As a non-traditional student taking courses at Indiana University East’s Danielson Learning Center, Brock Davis of New Castle, Ind., learned patience and perseverance.

At the time, the father of two was working full time at Ameriana Bank, located just next door to the Danielson Center. He said the classes and the material he studied made an immediate impact and he could use it in his day-to-day work.

“IU East offered many courses either at the Danielson Center or online to accommodate my work schedule,” Davis said. “I learned from professionals working in the area they were teaching. It made learning closer to real life experience, and as a working student I wanted to learn from experienced professionals and not just a textbook.”

There were many lessons Davis learned as a student, but most importantly, by completing his degree he fulfilled a promise he made to his family and late mother to earn his degree.

Now the vice president of Retail Operations at Ameriana Bank, Davis implements procedures for accuracy and efficiency. He is responsible for developing analytical reporting representing trends or abnormalities in consumer behavior. Additionally, he manages the training and development department regarding procedures and Ameriana culture, he said. Davis started his career at Ameriana Bank in 2002.

Davis also volunteers as a board member for Kids R Golden, and organization that helps Henry County families facing pediatric cancer diagnosis by providing urgent relief funds and other support while raising awareness in the community for children and families battling cancer.

“It’s a great opportunity to work for a community bank located in New Castle, Indiana and gain the experience and skills many only develop through the ‘big banks’,” Davis said. “I have been given opportunities to advance my career over the years with Ameriana and feel very blessed.”

In the future, Davis plans to enroll in the Master of Science in Management program at IU East.