Graduating ETAMU senior balances football, research and leadership in psychology

May 5, 2026 - 02:45

As May graduation nears, East Texas A&M University is highlighting members of the Class of 2026 who have made their mark through hard work, leadership, and ambition. Jason Otah is one of those students. When he first arrived at the university, he carried the typical weight of a student-athlete. But over the past four years, he has built a legacy that reaches far beyond the football field.

Otah, a senior majoring in psychology, has balanced the demands of being a college athlete with serious academic research and campus leadership roles. He credits much of his growth to the mentors he found along the way. Professors who pushed him to think critically about mental health, coaches who taught him discipline, and fellow students who challenged him to lead with empathy all played a part in shaping his path.

Now, as he prepares to graduate, Otah is looking ahead to a career as a mental health professional. He wants to use what he learned on the field and in the lab to help others navigate their own challenges. For Otah, the transition from student-athlete to aspiring clinician feels natural. Both roles require resilience, teamwork, and a deep understanding of human behavior.

He hopes his journey shows that it is possible to pursue multiple passions at once. With graduation just weeks away, Otah is ready to take the next step.