2025 Graduate Spotlight | Eric Daniels
Fogelman College of Business & Economics
I’ve always been drawn to the underdog.
It’s what led me to join the Marine Corps as a young man, and it’s what kept me rooting passionately for the University of Memphis for as long as I can remember.
Though I wasn’t born in Memphis — I came here from Louisiana as a child — I’ve spent most of my life in this region.
This city and University are home to me, and when I decided to pursue my degree after a decade of military service, the University of Memphis was the obvious choice.
Choosing to Go Back
Returning to school wasn’t an easy decision.
After my time in the Marine Corps, I built a successful career in security. But without a college degree, I knew I’d reached a ceiling. More importantly, I knew I wasn’t living up to my potential.
The Marines taught me discipline and revealed a capability I hadn’t fully recognized before.
Growing up, I struggled academically — failing sixth, seventh and eighth grades — but the one subject that always made sense to me was accounting.
It was simple, logical and elegant.
You can uncover almost everything you need to know about a business from a single equation (Assets = Liabilities + Stakeholder Equity).
My fascination never faded, and it guided me back into the classroom years later.
Returning to school was intimidating, but I knew this was my chance to rewrite my academic story.
And rewrite it I did — I’m now graduating with a 3.9 GPA, proving to myself that past struggles don’t define who I am.
Embracing Campus Life
As a nontraditional student, I was determined to have a traditional college experience. I attended as many classes in person as possible to fully immerse myself in campus culture.
This experience was uniquely personal. You see, both my parents were construction workers who helped build the University spaces I now occupy.
The bricks around the Fountain and the marble in the Michael D. Rose Theatre lobby were laid by my parents.
I was reminded daily of their sacrifices and given a deep sense of pride when I walked past these spots.
Beyond the classroom, I sought connection in places like the Business Learning Center. Here, students shared ideas, studied together and supported one another.
It was an environment that resonated deeply with me and made me feel at home.
Leadership Lessons
The Marine Corps taught me that everyone is a leader, regardless of rank.
Leadership isn’t about control but clearing obstacles and empowering others.
On campus, I served as president of multiple student organizations, applying these leadership principles every day.
My goal was always to create opportunities for others to step up, knowing true leadership means guiding others to succeed.
Another crucial lesson I learned was embracing setbacks. My early academic failures were tough, but they taught me resilience.
My advice to anyone struggling academically or financially is simple: seek help, apply for every scholarship and never let setbacks define you.
They can illuminate your path forward if you’re willing to learn from them.
Visualizing Success
Staying motivated as a student was key for me, and visualization helped immensely.
A year ago, I bought a diploma frame and hung it on my wall, empty, waiting for the diploma I knew I would earn.
That visual reminder fueled my drive.
Additionally, since starting at Memphis, I’ve attended every graduation ceremony, envisioning the day when it would be my turn to cross that stage.
Some might think that’s a bit excessive but for me, seeing my peers achieve their goals made my own feel that much more attainable.
Looking Ahead
I’m preparing to continue my education by beginning my MBA this fall.
I’m excited about the diversity of perspectives I’ll encounter, the connections I’ll build and the growth I’ll experience in business leadership.
Reflecting on my journey, I encourage everyone to appreciate their time at university. Take a genuine interest in everyone you meet, knowing some connections will last a lifetime.
The University of Memphis has profoundly impacted me, academically and personally, and I couldn’t be prouder to call myself a Memphis Tiger.
