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When Covid-19 soured plans to play lacrosse in Tampa, business administration major and economics minor Brian Hulsey ’25 instead headed to central Pennsylvania. “I visited and fell in love. Lycoming is the best kept secret in Pennsylvania,” said Hulsey, a native of Sherwood Forest, Md. “The lacrosse coach and team were great, and with the small school atmosphere, I could instantly see that I would be more than just a number here. It’s the only school I applied to.” But he had more than lacrosse on his mind.
Hulsey has always known that he wanted to go into sales and start his own business. Over time he developed a passion for selling luxury goods. “Larger ticket items such as jets, yachts, and luxury cars have a longer sales cycle, and I value that relationship-building element of a longer sales process,” he said. “Not to mention that I grew up on the water in Annapolis and love that boating lifestyle.”
"Matt’s commitment to me three years out from applying and his willingness to work with me was unwavering. With his support, I was able to structure my classes to graduate in four years and cover their required curriculum. He helped me digest and wrap my head around that early on.”
Hulsey explained that Lycoming College’s agreement with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) was a contributing factor in his enrolling at Lycoming. As a business student who knew that he wanted to earn a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), Hulsey started college with a goal of gaining admission to Lycoming’s MBA 4+1 program with RIT.
Traditional MBA programs can take around two years to complete, but through this 4+1 agreement, Lycoming students can earn their advanced degree in just one year. Students completing the Lycoming business curriculum receive at least a 30 percent discount at RIT, while one student from each graduating class is eligible for a 50 percent off scholarship. Once accepted, students may be able to waive some graduate-level courses, saving further on tuition costs and expediting their time to completion.
Hulsey has met with his RIT advisor, Matthew Cornwell, twice a year since entering Lycoming. “Matt’s commitment to me three years out from applying and his willingness to work with me was unwavering. With his support, I was able to structure my classes to graduate in four years and cover their required curriculum. He helped me digest and wrap my head around that early on,” he said.
“The faculty at Lycoming have been heavily influential on my education and my career goals,” said Hulsey. “I’m an ‘econ nerd’ and Dr. Kurtz introduced me to my first true love – economics. It is a lifestyle and was truly a new way of thinking and living for me. Dr. Grassmueck has taught me life lessons that I’ll never forget and will take with me into the real world. My career advisor, Lori Patterson, director of career and professional development, understands my goals and has helped me move toward them. I plan to maintain these relationships after I graduate.”
Although he considers himself a private person, most students recognize and know him as his reach extends far across campus. He was president of both his freshman and sophomore classes. He was elected vice president of Student Senate as a junior, but quickly called up to the presidency when the president resigned.
"I’ve connected with so many fantastic faculty at Lycoming, built professional relationships, and learned tangible skills that I would not have gained at a larger institution.”
“I never imagined myself in these positions. It’s been a challenging, but also valuable experience that has helped me understand my leadership and decision-making abilities, and how to do the right thing even if it’s not the easy thing,” he said. “But I know that this is what Senate and Lycoming needed to be successful, so I was driven to do it.”
Hulsey is currently the only three-sport varsity athlete in the Landmark Conference, participating in lacrosse, swimming, and tennis. He is president of Omicron Delta Epsilon International Economics Honor Society and an Institute of Management Studies Scholar; has served on seven committees, including Health & Safety, Curriculum, Academic Affairs, Faculty Teaching Awards, Academic Standards, Dining, and Student Athlete Advisory Committee; is a member of the Unifying Lycoming Leadership Council; and was an orientation guide for two years. Hulsey even provides livestream commentary for Lycoming athletic competitions.
“I have friends in every demographic on campus – choir, band, athletics – I have a connection and a relationship with someone in every group. I can honestly say that there is a way for every student to get involved on this campus and a friend group for every person. There’s something for everyone here.”
“Williamsport is a great college town and I’m so glad I was able to spend my college years here. I’ve connected with so many fantastic faculty at Lycoming, built professional relationships, and learned tangible skills that I would not have gained at a larger institution,” said Hulsey. “As a future MBA, business owner, and employer, I would exclusively hire from Lycoming because I know what it takes to succeed at this school.”