Student Allen Pinder Brings a Veteran’s Perspective to the Classroom at Otterbein

When Business Analytics major Allen Pinder ’28 walks into class at Otterbein, he brings with him experiences that set him apart from many of his classmates. That’s because Pinder is a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 2017 to 2021. Today, those experiences inform his perspective in the classroom, broadening discussions and creating meaningful learning opportunities for both himself and his fellow students.  

We invited him to share more about his military service and what it means to be a veteran and a student.

Photo: 2021, “Surface Searching”: Strait of Gibraltar, on the Department of War site. Credit: Navy Seaman Larry Lockett.

Q: Why did you decide to pursue a college degree after your military service? 
Pinder: In the Navy, I learned how much good decisions depend on good information. I wanted to take that skill and build on it in business. A degree gives me the tools to grow my own company and help other people build wealth. 

Q: Why did you choose Otterbein? 
Pinder: Otterbein is close to home, so I could keep working and stay near my family. I liked the small classes, where professors know you by name. And I wanted its Business Analytics program. Otterbein also gave me the chance to help start the Military Connected Advocacy, so other military-connected students have a community here. 

Q: What was the biggest adjustment when transitioning from military life to being a college student? 
Pinder: The biggest change was losing the set structure. On the ship, every hour was planned for you. In college, I had to build that structure myself while juggling school, work, family, and my business. Getting back into studying and taking exams also took some time. 

Q: Are there skills or lessons you learned in the military that have helped you in the classroom? 
Pinder: Yes. I served as a Cryptologic Technician (Technical), Petty Officer Second Class, aboard USS Iwo Jima. I used electronic intelligence (ELINT) to analyze frequency data and identify ships, aircraft, submarines, and weapons systems. I briefed the Commanding Officer and watch commanders on what vessels we were likely to encounter. I also monitored for threats during high-stress transits of the Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Tiran and during operations in the North Atlantic. As a watch supervisor, I trained junior sailors during long deployment watches, and in 2019 I led 25 sailors fighting a fire aboard the ship. All of that taught me discipline, attention to detail, and how to stay calm under pressure. After that, a hard exam doesn’t feel so scary. 

Q: Has being a veteran influenced what you want to study or the career you hope to pursue? 
Pinder: Yes. My Navy work was all about turning data into decisions, which led me straight to Business Analytics, with a minor in Psychology. I founded Pinder’s Prosperity Group, a veteran-owned financial empowerment company, and I want to use data to help families and businesses get stronger financially. 

Q: Do you find that your experiences as a veteran give you a different perspective from many of your non-veteran classmates? 
Pinder: Yes, mostly because of the high-stress situations I faced in the service. As a wartime veteran, I had to stay cautious and calm at the same time. I had to plan ahead while staying ready to react at a moment’s notice. I’ve also seen how small details can matter a lot, and I’ve worked with people from every background toward one mission. That makes me value teamwork, and I try to lead by example in group projects.