William Wallace ’25

For William Wallace ’25, Furman University was more than just a place to earn a degree – it was a chance to build lifelong connections, discover new passions and carve out a meaningful career path. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, his journey to Furman wasn’t direct.

Wallace began his college career at the University of Puget Sound. After a year, he decided to transfer, and Furman was the natural choice. His parents graduated from Furman, and he had been to campus for football games and alumni events all his life. But more than that, he knew Furman would challenge him academically while offering a supportive community.

At Furman, Wallace found his calling in accounting and data analytics. Initially hesitant about the field, he was encouraged by Sandy Roberson, professor and chair of business and accounting, who helped him see the bigger picture.

“I came in thinking accounting was just numbers on paper, but I quickly learned it’s really about telling a story with numbers,” Wallace said. “What they mean, how they drive decisions and what changes should be made.”

Wallace excelled in his major at Furman, participating in undergraduate research with faculty like Marion McHugh, an associate professor of business and accounting.

Accounting would guide his academic life while his reaffiliation with the Sigma Chi fraternity after transferring to Furman became the center of his social life. Sigma Chi and his brothers there became his greatest source of support, providing friendships that he knows will last beyond college.

“We’ve had deep conversations, celebrated huge wins and been there for each other through losses,” he said. “It’s real brotherhood.”

In just three years, Wallace pursued multiple internships in a variety of fields. He interned with Hendrick Motorsports, ARC Advisors and PwC. But a last-minute connection through Furman’s career fair brought things into focus. A recruiter from KPMG reached out, and after months of mentorship, Wallace has secured a position as an international tax associate in the Jacksonville, Florida office, where he’ll focus on global shipping and logistics.

As he prepares for graduation, Wallace reflects on his time at Furman with gratitude. Between his academic achievements, professional success and deep friendships, Wallace’s Furman experience has set him up for a future full of possibilities.