, US Representative, Indiana 12th District (1906–1909)
* Brian D. Kerns, US Representative, Indiana 7th District (2001–2003)
* William Larrabee, US Representative for Indiana 6th and 11th Districts (1931–1943)
* D. Bailey Merrill, US Representative, Indiana 8th District (1953–1955)
* John T. Myers, US Representative, Indiana 7th District (1967–1997)
* Edward A. Pease, US Representative, Indiana 7th District (1997–2001)
* Everett Sanders, US Representative, Indiana 5th District (1917–1925); secretary to President Calvin Coolidge (1925–1929); chairman, Republican National Committee (1932–1934)
* Albert Henry Vestal, US Representative, Indiana 8th District (1917–1932); Republican Whip (1923–1931)
* Fred Wampler, US Representative, Indiana 6th District (1959–1961)

#### State political leaders

* John R. Gregg, Indiana House of Representatives, 1986–2002; Speaker of the House 1996–2002, majority leader 1990–1994
* Bob Heaton, Indiana House of Representatives, 2010–Present
* Phillip Hinkle, Indiana House of Representatives, 2000–2012
* Cary D. Landis, Florida Attorney General (1931–1938)
* Carolene Mays, member of Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission; former state representative, Indiana House, 2002–2008
* Richard M. Milburn, Indiana Attorney General (January 1915–November 1915)
* Mike Tryon, Illinois House of Representatives, 2005–2017

#### Diplomats

* George Washington Buckner, Ambassador to Liberia (1913–1915)
* Cynthia Shepard Perry (b. 1928), Ambassador to Sierra Leone (1986–1989), Burundi (1989–1993)

#### Judges

* Gene E. Brooks, judge, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, tenure 1979–1994; Chief Judge 1987–1994
* Noma Gurich, justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, State of Oklahoma
* Allen Sharp, Senior Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, tenure 1973–2009; Chief Judge 1981–1996

#### Other

* Marvella Bayh, late wife of long-time Indiana senator Birch Bayh; mother of former Indiana senator Birch Evans Bayh III; instrumental in establishing Hoosier Girls State at Indiana State University
* Willa Brown, aerospace pioneer; first African-American woman commercial pilot in United States; first African-American female officer in Civil Air Patrol
* P. Pete Chalos, Mayor of Terre Haute, Indiana 1980–1996
* Dr. Kamlesh "Kam" Lulla, NASA, chief scientist for earth observation, Human Exploration Science Office, Johnson Space Center
* Jeff Papa, first mayor of Zionsville, Indiana
* Kenneth L. Peek, Jr., lieutenant general, United States Air Force, former 8 AF commander
* Susan Porter Rose, Chief of Staff to the First Lady of the United States (1989–1993)
* Chuck Smith, mayor, Woodmere, Ohio, 2009–present

### Education
#### Current

* Charles "Chuck" Johnson, president, Vincennes University (2015–present)
* Ronald L. Vaughn, president, University of Tampa (1995–present)

#### Former
##### Presidents and chancellors

* Max P. Allen, president, McKendree College (1960–1964)
* Isaac K. Beckes, president Vincennes University (1950–1980)
* Eugene W. Bohannon, president University of Minnesota, Duluth (1902–1937)
* Isaac M. Burgan, president Paul Quinn College (1883–1891, 1911–1914)
* Elmer Burritt Bryan, president of Colgate University (1909–1921), Ohio University (1921–1934), Franklin College
* Lotus Coffman, president of the University of Minnesota (1920–1938)
* Dwight Conquergood, enthnographer, Northwestern University (1978-2004)
* Myron Coulter, chancellor, Western Carolina University (1984–1994)
* Lewis C. Dowdy, sixth president and first chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (1964–1980)
* John R. Gregg, 20th president, Vincennes University (2003–2004)
* Richard E. Helton, president, Vincennes University (2004–2015)
* Martin David Jenkins, president, Morgan State University (1948–1970)
* Eldon Johnson, president, University of New Hampshire (1955–1962)
* John Edward McGilvrey, first president Kent State University (1911–1926)
* Caleb Mills, second Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction (1854–1857)
* Walter P. Morgan, president Western Illinois University (1912–1941)
* Edison E. Oberholtzer, founder and president, University of Houston (1927–1950)
* M. Victoria Schuller, OSF, president, University of Albuquerque (1966–1983)
* Lou Anna K. Simon, president, Michigan State University (2003–2018)
* Phillip Summers, president, Vincennes University (1980–2001)
* Sandra Westbrooks, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, Chicago State University (2008–2013)
* Dr. Herbert Wey, president, chancellor Appalachian State University (1969–1979)

##### Deans and administrators

* Birch Bayh, professor, coach, athletic director, Indiana State University, director of physical education, 30+ years in the Terre Haute and Washington D.C. school systems
* Charlotte Schweitzer Burford, dean of women, Indiana State University (1910–1946)
* Grace DeVaney, first woman to serve as a high school principal in Indiana, at Terre Haute Garfield High School
* Elder Watson Diggs, BA - 1908; educator, U.S. Army veteran, WW I, co-founder, Kappa Alpha Psi
* Rupert Evans, dean, College of Education, University of Illinois
* Barton Evermann, author, educator
* Fred E. Harris, dean and vice president, Baldwin-Wallace College
* Robert Jerry, dean, University of Florida, Levin College of Law (2003–present)
* James F. Kane, dean, College of Business Administration, University of South Carolina
* William Harrison Mace, educator, author, professor of history
* Johnny Matson, professor; psychologist at Louisiana State University
* Andrew C. Porter, president, AERA, professor, Vanderbilt University
* Fred Albert Shannon, professor and historian, won the 1929 Pulitzer Prize (History)
* Elizabeth J. Simpson, dean, School of Family Resources and Consumer Sciences, University of Wisconsin
* Ben F. Small, dean, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

### Athletics

* Nevin Ashley, former Major League Baseball player for the Milwaukee Brewers
* Richard Atha, former professional basketball player for the New York Knicks and Fort Wayne Pistons
* Robbie Avila, one-time Sycamores basketball player
* Clint Barmes, former Major League Baseball player for the Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres
* Tim Barrett, former Major League Baseball player for the Montreal Expos
* Bruce Baumgartner, wrestler, Olympic gold medalist, James E. Sullivan Award
* Jeff Belskus, president, Indy Eleven Soccer franchise
* Junius “Rainey” Bibbs, professional baseball player
* Larry Bird, professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics and administrator
* Jerry Blemker, junior college baseball coach, Vincennes University 1980–2006; leader in wins, NJCAA; 1,188 wins
* Cheryl Bridges, women's marathon world record holder, Dec 1971-Dec 1973
* Jim Brumfield, former professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers
* Billy Clapper, head coach, men's basketball Penn State Altoona
* Roger Counsil, NCAA champion gymnastic coach; former head USA Gymnastics
* Wayne Davis, former professional football player for the San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Redskins
* Brian Dorsett, former Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians, California Angels, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs
* David Doster, former Major League Baseball player
* Steve Englehart, head coach, Presbyterian Blue Hose
* Stewart “Red” Faught, head coach, football, Franklin College
* Mike Gardiner, former Major League Baseball player
* Tom Gilles, former Major League Baseball player
* Vencie Glenn, professional football player
* Alex Graman, former Major League Baseball player
* Rick Grapenthin, former Major League Baseball player
* Robert Griswold, Paralympic swimmer
* Terry Hall (1944–1997), women's basketball coach at Eastern Kentucky University, University of Louisville, University of Kentucky and Wright State University
* Mitch Hannahs, head coach, Indiana State Sycamores
* Bill Hayes, former Major League Baseball player & coach
* John Hazen, professional basketball player
* Tunch Ilkin, professional football player
* Blaise Ilsley, former Major League Baseball player
* Jeff James, Major League Baseball player
* Tommy John, retired Major League Baseball player
* Harold Johnson, professional basketball player
* Wallace Johnson, former Major League Baseball player
* Doug Kay, professional football coach
* Beverly Kearney, head coach, University of Texas women's track and field team
* Duane Klueh, professional basketball player, former head coach of men's basketball, tennis at Indiana State University
* Danny Lazar, former Major League Baseball player
* Bryan Leturgez, Olympic bobsledder; bronze medalist - 1993 World Championships
* Sean Manaea, Major League Baseball player
* Pancho Martin, professional football player
* Thad Matta, head coach, Men's Basketball; Ohio State University
* Carl Nicks, professional basketball player
* Jake Odum, professional basketball player, European Leagues (2014–2019); collegiate basketball coach (2019-pres)
* Brian Omogrosso, former Major League Baseball player
* Jake Petricka, Major League Baseball player
* Dr. Ferne E. Price, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player; ISU alumni and coach, women's softball and swimming squads
* Colin Rea, Major League Baseball player
* Jerry Reynolds, professional basketball coach, general manager
* Bob Royer, professional basketball player
* Micah Shrewsberry, head coach Penn State Nittany Lions
* Chuck Smith, former Major League Baseball player
* Steve Smith, silver medalist, high jump, 1995 Pan Am Games
* Zane Smith, former Major League Baseball player
* Dan Sparks, professional basketball player; NJCAA champion coach
* Mitch Stetter, Kansas City Royals, Major League Baseball coach
* Ryan Strausborger, former Major League Baseball player
* Ryan Tatusko, professional baseball player
* Joe Thatcher, former Major League Baseball player
* Kurt Thomas, Olympic participant, gymnastics; James E. Sullivan Award
* Robert Tonyan, National Football League player (Green Bay Packers)
* Bobby Turner, Atlanta Falcons, assistant coach (running backs)
* Jayson Wells (born 1976), basketball player
* Paul "Billy" Williams, athletic director, Indiana State Muncee Hoosieroons (1921–1958)
* John Wooden, college basketball player and Hall of Fame college coach
* Andy Young, Major League Baseball player

### Arts, entertainment and media

* Michael Evans Behling, model and actor
* Troy Brownfield, comic book writer and author
* Bubba the Love Sponge (born Todd Alan Clem), radio talk show host
* David Darling, Grammy Award-winning cellist, composer
* Gerry Dick, TV journalist, news anchor, founder Grow Indiana Media
* EST Gee, rapper
* Ross Ford, motion picture and television personality
* Margaret Gisolo, founder, Arizona Arts Alliance
* James Brian Hellwig, The Ultimate Warrior, WWE wrestler
* Belford Hendricks, composer, pianist, arranger, conductor and record producer
* Jamal Khashoggi, B.S. business administration 1983; Saudi dissident, author, activist, editor, Washington Post columnist
* Margaret Hill McCarter, 1884 A.B., schoolteacher, writer, and first woman to address a Republican National Convention
* Burl Ives, Singer, Actor, Entertainer
* Ami McKay, writer
* Alvy Moore, movie and television personality
* Bill Moring, jazz bassist
* Sister Edith Pfau, S.P., painter, sculptor and art educator
* Wanda Ramey, pioneer female news anchor
* Rudy Render, music arranger/director; musician; actor; educator
* Jared Yates Sexton, author and political commentator
* Tom Trimble, 1974 Emmy Award-winning art director
* Stuart Vaughn, better known as Stuart Vaughan, Obie Award-winning director