List of University of California, Santa Barbara alumni

UCSB Award winners

Carol Greider, B.A. 1983 – 2009 Nobel Prize winner

Michael Douglas, B.A. 1968 – two-time Academy Award winner

• Carol W. Greider, B.A. 1983 – molecular biologist/geneticist and professor/director at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

The MacArthur Fellows Program is also known as the "MacArthur Fellowship" or "Genius Grant."

• Amir Abo-Shaeer, B.S. 1996, M.S. 1998, M.Ed. 2001 – high school physics teacher and mechanical engineer; 2010 MacArthur Fellowship
• Angela Belcher, B.S. 1991, Ph.D. 1997 – materials scientist and W.M. Keck Professor of Energy at MIT; 2004 MacArthur Fellowship
• Robin Fleming, B.A. 1977, Ph.D. 1984 – medieval historian and Department of History professor at Boston College; 2013 MacArthur Fellowship
• Edith Widder, M.A. 1977, Ph.D. 1982 – oceanographer and marine biologist; 2006 MacArthur Fellowship

• Bob Sipchen, B.A. 1976 – two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former Communications Director of the Sierra Club

• Michael Douglas, B.A. 1968 – producer of 1975's Best Picture, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and Best Actor in 1987 for his role as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street
• Gwyneth Paltrow, attended – Best Actress in 1998 for Shakespeare in Love
• Eric Roth, attended – screenwriter of 1994's Best Adapted Screenplay, Forrest Gump

• Dante Di Loreto, B.A. – two-time Emmy Award winner; producer for Glee and American Horror Story
• Jason Ross, 1993 – seven-time Emmy Award winner; television writer for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and previously The Daily Show

UCSB Academics

Reza Aslan, Ph.D 2009 – Iranian-American author, commentator and religious scholar

• R.J.Q. Adams, Ph.D. 1972 –American historian and Patricia & Bookman Peters Professor of History at Texas A&M University
• Reza Aslan, Ph.D. 2009 – Iranian-American author, commentator and religious scholar; professor of creative writing at University of California, Riverside
• Denis Dutton, B.A. 1966, Ph.D. 1975 – professor, philosopher, and founder of Arts & Letters Daily
• Carol Folt, B.A. 1976, M.A. 1978 – Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• James Kilgore, 1969 - Former Symbionese Liberation Army and professor at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• Jakob Lothe, M.A. 1976 – literary scholar and professor at the University of Oslo
• Heather McKillop, Ph.D. 1987 – Mayanist archaeologist and professor at Louisiana State University
• John D. Petersen, Ph.D. 1975 – former President of the University of Tennessee system
• Saba Soomekh, Ph.D. 2008 – religious author and visiting faculty at various universities
• Tim Vivian, Ph.D. 1985 – scholar of Early Christianity and Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at California State University, Bakersfield
• Jon Whitmore, Ph.D. 1974 – current CEO of ACT, Inc., former President of San Jose State University and Texas Tech University
• Jay Alan Yim, B.A. 1980 – composer and associate professor at Northwestern University

UCSB Arts, Entertainment, and Literature Alumni

Benjamin Bratt, B.F.A. 1986 – actor

Josh Elliott, B.A. 1993 – television host

Jack Johnson, B.A. 1997 – musician

Harvey Levin, B.A. 1972 – founder of TMZ

• Steve Aoki, B.A. 2000 – electro house musician, record producer, and founder of Dim Mak Records
• Gregg Araki, B.A. 1982 – film director, producer, and screenwriter; winner of a Cannes Film Festival award
• Tobin Armbrust, B.A. – film producer, president of Worldwide Productions and Acquisitions for Exclusive Media
• Brandon Baker – actor, Johnny Tsunami
• Jack Bannon - actor, Art Donovan on Lou Grant.
• Roko Belic, attended – film director and producer; winner of Sundance Film Festival award
• Lo Bosworth, attended – reality television participant on Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and The Hills
• Benjamin Bratt, B.F.A. 1986 – actor, Law & Order, Private Practice, Miss Congeniality
• Lisa Bruce, B.A. 1983 – film producer, The Theory of Everything
• Yau-Man Chan, M.S. 1977 – reality television participant on Survivor: Fiji and Survivor: Micronesia
• Kayte Christensen, B.A. 2002 – sports commentator and WNBA player
• Claudia Cowan, attended – television journalist for Fox News Channel
• Steve Czaban, B.S. 1990 – sports radio talk show host on Yahoo! Sports Radio and ESPN 980
• Beth Rudin DeWoody, B.A. – arts patron, collector, curator, philanthropist
• Mark di Suvero, attended – sculptor and National Medal of Arts recipient
• Crystal Egger, B.A. 2000 – meteorologist for NBC4 Los Angeles and The Weather Channel
• Josh Elliott, B.A. 1993 – television journalist, NBC Sports, Today, Good Morning America
• Macduff Everton, B.A. 1981, M.F.A. 1984 – photographer and author
• Harris Faulkner, B.A. – newscaster and television host for Fox News Channel
• Scott Frank, B.A. 1982 – screenwriter, Minority Report, Marley & Me, The Wolverine
• Morgan J. Freeman, B.A. 1992 – producer and director, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and Teen Mom
• Tom Fruin, B.A. 1996 – sculptor
• Marc Germain, B.A. 1989 – radio talk show host known as Mr. KFI or Mr. KABC
• Dana E. Glauberman, 1990 – film editor, Juno, Up in the Air, and No Strings Attached
• Toni Graphia, B.A. – television producer and writer
• Mary Heebner, B.A. 1973, M.F.A. 1977 – painter and artist
• Paige Hemmis, B.A. 1994 – television host, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
• Don Hertzfeldt, B.A. 1998 – animator and producer, Rejected and Billy's Balloon
• Iration, attended or were attending USCB when founding band in 2004; multiple albums have topped Billboard Reggae charts
• Wayne Isham, attended – award-winning music video director, Enter Sandman, Livin' on a Prayer, Bye Bye Bye
• Jack Johnson, B.A. 1997 – four-time platinum singer-songwriter and musician, In Between Dreams and On and On
• Moshe Kasher, B.A. – standup comedian and actor
• Kazu Kibuishi, B.A. 2000 – graphic novelist, Flight and Copper
• Aja Naomi King, B.A. 2007 – actress, How to Get Away with Murder
• Ken Korach, B.A. 1975 – sports radio play-by-play announcer, Oakland Athletics
• Robby Krieger, attended – guitarist and songwriter, original member of The Doors
• John La Puma, B.A. 1978 – physician, chef, and New York Times bestselling author
• Jenna Lee, B.A. 2002 – newscaster and television host of Happening Now on Fox News Channel
• Christine Lehner, B.A. 1973 – author
• Harvey Levin, B.A. 1972 – founder and managing editor of TMZ
• Audra Lowe, B.A. 1993 – television host of The Broadway Channel and formerly The Better Show
• Enrique Martinez Celaya, M.F.A. 1994 – artist
• Lon McEachern, B.A. 1980 – television broadcaster, ESPN's World Series of Poker
• Mary Miss, B.A. 1966 – environmental artist
• Jeff Nathanson, attended – screenwriter, for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and Catch Me If You Can
• Nekrogoblikon – metal band formed as live act by UCSB students in 2006
• Benito Pastoriza Iyodo, M.A. 1981 - author
• Cathy Podewell – actress, portrayed Cally Harper Ewing on Dallas
• Rebelution – reggae rock band formed in Isla Vista composed of four UCSB graduates
• Jim Rome, B.A. 1987 – sports talk show host, The Jim Rome Show and Jim Rome Is Burning
• Barbara Rush, 1948 – Golden Globe-winning actress, Bigger Than Life, The Young Philadelphians, Robin and the 7 Hoods, Hombre, Peyton Place
• Richard Serra, B.A. 1961 – minimalist sculptor
• Brad Silberling, B.A. 1984 – film producer and director, Casper, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
• L. J. Smith, B.A. 1987 – New York Times bestselling author of The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle series
• Mark Andrew Smith, B.A. 2002 – comic book writer and graphic novelist
• Bahar Soomekh, B.A. 1997 – actress, Saw III
• Andrea Sperling, B.A. 1990 – film producer
• Charissa Thompson, B.A. 2004 – television host, Fox Sports Live and Extra
• Fred Toye, B.A. – television director
• Katy Tur, B.A. 2005 – television journalist, NBC News
• Leah Turner, attended – country music singer
• Patrick Vlaskovits, B.A., M.A. – New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur
• Dasha Zhukova, B.A. 2004 – model and domestic partner[1] to Roman Abramovich

• Joseph M. Acaba, B.S. 1990 – participated with STS-119
• Leroy Chiao, M.S. 1985, Ph.D. 1987 – commander of Expedition 10 aboard International Space Station and participated with STS-65, STS-72, and STS-92
• José M. Hernández, M.S. 1986 – participated with STS-128

Jason Lezak

• Eric Avila – plays for FC Dallas of the MLS
• Shane Bieber - Major League Baseball pitcher for the Cleveland Indians
• Joe Cannon – 2002 and 2004 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, goalkeeper for Vancouver Whitecaps, former member of U.S. National Team
• Cori Close - women's basketball head coach, UCLA
• Chris Cope – professional mixed martial artist, formerly competing for Strikeforce and the Ultimate Fighting Championship[2]
• Larry Dierker – 1969 and 1971 MLB All-Star pitcher and 1998 NL Manager of the Year for Houston Astros
• Eric Fonoimoana – 2000 Olympic Games gold medalist in beach volleyball
• Rob Friend – soccer striker for Borussia Mönchengladbach of the German Bundesliga and the Canadian National Team
• Tom Gamboa -- baseball coach and manager
• Scott Garson -- college basketball coach
• Bill Geivett – senior vice president, Major League Baseball Operations, assistant GM for Colorado Rockies
• Mario Hollands – pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies
• Andy Iro – plays for Columbus Crew of the MLS
• Carin Jennings – 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup and Golden Ball winner, 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist in soccer; National Soccer Hall of Fame (personal) and United States Olympic Hall of Fame (as 1996 Women's Soccer team) inductee
• Orlando Johnson, pro basketball player for Baskonia of Euroleague and NBA's Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns
• Neil Jones – has featured for New Zealand National Team, assistant coach for UCSB
• Alan Keely – plays in Ireland for Shelbourne F.C. of FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division
• Dan Kennedy – plays for Club Deportivo Chivas USA of MLS
• Jason Lezak – four-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time Olympic medalist swimmer in 2000, 2004, and 2008 Olympic Games
• Tony Lochhead – soccer left back for Wellington Phoenix FC of Australian A-League and New Zealand National Team
• Thiago Martins – soccer striker for FK Bodø/Glimt of the Norwegian Tippeligaen
• Kevin McClatchy – co-owner of Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates franchise
• David McGill – plays in Ireland for Shelbourne F.C. of the FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division
• Tino Nuñez – plays for Real Salt Lake of MLS
• Barbara Nwaba – 2015 American heptathlon champion
• Chris Pontius – plays for D.C. United of MLS
• Kyle Reynish – plays for Real Salt Lake of MLS
• Todd Rogers – 2008 Olympic Games gold medalist in Beach Volleyball; 1997 AVP Rookie of the Year, 2004-2007 AVP Best Defensive Player, 2006 AVP MVP, 2007 AVP Champion
• Tyler Rosenlund – has featured for Canadian National Team
• Skip Schumaker – former MLB second baseman for Cincinnati Reds
• Brian Shaw – three-time (2000, 2001, 2002) NBA champion point guard for Los Angeles Lakers, former head coach of Denver Nuggets
• Ryan Spilborghs – former MLB center fielder for Colorado Rockies
• Alan Williams – two-time NCAA rebounding leader and current player for the Phoenix Suns
• Craig Wilson – U.S. Olympic water polo goalie silver medalist in 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games; participant in 1992 Games
• Michael Young – retired five-time (2004–2008) MLB All-Star shortstop for the Texas Rangers and 2006 MLB All Star Game MVP
• Barry Zito – three-time (2002, 2003, 2006) MLB All-Star pitcher and 2002 American League Cy Young Award winner

• Robert D. Arnott, B.S. 1977 – investor and writer, founder and CEO of Research Affiliates, LLC
• Josh Berman, B.A. 1991 – entrepreneur; co-founder and former Chief Operating Officer of Myspace.com
• Grady Booch, M.S. 1979 – software engineer; co-creator of the Unified Modeling Language; Fellow of ACM, IBM, and IEEE
• Tom Bruggere, B.A. 1968 – entrepreneur and founder of Mentor Graphics, former Chairman of the Board of Stamps.com
• Anders Dahlvig, M.A. 1982 – former CEO and President of IKEA
• Robert Duggan – CEO of Pharmacyclics Inc.
• Logan Green, B.A. 2006 – co-founder and CEO of Lyft and Zimride
• David Henke, B.A. 1978 – former Senior Vice President of Operations at LinkedIn
• Jeffrey O. Henley, B.A. 1966 – current vice-chairman and former chairman of Oracle Corporation
• Blair Hull, B.A. 1965 – businessman, investor, and founder of Ketchum Trading, former founder of Hull Trading Company
• Ryan Kavanaugh, attended – billionaire film producer and financier, founder and CEO of Relativity Media
• Karl F. Lopker, B.S. 1973 – current CEO of QAD Inc, co-founder of Deckers Outdoor Corporation
• Pamela Lopker, B.A. 1977 – founder and President of QAD Inc
• Richard Nanula, B.A. 1982 – former CFO of The Walt Disney Company and Amgen, former Chairman of Colony Capital and Miramax
• Priya Narasimhan, M.S. 1995, Ph.D. 1999 – founder and CEO of YinzCam, electrical & computer engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University
• Marc Nathanson, M.A. 1969 – entrepreneur and philanthropist, former founder and CEO of Falcon Cable TV
• Doug Otto, B.A. 1973 – co-founder of Deckers Outdoor Corporation
• Yngve Slyngstad, M.A. – CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management
• Peter Sperling, B.A. – educator and businessman, Chairman of Apollo Group
• Nick Swinmurn, B.A. 1995 – founder and former CEO of Zappos
• Chade-Meng Tan, M.S. 2000 – software engineer, New York Times bestselling author, and employee number 107 for Google
• Kazuhiro Tsuga, M.S. 1986 – current President of Panasonic
• Brett White, B.A. 1984 – current Chairman & Chief Executive Office of Cushman & Wakefield and former CEO of CBRE Group

• John Avalos – San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 11
• Paul Bardacke – former [[Attorney General of New Mexico]
• Sam Blakeslee (Ph.D) – California State Senator and former California State Assembly Republican Leader
• Barbara Bodine – U.S. ambassador to Yemen during the USS Cole bombing
• Barry Brucker – American businessman and politician who served twice as the Mayor of Beverly Hills, California
• Joan Buchanan – Democratic Party public official and member of the California State Assembly
• Lois Capps – member of the U.S. House of Representatives
• Salud Carbajal – member of the U.S. House of Representatives
• Tony Cardenas – member of the U.S. House of Representatives
• Norris Cochran – acting United States Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Delaine Eastin – State Superintendents of Public Instruction in California
• Valerie Baker Fairbank – Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California
• Raymond C. Fisher – Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• Jean Fuller- Republican member of the California Senate
• Ruth Ann Gaines – Democratic Party member of the Iowa House of Representatives
• Marc Grossman – U.S. ambassador to Turkey; later, United States Undersecretary for Political Affairs
• Roger Hedgecock – Mayor of San Diego (1983–85), talk radio show host
• Jared Huffman – Democratic Party Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
• Ken Khachigian – former speechwriter for President Richard Nixon and chief speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan; senior advisor to presidential campaigns of Bob Dole (1996), John McCain (2000), Fred Thompson (2008)
• Betty K. Koed (Ph.D) – current Historian of the United States Senate
• Robert J. Lagomarsino – former Republican congressman from California
• Edward L. Masry – attorney in the Erin Brockovich case
• Dionicio Morales – Latino civil rights leader and founder of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation
• Richard Munson – businessman, author, and activist in the field of clean energy and industrial energy efficiency
• Mariana Pfaelzer – United States federal judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California
• Richard W. Pollack – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Hawaii
• Milan St. Protić – diplomat from Serbia, Yugoslav Ambassador to United States and Serbian Ambassador to Switzerland
• Nick L. Salazar – Democratic member of the New Mexico House of Representatives
• Robin Sax – legal analyst and commentator
• Paul Seaton – Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives
• Roslyn O. Silver – Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona
• Matthew Steen – co-founder of Weather Underground
• Knut Vollebaek – Norwegian diplomat and Ambassador to the US
• Das Williams – member of the California State Assembly
• Joseph C. Wilson – U.S. ambassador to Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe; Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient; husband of Valerie Plame Wilson, classified CIA operative whose identity was leaked to the press in 2003
• Brian Maienschein - Democratic member of the California State Assembly

• Robert Ballard – oceanographer who discovered the wreck of the Titanic
• Alexei Filippenko, B.A. 1979 – astrophysicist and professor of astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley
• Benjamin Halpern, Ph.D. 2003 – marine biologist, ecologist, and 2016 A.G. Huntsman Award for Excellence in the Marine Sciences winner
• John R. Kirtley, B.A. 1971, Ph.D. 1976 – physicist and professor at Stanford University
• Alison Murray – biochemist and Antarctic researcher
• Richard Nelson – cultural anthropologist
• Christine Siddoway – geologist, Antarctic researcher
• Deborah Steinberg – biological oceanographer, Antarctic researcher

David Woodard

• Kwadwo Afari-Gyan – Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Ghana
• Kenneth Karmiole – bookseller and philanthropist
• Jeff Madsen – four-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, and the ESPN/CardPlayer Magazine 2006 World Series of Poker Player of the Year
• Robert Mardian – one of the Watergate Seven
• Kathleen Soliah – member of the Symbionese Liberation Army
• Todd Witteles – World Series of Poker bracelet winner, and CardPlayer Magazine's 2005 World Series of Poker Player of the Year
• David Woodard - writer and conductor