Celebrating Ethan Parsons: A fourth‑generation Beaver finding his voice
Every graduation season brings stories of growth, grit and transformation — and Ethan Parsons stands out. A fourth‑generation Beaver, Parsons arrived on campus with deep connections but quickly discovered that college would challenge him in ways he didn’t expect. Today, as he prepares to graduate with a degree in finance, he leaves OSU not only academically strong but personally grounded, professionally ambitious and ready to pursue a future shaped by his passion for sales and public speaking.
Parsons’ early college experience wasn’t easy, and he needed time to adjust to the independence and expectations of university life. But those challenges became the catalyst for his growth. With maturity, reflection and support from mentors, Parsons learned to take ownership of his education.
His turning point came during his junior year, when he led a team to first place in a product pitch competition. The experience demanded creativity, persistence and countless iterations of their idea.
“I put in a lot of time and effort into our project, failed and learned, and ultimately succeeded,” Parsons said. “I learned that failure is simply a learning experience.” That lesson — embracing failure as fuel — became central to his development as a leader and communicator.
Parsons’ passion for sales and public speaking grew from that moment. He discovered he loved the challenge of persuading, presenting and connecting with people. It wasn’t just about the pitch; it was about the energy of the room, the strategy behind the message, and the confidence that comes from standing in front of an audience with something worth saying. Those skills became part of his identity and helped him stand out among his peers.
Along the way, Parsons found mentors who shaped his path. He credits Elizabeth French and Manuela Hoehn‑Weiss as professors who believed in him. Their guidance helped him refine his strengths, navigate setbacks and see himself as a leader capable of more than he once imagined.
Find something bigger than yourself to focus on in college. People will hear from you ‘Finance’ majors all day, every day. Find something important that makes you stand out.
Parsons also immersed himself in experiences that pushed him beyond the classroom. He joined the Ricci Leadership Academy, where he developed his leadership style, learned to collaborate across disciplines and built a network of peers equally committed to growth. He also participated in the college’s student mentorship program, supporting fellow students and strengthening the community that helped him thrive.
When asked what advice he’d give future students, Parsons doesn’t hesitate: “Find something bigger than yourself to focus on in college. People will hear from you ‘Finance’ majors all day, every day. Find something important that makes you stand out.”
It’s a philosophy he lives by — one that encouraged him to explore interests beyond his major and embrace the idea that brilliance often comes from curiosity outside your comfort zone.
After graduation, Parsons has multiple opportunities on the table, including a current job offer he’s excited about. True to his adventurous mindset, he’s exploring all possibilities before choosing the path that aligns best with his passions and long‑term goals.
Parsons’s story is one of resilience, reinvention and rising to the occasion. He entered OSU unsure of his footing and leaves as a confident communicator, a thoughtful leader and a young professional ready to make an impact. His journey reminds us that growth isn’t always linear — sometimes it’s the early stumbles that set the stage for the strongest finish.
Congratulations, Ethan Parsons. The College of Business is proud to celebrate your achievements.
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