Tanner Cooper

“The desire to deeply understand when faced with unknowns, and to embrace those unknowns with excitement rather than fear.” That’s how Tanner Cooper describes curiosity.

As Assistant Director for Living-Learning Programs and Honors Living in the Office of Living Learning Programs, Tanner works with Honors Living, comprised of the Hillcrest Living-Learning Community and the Honors Residential Commons.

Tanner joined the Virginia Tech community in 2021. He arrived with a spirit of “openness, gratitude, and a desire to learn.” Since then, he has earned a reputation for fulfilling the responsibilities of his role with absolute commitment and enthusiasm.

He regularly volunteers his time to serve on committees, contribute to projects, and step up to extra tasks. A nominator noted that wherever he serves, he immerses himself in the experience to learn as much as he can about the university, his community, and himself.

“I try to approach each day with the idea that there are new things to uncover,” he said. “I enjoy being part of that process, not just for me, but for others. Whether it's guiding students through a new challenge, fostering a sense of community, or simply asking questions, I take pride in being a resource for growth and learning in others.”

Tanner credits the Living Learning Programs with helping him thrive. He deeply values being a part of a supportive environment that fosters curiosity and growth. As he lives out his passion, he inspires others to do the same.

Recently, Tanner started Way Back Wednesdays, a new historical event series in the Honors Residential Commons. Through Way Back Wednesdays, he connects with students to pursue an understanding of the world. By thoughtfully organizing each event to cover an interesting topic, he promotes conversation and deep thinking.

“Tanner not only provides an opportunity for students to be curious about the world and society around them,” his nominator said, “but he models the valuable practice of being curious in life.”

A nominator noted that when faced with the opportunity to advance in his responsibilities and leadership Tanner embraced the process and asked questions to learn and develop: "Who am I, and how do I want to grow?"

Tanner said that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is a powerful way to explore one’s beliefs and potential.

“A big part of curiosity is being open-minded and allowing yourself to explore topics outside of your comfort zone,” he said. “It also means not giving up when you don't know the answer; even when answers are elusive, the process of seeking is just as valuable as finding. By having the need and desire to understand how things work and why they are the way they are, I can ask deeper questions, explore new topics, and seek knowledge beyond my basic understanding and continue to be a lifelong learner.”

For leading a life dedicated to the pursuit of understanding, I am proud to present the faculty/staff Aspire! Award for Commit to Unwavering CURIOSITY to Tanner Cooper.