Teddy Parrish, a 1995 graduate of Kennesaw State University (KSU) and current chairman of the KSU Foundation Board of Trustees, has made significant financial contributions to support the university’s ongoing fundraising efforts. Parrish recently donated $100,000 to the Athletics Capital Campaign as part of The Campaign for Kennesaw State, which aims to raise $200 million. He had previously contributed $50,000 earlier in the campaign.
Parrish’s connection to KSU began in 1993 when he visited the campus as a prospective student-athlete. He described his experience at KSU as formative for his career and personal development. “The professors were hands on, welcoming, and all in for KSU student success,” Parrish said. “The KSU environment was rich for networking with lots of professionals and executives in the student body. Those relationships and networking proved to be the launchpad for my career.”
Now an investment adviser at Parrish Capital—a firm he founded in 2014—Parrish emphasized the importance of flexibility in giving. “I felt that making an unrestricted gift would be best and offer much needed flexibility,” he said. “I understand the appeal of endowments and leaving a legacy. But, it’s very important to give the university flexibility in meeting needs, and I hope more people will consider gifting unrestricted funds.”
Parrish has served on the Foundation’s Board since 2010 and became chair on July 1, 2024. During his tenure, he has chaired several committees including leading efforts that doubled the Foundation’s endowment over three years. In recognition of his work, he received the Chairman’s Award in 2021.
In addition to his role with the Foundation Board, Parrish is involved with both the Athletics Campaign subcommittee and serves on the Athletic Association Board at KSU.
Reflecting on his journey from student-athlete to major donor and board chair, Parrish stated: “Essentially this is truly a full circle moment for me. As a former student athlete, I benefited from the work of the KSU Foundation. It is an out-of-body feeling to be able to support the mission of KSU, pour into students financially and through mentorship, and foster their success and experience. I feel like KSU and the Foundation are an embedded part of my legacy. It is personal to me. KSU is family.”
