Alumni
2022-2023 Young Alumni Rising Stars
The Young Alumni Rising Star Award honors alumni who have completed a minimum of 30 hours at Texas State University and are under the age of 40. Recipients of this award demonstrate a level of excellence that positively represents the University. They inspire current students and other recent graduates, to excel in their work and recognize the important impact of their experience as a student at Texas State
2023 Young Alumni Rising Stars
Ali Ijaz ('12, '14)
Stationed at Microsoft’s headquarters near Seattle, Ijaz leads a technical product management team in the United States and India charged with driving business results and launching industry-leading products and offers that improve the cloud experience of Microsoft’s largest customers and brand-impacting global events, including last year’s FIFA World Cup.
Anna Leah Uzele ('18)
The multi-talented Bobcat currently stars on Broadway in New York, New York. She plays the lead female Francine Evans in the show, which in May was nominated for nine Tony awards, including best new musical. You can also see Uzele in Apple TV Plus’s “Dear Edward” starring Connie Britton and Taylor Schilling and in her recurring role in Showtime’s “City on a Hill” starring Kevin Bacon.
2022 Young Alumni Rising Stars
Lindsey Coulter Estetter ('10, '12, & '14)
Microbiologist in the molecular pathology team in the Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Expertise in nucleic acid extraction, molecular testing, and assay development for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues obtained from autopsy and biopsy specimens.
Dr. Joslyn Johnson ('17)
Over ten years of student and academic affairs experience. Trailblazing leader in higher education. Supported residence life, career education, student success and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.