50 Notable alumni of
Arkansas State University
Updated:
Arkansas State University is 972nd in the world, 356th in North America, and 334th in the United States by aggregated alumni prominence. Below is the list of 50 notable alumni from Arkansas State University sorted by their wiki pages popularity. The directory includes famous graduates and former students along with research and academic staff.
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Charlie Rich
- Occupations
- soldiercomposermusiciansinger-songwritercountry singer
- Biography
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Charles Allan Rich was an American country singer. His eclectic style of music also blended influences from rockabilly, jazz, blues, soul, and gospel.
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Rodger Bumpass
- Occupations
- singervoice actorcomedianactor
- Biography
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Rodger Bumpass is an American actor and comedian. He is known for his role as Squidward Tentacles on the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. He voices several other characters on the show as well, including the purple doctor fish and various anchovies.
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Julia Butterfly Hill
- Occupations
- environmentalistwritermotivational speaker
- Biography
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Julia Lorraine Hill is an American environmental activist and tax redirection advocate. She is best known for having lived in a 200-foot (61 m)-tall, approximately 1000-year-old California redwood tree for 738 days between December 10, 1997, and December 18, 1999. Hill lived in the tree, affectionately known as Luna, to prevent Pacific Lumber Company loggers from cutting it down. She ultimately reached an agreement with the lumber company to save that tree. She is the author of the book The Legacy of Luna and co-author of One Makes the Difference.
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Demario Davis
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Demario Davis is an American football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas State. Davis has also played for the Cleveland Browns.
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Mike Beebe
- Occupations
- politicianlawyer
- Biography
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Mickey Dale Beebe is an American politician and attorney who served as the 45th governor of Arkansas from 2007 to 2015. He remains the last member of the Democratic Party to serve as Governor of Arkansas.
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J. D. McKissic
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Joshua Dobbie McKissic is an American football running back who is a free agent. He played college football at Arkansas State, where set the Sun Belt Conference record for most career receptions with 289. McKissic signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Washington Football Team / Commanders.
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David Nail
- Occupations
- singersinger-songwriter
- Biography
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David Brent Nail is an American country music artist and the frontman of David Nail & The Well Ravens. In 2002, he debuted the single "Memphis" from an unreleased album for Mercury Records Nashville. Five years later, he signed with MCA Nashville, for which he has released four studio albums: I'm About to Come Alive, The Sound of a Million Dreams, I'm a Fire, and Fighter plus two extended plays, 1979 and Uncovered. The albums have produced seven chart entries on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, including two that have reached No. 1: "Let It Rain" (featuring Sarah Buxton) and "Whatever She's Got", plus the top 10 hit "Red Light".
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Larry P. Arnn
- Born in
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United States - Occupations
- writeracademic administrator
- Biography
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Larry Paul Arnn is an American educator and writer. He has served as the twelfth president of private Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, since May 2000. He is a political conservative who has been influenced by the thought of Leo Strauss and Strauss's student and Arnn's teacher Harry V. Jaffa.
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Rick Crawford
- Enrolled in Arkansas State University
- In 1996 graduated with Bachelor of Science
- Occupations
- journalistpoliticianbusiness executive
- Biography
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Eric Alan "Rick" Crawford is an American politician who has been the U.S. representative for Arkansas's 1st congressional district since 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party. Before he was elected to Congress, Crawford was a radio announcer, businessman, and U.S. Army soldier.
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Debbye Turner
- Enrolled in Arkansas State University
- Studied in 1991
- Occupations
- modelveterinarianbeauty pageant contestant
- Biography
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Debbye Turner Bell is an American TV anchor, veterinarian, talk show host, former beauty queen and winner of the 1990 Miss America pageant.
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Bill Bergey
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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William Earl Bergey is an American former football linebacker who played professionally for 12 seasons, most notably with the Philadelphia Eagles of National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals of the American Football League (AFL) in 1969, the year before the AFL–NFL merger was completed, and continued to play with the Bengals in the NFL until 1973. Bergey subsequently signed with the Eagles the following year, where he played seven seasons until retiring in 1981.
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Buddy Jewell
- Occupations
- songwritersinger
- Biography
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Buddy Jewell Jr. is an American country music singer who was the first winner on the USA Network talent show Nashville Star. Signed to Columbia Records in 2003, Jewell made his debut on the American country music scene with the release of his self-titled album, which produced the singles "Help Pour Out the Rain" and "Sweet Southern Comfort". Another album, Times Like These, followed in 2005.
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George Kell
- Occupations
- baseball player
- Biography
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George Clyde Kell was an American professional baseball player and television sports commentator. He played in Major League Baseball as a third baseman from 1943 to 1957, most prominently as a member of the Detroit Tigers where, he became a perennial All-Star player, and won the American League (AL) batting championship in 1949.
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Cleo Lemon
- Occupations
- player of American footballCanadian football player
- Biography
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Cleo Lemon Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Lemon was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He was also a member of the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Toronto Argonauts.
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Adrian Banks
- Occupations
- basketball player
- Biography
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Adrian Gerard Banks is an American-Israeli professional basketball player for Bnei Herzliya of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He played college basketball for Northwest Mississippi Community College and Arkansas State University. He was the 2011–12 top scorer in the Israel Basketball Premier League.
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Karen Stupples
- Occupations
- golfer
- Biography
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Karen Louise Stupples is an English former professional golfer who played primarily on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour and was also a member of the Ladies European Tour.
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David Johnson
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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David Johnson is a former American football tight end and fullback. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round (241st overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football for Arkansas State, where he was twice awarded All-Sun Belt Conference honors. Johnson was also a member of the San Diego Chargers.
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Derek Newton
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Derek Newton is a former American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft and played for the team until knee injuries halted his career in 2016. He also played for the New Orleans Saints. He played college football at Arkansas State, and Hinds Community College before that.
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Kelcie McCray
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Kelcie Jerome McCray is a former American football strong safety. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He played college football at Arkansas State.
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Dewarick Spencer
- Occupations
- basketball player
- Biography
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Dewarick Antwain Spencer is an American professional basketball player who plays for Zamalek of the Egyptian Basketball Super League. Nicknamed "Dee," he is 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) tall and plays both point guard and shooting guard positions.
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Chris Odom
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Chris Odom is an American football defensive end for the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Arkansas State. Odom has also been a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Salt Lake Stallions, Washington Redskins, Calgary Stampeders, and Cleveland Browns. With the Houston Gamblers, he led the USFL in sacks and was named its Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
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Don Jones
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Don Jones II is a former American football safety. He played college football at Arkansas State.
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M. D. Jennings
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Melvin Delanie Jennings is a former American football safety. He played college football at Arkansas State and was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2011.
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Alex Carrington
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Alex Carrington is a former American football defensive end. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas State. He has also played for the Bills, St. Louis Rams, and Houston Texans.
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George K. Sisler
- Occupations
- military personnel
- Biography
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George Kenton Sisler was a United States Army intelligence officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
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Corey Williams
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Corey Williams is a former American football defensive tackle. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas State.
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Earl Bell
- Occupations
- athletics competitor
- Biography
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Earl Holmes Bell is a retired American pole vaulter. He competed at the 1976, 1984 and 1988 Olympics and won a bronze medal in 1984, placing fourth in 1988 and sixth in 1976.
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Jeff Hartwig
- Occupations
- athletics competitorpole vaulter
- Biography
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Jeff Hartwig is an American pole vaulter.
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James W. Pardew
- Enrolled in Arkansas State University
- Graduated with Bachelor of Science in journalism
- Occupations
- ambassadordiplomat
- Biography
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James William Pardew Jr. was an American diplomat, international negotiator, military officer, and United States Ambassador to Bulgaria. After serving as a military intelligence officer in the United States Army for 28 years, Pardew entered the arena of international diplomacy with a heavy focus on the Balkans, where he was instrumental in coordinating agreements and peace resolutions, as well as heading major State Department programs such as the Bosnian Train-and-equip program.
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Ryan Carrethers
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Ryan Carrethers is a former American football defensive tackle. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arkansas State.
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Benjamin Harrison
- Biography
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Benjamin Leslie Harrison was an officer in the United States Army who contributed to the tactics of modern airmobile warfare involving the integration of helicopters with infantry and armor forces for both rapid deployment and subsequent support. General Harrison was an early advocate, theorist and practitioner of these tactics, commonly referred to as "air assault." They are analogous to the revolutionary use of armor and air support with infantry in blitzkrieg warfare in early World War II, and are critical to modern military doctrine as practiced in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Dale Alford
- Occupations
- university teacherpoliticianophthalmologist
- Biography
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Thomas Dale Alford Sr. was an American ophthalmologist and politician from the U.S. state of Arkansas who served as a conservative Democrat in the United States House of Representatives from Little Rock from 1959 to 1963.
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D. Price Marshall Jr
- Occupations
- judgelawyer
- Biography
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Denzil Price Marshall Jr. is a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
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Bryan Hall
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Bryan Hall is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. In 2011, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. He played College football at Arkansas State. He has also been a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.
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Leroy Harris
- Occupations
- player of American football
- Biography
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Leroy Harris is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
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Michael John Gray
- Occupations
- politicianbusinessperson
- Biography
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Michael John Gray is a farmer, businessman, and politician from Woodruff County, Arkansas. He represented a rural area of the Arkansas Delta in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2015 to 2017. Gray served as chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas from 2017 to 2021.
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Tyler Zuber
- Occupations
- baseball player
- Biography
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John Tyler Zuber is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Cleveland Guardians organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) the Kansas City Royals.
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Jerry Rook
- Occupations
- basketball playerbasketball coach
- Biography
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Jerry G. Rook was an American basketball player, best known for his success at Arkansas State University. He played one season for the New Orleans Buccaneers in the American Basketball Association (ABA).
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Jaylen Bacon
- Occupations
- athletics competitor
- Biography
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Jaylen Bacon is an American professional track and field athlete specializing in the sprints.
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Shane Broadway
- Occupations
- politicianbusinessperson
- Biography
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Shane Broadway is a former Democratic state legislator, serving in the Arkansas General Assembly from 1997 to 2011 with a focus on education policy. Following an unsuccessful bid for Arkansas Lieutenant Governor in 2010, Broadway served as interim director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, and is currently the Vice President for University Relations at the Arkansas State University System in Little Rock.
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James Johnson
- Occupations
- player of American footballCanadian football player
- Biography
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James Johnson is an American former professional gridiron football player.
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Robert C. Hinson
- Occupations
- military officer
- Biography
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Robert C. Hinson is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force.
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Malcolm L. McCallum
- Occupations
- ecologistzoologistherpetologistuniversity teachernatural historian
- Biography
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Malcolm L. McCallum is an American environmental scientist, conservationist, herpetologist, and natural historian and is known for his work on the Holocene Extinction. He is also a co-founder of the herpetology journal, Herpetological Conservation and Biology. He is a key figure in amphibian biology and his research has produced numerous landmark studies. His work has been covered by David Attenborough, Discover Magazine, and other media outlets.
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Mark Scott Ricketts
- Occupations
- writer
- Biography
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Mark Ricketts is an American comic book writer, illustrator and cartoonist. He has worked for a variety of publishers including McGraw-Hill, Caliber Comics, Chaos! Comics, Mojo Press, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Moonstone Books and Image Comics. He won the 2000 Klasky Csupo screenwriting award for his teleplay "Whiskey Dickel, Int'l Cowgirl."
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John Wood
- Occupations
- historian
- Biography
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John Wood was an American poet, historian of photography, scholar and critic. Wood is Professor Emeritus of English literature and photographic history at McNeese State University, where he founded and directed its MFA in creative writing for more than twenty-five years.
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Chris Thyer
- Occupations
- politicianlawyer
- Biography
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Christopher Robert Thyer is an American lawyer and politician from Arkansas. He is a former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas and a former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Chuck Malone
- Occupations
- baseball player
- Biography
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Charles Ray Malone is a former relief pitcher who played briefly for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 1990 season. Listed at 6' 7", 250 lb., Malone batted and threw right-handed. He attended Arkansas State University.
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John Baine
- Born in
- United States
- Occupations
- politician
- Biography
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John Baine is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representatives representing District 7 from January 2013 to December 2016. He is a member of the NRA.
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John E. Miller
- Occupations
- politicianbusinessperson
- Biography
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John Eldon Miller was an American politician and businessman.
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Rob Reep
- Occupations
- historian
- Biography
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Robert "Rob" Gregg Reep, Jr. is an American historian, filmmaker, and documentary narrator.
