From Redcoats and UGA Drama Major to Emmy-Nominated Showrunner

In our fifth profile in this seven-part series, we’re excited to highlight our 2025 Franklin alumni award winners—showcasing their accomplishments and providing some insights as we seek this year’s nominations. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards honor outstanding alumni across various categories. These individuals exemplify the Franklin Spark, the characteristics that unite the arts and sciences: ambition, curiosity, creativity, innovation and leadership, throughout their industries and communities.  

Nominations can be made through September 30 across eight categories: College-Service Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, Family Award, Innovation Award, Lifetime Award, Mid-Career Award, Organization Award, and Young Alumni Award. 

 When Steve Yockey (AB ’01) graduated from UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences in 2001 with a degree in Drama, he was already steeped in creativity—whether performing with the Redcoat Band or crafting stories that would one day captivate millions. Today, he’s an Emmy-nominated television writer and producer whose bold storytelling and distinctive voice have made him a standout figure in Hollywood.  

Steve’s path to the screen began in 2014 with a writing credit on MTV’s Awkward. That opportunity opened the door to a role on Supernatural, where he wrote and produced episodes that helped shape the show’s enduring legacy. But it was The Flight Attendant, the HBO Max thriller-comedy he created, that catapulted him into the spotlight. The series earned Steve two Primetime Emmy nominations and showcased his talent for blending suspense with sharp humor. 

In 2022, Steve signed a multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Television, further solidifying his place in the industry. His recent work includes Dead Boy Detectives, a supernatural drama praised for its originality and depth—hallmarks of Steve’s storytelling style. 

Steve remains deeply connected to his alma mater. In Fall 2024, he returned to UGA’s Department of Theater and Film Studies for a special visit, where he spoke candidly with students about the realities of writing for television, the importance of finding one’s creative voice, and the challenges of building a career in entertainment. His mentorship offered students a rare glimpse into the industry and a reminder that their dreams are within reach. 

Yockey, an Emmy-nominated television writer and producer, has been honored with the Franklin College of Arts and Science Mid-Career Alumni Award, recognizing his remarkable achievements in the entertainment industry and his ongoing mentorship of young creatives at the University of Georgia. The Mid-Career award celebrates alumni who, within 10 to 20 years of graduating, have already made a lasting impact in their fields. Steve Yockey exemplifies this spirit—he’s a trailblazer, a thought leader, and a creative force. 

For more information on the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards and previous winners, click here. 

To submit a nomination, click here.