UT Austin Alumni In The News

The University of Texas at Austin has long been a powerhouse for nurturing talent across diverse fields. This list highlights 10 recent UT Austin alumni who have quickly made names for themselves in their industries from sustainable fashion and artificial intelligence to space mining and professional sports. Whether you’re curious about innovative startups, groundbreaking research, or rising stars in athletics, these graduates represent the energy and ambition fueling Austin’s and beyond’s future. Dive into their stories and see how UT is shaping leaders ready to take on tomorrow’s challenges.

Arts

Tenille West: Floral Sea

Tenille West graduated in 2023 with a degree in Textiles and Apparel from UT Austin. She is the founder and creative entity behind FLORAL SEA, a sustainable fashion brand that highlights Afro-Latine culture through innovative, eco-conscious designs. Using sustainable fabrics and natural dyes, West creates bold, vibrant collections that celebrate her heritage while minimizing environmental impact.

Her debut line combined fashion and performance art, earning attention in Austin’s creative circles. West is passionate about inclusivity in the arts and cultural storytelling, blending art with sustainability. Her work reflects UT Austin’s encouragement of innovation grounded in social consciousness.

By leading a brand that promotes eco-friendly practices and cultural identity, Tenille West is an inspiring example of how even recent graduates can influence the fashion world and local communities with hard work and dedication to fresh, meaningful perspectives.

Tech

Brandon Chi: Crop Diagnostix

Brandon Chi, a 2020 UT Austin engineering graduate, is creating a legacy for himself in agricultural technology as the Longhorn co-founder of Crop Diagnostix.
This startup uses the combined forces of artificial intelligence and computer vision to detect crop diseases early, helping farmers reduce waste and increase their yields. Brandon’s leadership helped Crop Diagnostix earn national recognition through the Harvard University i-Lab Venture Program.

His work uses cutting-edge technology to make farming more efficient and eco-friendly while maximizing profits for the farmers. Brandon’s story is a perfect example of how UT Austin’s engineering programs prepare graduates to tackle real-world problems. Chi’s dedication to sustainable agriculture through AI innovation adds to the ever-growing list of the innovative minds emerging from Austin’s tech scene.

As Crop Diagnostix continues to grow, they promise to transform farming practices with AI driven data insights. Brandon’s commitment to combining technology and environmental sustainability is certainly impressive, and he can rest easy knowing that the University of Texas is cheering him on.

Nathan Hughes: Lunar Resources

Nathan Hughes graduated from UT Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering in 2022 and went on to work at Lunar Resources, Inc., a company pioneering space mining technology. Nathan works toward designing lunar mining tools that could revolutionize missions by making them self-sufficient.

His work supports the idea of eventual long-term human presence on the Moon and future space colonization. Since, he has returned to the forty acres, re-enrolling for a Master of Science this year. Nathan’s career illustrates how UT Austin’s engineering programs connect students to emerging industries, like aerospace and space exploration. As Austin grows into a hub for space tech innovation, Longhorns like him are at the forefront of new technologies shaping humanity’s possible future beyond Earth.

His role blends academic expertise with ambitious goals, showing how UT’s education prepares students for cutting-edge challenges. Nathan’s journey is a testament to how recent UT grads are contributing to groundbreaking projects in space exploration, and we hope that he continues to shoot for the stars.

Academia

Maggie Miller: Award-Winning Mathematician

Maggie Miller, who graduated from UT Austin in 2020, quickly established herself as a leader in the field of mathematics. After completing her PhD at Princeton University, she returned to UT as an assistant professor, specializing in knot theory and four-dimensional manifolds. Maggie’s research has earned prestigious honors, including the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize in 2023, awarded for her outstanding contributions to topology.

Her work has also been highlighted in Quanta Magazine, bringing complex mathematical concepts to wider audiences. Beyond her research, Maggie is passionate about teaching and mentoring students, inspiring the next generation of mathematicians, as well as collecting Rubik’s cubes.

She represents the academic excellence that UT nurtures, blending rigorous study with real life applications. Maggie’s achievements reflect UT’s support for all women in STEM fields and their role in advancing fundamental academic knowledge.

Athletics

Tate Jackson: Competitive Swimmer

Tate Jackson, a 2019 graduate and former UT Austin swim team star, has built a successful career as a professional sprint freestyle swimmer. During his collegiate years, Tate earned multiple All-American honors and set records, establishing himself as one of the top swimmers in the country.

He is the current conference and school record-holder in the 100-yard freestyle. As a professional athlete, Jackson represents the Cali Condors in the International Swimming League.

He competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, showcasing his talent on a national stage. Despite setbacks, Tate remains active in competitive swimming and contributes further to the sport’s community through mentorship and coaching. Tate’s resilience and dedication shine through his work as a swimmer, as he raised the bar for aquatic athletes all while keeping up with UT Austin’s rigorous coursework.

As a professional swimmer, he continues to inspire young athletes and represents the ability of UT’s athletics programs to produce elite competitors.

John Shebat: World University Games Gold Medalist

John Shebat, who graduated in 2019, is a decorated swimmer specializing in backstroke and individual medley events. He helped lead the University of Texas swim team to NCAA championship victories and earned multiple All-American distinctions, similarly to Jackson.

Originally from Oak Hill, Virginia, John’s career reached international recognition when he won gold as part of the U.S. relay team at the 2019 World University Games with his powerful backstroke. His achievements exemplify the elite athletic development fostered at UT Austin, combining rigorous training with academic excellence.

John serves as a role model for younger swimmers and despite his success and influence continues to engage with youth in the swimming community. His accomplishments at collegiate and professional levels highlight the broad reach of UT’s impressive athletic programs. John Shebat’s story shows how recent graduates from UT continue to make an impact in the world of competitive swimming.

Business and Law

Eric Hines: PwC

Eric Hines graduated from UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business in 2020 and now works as a transfer pricing consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers or PwC, one of the lauded Big Four accounting firms.

His role involves helping multinational corporations navigate difficult international tax regulations and comply with pricing laws. Eric’s position requires a strong grasp of both accounting and global business strategies, skills, which he developed during his time at McCombs.

His work ensures companies fairly disperse income across their different jurisdictions while minimizing legal risks. Eric’s career path after UT Austin shows their effectiveness in preparing students for specialized consulting roles in high-demand fields. His experience reflects the growing need for a new generation of tax experts in today’s global economy. His success underscores the comprehensive education UT offers in the fields of business and finance.

Kevin Fontenot: Sales Leader in Remote Media Tech

Kevin Fontenot graduated from UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business in 2021 and now serves as a sales leader at Riverside.fm, a cutting-edge platform enabling remote podcast and video production.

With prior internships at major companies like Google, Kevin combines his tech knowledge and business savvy to help media professionals create high-quality content from anywhere in the world. His role highlights the global shift toward remote work and digital content creation accelerated by recent trends.

Kevin’s ability to bridge technology and sales represents the entrepreneurial spirit fostered at UT Austin. Riverside.fm’s rapid growth demonstrates the demand for tools that simplify and streamline digital media production. Kevin’s career reflects how young recent graduates are driving innovation in emerging digital industries.

Siji Deleawe: Diversity and Change Consultant at Deloitte

Oluwasijibomi Deleawe graduated from UT Austin’s McCombs Business Honors Program in 2020 and now works as an organizational change and diversity consultant at Deloitte. She helps companies build more inclusive workplaces and adapt to evolving cultural expectations.

Siji’s role involves facilitating leadership development and implementing strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion—better known as DEI. Her commitment to social impact began during her university years, where she led student groups focused on equity. She even runs the Deleawe Foundation, where she works toward empowering marginalized students to pursue higher education.

At Deloitte, she advised clients across industries, reflecting UT’s emphasis on ethical business leadership. Siji’s work is increasingly relevant as companies recognize the value of diverse perspectives for innovation and performance. Currently, she is a JD candidate at the Emory University School of Law. As a professional, innovators like Deleawe contribute to positive social change through business. Siji also participates in community outreach programs, furthering her dedication to growth for BIPOC in executive fields.

Final Thoughts

These University of Texas alumni are paving the way for a new generation of young leaders across a variety of industries. From sustainable fashion and space technology to elite athletics and global business consulting, their stories are inspirational to Longhorns across all different backgrounds. Each graduate combines UT’s strong academic teachings with real-world business experience, spearheading innovation and social progress. Whether through cutting-edge startups, research, or sports, these Longhorns are making a tangible impact at local, national, and global levels.

Interested in learning more about UT’s alumni achievements? Keep up with the Texas Exes website for updates!