Rich Tanner
COBA would like to welcome Rich Tanner, new Clinical Professor of Digital Entertainment. Rich has taught for the School of Information Technology and Computing part-time for the past several years and will now be working with technology students on a full-time basis. Tanner has an A.A.S. in Computer Graphics and Programming from Missouri State University, a B.S. in Information Technology with a Concentration in Graphics and Game Development from Abilene Christian University, and a M.S. in Human Computer Interaction from Iowa State University. Rich was contracted as an iOS Developer and Consultant for the KAART Group, was contracted to develop a number of mobile applications for ACU, and worked as a Mobile and Senior Software Developer for USAA. Tanner teaches 3D Modeling, Animation, Mobile Application Development, Game Asset Creation and Texturing, and Character Creation in Maya, Photoshop, and Unity. Tanner brings skills and ingenuity to his classes that will instruct and develop technology students in new and exciting ways.
What do you teach at ACU?
The cool stuff! As a DET faculty, I get to teach 3D Modeling, Animation, and Mobile Application Development (a CS course).
What committees/other duties do you have at ACU aside from teaching?
I have been assigned as a Developer Mentor for Wildcat Software, our student run software company.
What drew you to teaching? Why did you want to work with students?
It’s what I do! Even at USAA, I often found myself drawn to roles where I could teach and mentor new employees and interns. My wife and I also spent 3 years as Youth Ministers while we were in Plano, and I’ve been practicing my teaching on my own children for the past 19+ years. I love seeing people get excited about new ideas and material, and helping people realize their potential. Plus, I just generally get excited about the kinds of things that I get to teach! It’s only natural to share that excitement with a room full of people.
Outside of teaching, what passions and hobbies do you have?
Obviously, I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife and I have been married for almost 21 years, and we have four children. Richelle, who is 19, is a new transfer student to ACU, studying Elementary Education. Kira is 15 and goes to Abilene High. Xandra is 12 and is a student at Craig Middle School. And Connor, who is 7, goes to Bonham Elementary. Connor is the only boy, and was born here in Abilene right before I graduated from ACU. We all enjoy watching lots of movies together and playing various games. I spend my free time (when I have any) working on home renovations, playing video games (usually single player adventures), and doing lots and lots of reading.