Dan grew up in the church, the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Marshall, Texas. His oldest memory is singing “Jesus Loves Me” in church kindergarten. A lifelong church member, Dan has been an active member in churches in Texas and Florida. His Christian walk has focused on having a “servant’s heart” and serving others, as Jesus Christ has instructed us to do.
Vocationally, Dan began his teaching career at Odessa College in 1978, then 11-years at Austin Community College, and 34-years, Gulf Coast State College. He served as Professor of Emergency Medical Services in the Public Safety Division. During his career, he trained 5,100 EMS professionals, including EMTs and paramedics.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education at Texas State University, a Master of Education at Texas Tech, and a PhD at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Finley has been recognized as a three-time Professor of the Year, a national honoree among the 500 Best Community College Teachers in America, Florida Brain Bowl Coach of the Year, and later the Florida Brain Bowl Hall of Fame.
A member of Mensa, a published writer, a dedicated Sunday School teacher at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, and a lifelong learner, he embodies curiosity, compassion, and service.
In his spare time, Dan enjoys Bible study, trivia contests, reading, cooking, and watching the University of Texas Longhorns football team. At the heart of it all, however, is his family, his wife Robin, and his now-grown children, Donovan and Andrea, both of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
