10 Within 10 Recognition

Tyler Parsons '09, '11

Major: Sport Management and Sport Administration

Current Title: General manager of the Lansing Lugnuts Class-A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays

What is your fondest memory of CMU?

The social and cultural interactions I had while I was a student. From the lifelong friends and colleagues I made, to the CMU athletic contests, concerts and campus events that brought everyone together. The value CMU brought to me extended well beyond the classroom and the piece of paper I received upon graduation.

What are you proudest of?

As a sport management alum from CMU, I came from a very well-respected program and have worked with or employed many fellow sport management majors. I’ve been surrounded by incredibly talented people my entire career and always made peer development a priority.

What advice would you give new graduates?

I would focus on two things: Be willing to move anywhere to advance your career and check your entitlement at the door. I think there is incredible value in getting out on your own in a foreign location and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Be willing to chip in, and don’t just assume it’s someone else’s problem because of your degree, the college you went to or your employment rank.

What has your work life taught you?

There are a lot of very talented people, and you have to constantly invest in yourself to further your career. You need to be moving forward at all times.

What influences at CMU helped you succeed?

I had some incredible mentors at CMU from the athletics department and professors. I’ll always remember the time they took out of their day to let me pick their brains. Now that I’m further along in my career, I realize how valuable your time can be, and the people at CMU were always available to offer advice and guidance.

10 years of 10 within 10 - 2023 update

Tyler Parsons dark brown hair, dark brown beard, smile with teeth, white button up shirt with color, navy blue dress coat with light blue stripes, dark green bleacher seating background. Current city and state: Durham, NC

Current job title and employer: General Manager of the Durham Bulls (Triple-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays)

What is happening in your life today that you didn't expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10?

I did not expect to be to be married and to have one daughter with another on the way. All happens so fast, and it's amazing how quickly life and priorities can change!

When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind? Community