David Tanner

David's journey began in the noble profession of firefighting. Initially pursuing a degree in Fire Science at the University of Maryland, he gained invaluable insights into emergency response and community service. However, fate intervened when an injury during his tenure in the Air Force led him to explore new horizons. 

Starting as a teller in the banking world, he swiftly ascended the ranks, delving into roles in computer programming, management, and commercial lending. Despite lacking traditional credentials, David's strategic acumen and leadership skills propelled him through various challenges, from branch closures to institutional restructurings. 

David navigated roles ranging from branch operations to operational risk management, and his expertise in risk governance and framework design earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor, guiding organizations through periods of regulatory scrutiny and transformation. 

"I had been out of the university life for past 38 years, and I earned some college credits early on in in my professional career. But then because of work, life, and traveling a lot, I never finished the degree. It was always a personal goal of mine to finish my diploma. So, about a year ago, I really started looking into different opportunities."

Embracing Loyola University's BA Applied Psychology program, David sought to leverage his vast life experiences to explore the intricate dynamics of human behavior and organizational psychology. 

As David immersed himself in subjects like American pluralism and theology, he discovered newfound avenues for personal reflection and intellectual growth. Despite the asynchronous nature of online learning, David found solace in the unwavering support of SCPS faculty and advisors who recognized the value of his unique perspective and life journey. 

"SCPS is all about getting you across the finish line, and you feel that every day. You feel that the professors and advisors are there to help and support you, especially for those of us that are returning to studies after quite a few years away from it and going into this online environment which is a little bit different than what we were accustomed to."