Notable Alumni of Western Carolina University

Gregory Bovino 1970–

US Border Patrol officer

Also attended: Appalachian State University

Trudi Walend 1943–2024

Former North Carolina House Republican member

Mark Martin 1963–

Former chief justice of North Carolina Supreme Court

Also attended: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Virginia-Main Campus

Linda L. Bray 1953–

Former Army officer, first US woman to lead troops in combat

Jason Bond 2000–

Biologist and entomology professor at UC Davis

Also attended: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Ariana DeBose 1991–

Actress and singer, Academy Award winner

David Sedaris 1956–

Humorist, comedian and author

Also attended: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Kent State University at Kent

Drew Starkey 1993–

Actor in Love, Simon and The Hate U Give

Geno Segers 1976–

Actor known for Banshee and Teen Wolf

Rich Hall 1954–

Comedian, writer and musician

Sean Bridgers 1968–

Actor known for Deadwood and Rectify

Hedy West 1938–2005

Folksinger and songwriter

Kevin Martin 1983–

Former NBA player with 12 seasons

Manteo Mitchell 1987–

Sprinter and bobsledder

Jarvis Hayes 1981–

Former basketball player, Georgia assistant coach

Percy Watson 1981–

Retired WWE wrestler and commentator

Also attended: North Carolina A&T State University

Todd Fuller 1974–

Former basketball player, 11th pick in 1996 NBA draft

Also attended: North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Greg Holland 1985–

Former Major League Baseball pitcher

Frankie King 1972–

Professional basketball player

Mel Gibson 1940–

Basketball player and coach, played for the Lakers

David Patten 1974–2021

NFL wide receiver with the New England Patriots

Rans Brempong 1981–

Canadian basketball player and coach

Dean Biasucci 1962–

Former NFL placekicker for the Colts

Louis Ducruet 1992–

Son of Princess Stéphanie of Monaco