Sunday, March 1, 2009

Alumni Spotlight: Travis Parashonts

Travis Parashonts (’79, Social Science) is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Suh’ dusting Technologies in Cedar City, an information technology services company owned by the Cedar Band of Paiutes.  Travis founded the company in 2002, with the hopes of bringing economic and job creation to his reservation. "I have a passion inside me to help my people," says Travis.
Suh' dutsing landed its first big client in 2004, when a $200 million contract was negotiated with the United Stated Department of the Interior.  Recently, Suh'dutsing was ranked the sixth-best minority contracting company by the government technology magazine, Federal Computer Week.

For his work and leadership at Suh' dutsing, the Utah Office of the Small Business Administration chose Travis as its 2007 Small Business Person of the Year. This past summer, professional services giant, Ernst & Young, named him Utah Entrepreneur of the Year.  Commenting on his achievement, Travis says, "Entrepreneurship is not easy. The risk is hard, but the dream and passion is what carries you through."

Despite having a difficult childhood, Travis counts himself fortunate enough to have graduated from SUU. He credits his success to his education, both inside and outside the classroom, as well as hard work.

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