We are thrilled to spotlight Tyler Hays, a dedicated alumnus of Millsaps College, who graduated in 2020 with a major in business administration and a concentration in finance. Tyler’s Millsaps journey began in 2016, inspired by an early interest in budgeting and a passion for investing sparked during a high school finance course.
During his time at Millsaps, Tyler fully embraced campus life. He was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from 2016-2020, served on the Student Body Association from 2017-2020 and contributed significantly as SBA treasurer. He also volunteered through the Wellspring Volunteer Program and balanced his studies with a demanding role at Northwestern Mutual, where he honed his operational and financial skills as an associate financial representative.
One of the most formative experiences of Tyler’s college years was his involvement with the Lewis Wilson Fund. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ken Qiu during his senior year, Tyler gained invaluable hands-on experience in financial modeling and investment research. His coursework, especially in Seminar Portfolio Management, gave him an early glimpse into the diverse career paths available within finance.
After graduation, Tyler launched his career as a credit analyst at Independent Financial in Dallas, Texas. His proactive networking efforts through Millsaps and Sigma Alpha Epsilon alumni connections were instrumental in landing his first opportunity. Thanks to the support and introductions from fellow alumni, Tyler secured a position that set the foundation for his career in commercial real estate lending.
Over the next four years, Tyler advanced steadily, gaining expertise across a variety of CRE sectors. As a senior analyst and later portfolio manager, he developed skills critical to structuring complex loans and underwriting multimillion-dollar deals. Seeking new challenges, Tyler transitioned to Sunflower Bank, where he currently works in middle-market banking, focusing on providing financing to private equity sponsors—a role that has expanded his knowledge beyond CRE into commercial and industrial lending.
Tyler credits Millsaps for equipping him with the critical thinking, time management and research skills essential for success in a competitive field. He emphasizes that finance often involves making well-informed decisions in the face of uncertainty—an insight he first encountered during his academic training.
Passionate about helping others, Tyler advises current students to be proactive in building professional relationships. He stresses the importance of personalized networking and the power of a strong alumni network in navigating early career opportunities. His recommended resources include The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins, The Millionaire Next Door by Stanley and Danko and Atomic Habits by James Clear—books that have shaped both his professional outlook and personal financial habits.
Tyler remains closely connected to his Millsaps roots, co-leading the Dallas Alumni Group and cherishing the lifelong bonds he formed during his time at college—including with his wife, Mary Katherine Hays, a fellow Millsaps graduate. His proudest achievements include building a solid career foundation, financing major life milestones like his wedding and first home, and his ongoing growth toward a future banking leadership role.
We are proud to celebrate Tyler Hays as an inspiring Millsaps alumnus who exemplifies dedication, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning and leadership!