PALs Beyond the Tour: Tate Denham

Tate Denham’s Furman journey began the way many meaningful paths do, with curiosity sparked in the classroom and mentors who encouraged him to lean into it. What started with a single course in environmental economics quickly evolved into a double major in Economics and Business Finance, shaped by interdisciplinary learning, real world application, and a campus culture that rewards ambition.

“I chose economics after taking environmental economics with Dr. Taha,” Tate shared. “I realized I loved the modeling aspect and how applicable the logic of economics was to the world around us.”

That discovery became the foundation for everything that followed.

Finding Direction Through Academics

As Tate dug deeper into economics, mentorship played a defining role in helping him understand not only what he was studying, but why it mattered.

“Dr. Taha, now my advisor, was very supportive and helped me make sure I knew what kind of major I was getting into,” he said.

When it came time to add Business Finance, Tate was intentional about building complementary skills.

“For business, I wanted more applicable hard skills,” he explained. “After speaking with Dr. Smythe, I realized I could use my economics background to better understand business concepts. That additional lens helped everything click.”

At Furman University, Tate found that interdisciplinary thinking was not only encouraged, but expected.

Learning Beyond Traditional Boundaries

Some of Tate’s most influential learning experiences came from unexpected places.

“I had a professor in the theatre department help our improv troupe understand how improv applies to business and professional skills,” he shared. “Another professor helped me connect Buddhist philosophy to financial principles I was learning in business classes.”

Even creative writing played a lasting role.

“My creative writing professor gave me confidence to live a life I care about and pay closer attention to the world around me,” Tate said.

These connections reinforced one of Furman’s greatest strengths: learning does not exist in silos.

Creativity and Research with Real Impact

Tate’s academic experience balanced analytical rigor with creative expression.

“I was able to write poetry and short stories that were featured in Furman’s literary magazine, The Echo,” he shared.

Alongside creative work, he also engaged in hands on research through the economics department.

“That research gave me real project experience and the freedom to discover something on my own,” Tate said. “It helped me learn how to apply theory in meaningful ways.”

Internships That Clarified His Path

Tate’s internships played a critical role in shaping his professional direction.

During his freshman year, he interned at a promotional products company in his hometown of Tampa.

“I learned a lot about the corporate world and gained real exposure to Excel, analytics, and strategy,” he said. “But most importantly, I learned what I did not want to do, which was marketing.”

By junior year, his interests had sharpened.

“I interned as a Financial Analyst Intern at a real estate firm in Midtown Atlanta,” Tate shared. “I had real agency in my work and created value through modeling and analysis. That experience gave me confidence in my analytical abilities.”

Community Through Campus Involvement

Tate’s Furman experience was shaped just as much by people as by coursework.

Being in a fraternity provided a strong support system.

“It gave me a collection of lifelong brothers and people I know I can rely on,” he said.

But the improv troupe became his closest community.

“The troupe builds a space of trust and respect,” Tate shared. “We created a true family. I know I can rely on every person there, and they know they can rely on me.”

He also found joy and school spirit through Furman Fanatics.

“I love cheering for sports, and this group gives me a community to do it with while supporting the school I love,” he said.

A Furman Tradition That Stands Out

For Tate, one campus tradition rises above the rest.

“Tag Week,” he said. “It is such a fun, campus wide game that anyone can participate in. It makes that entire week so much more interesting.”

When asked to describe the Furman community in three words, Tate did not hesitate: “Constructive. Committed. Unconditional.”

Growth in Confidence and Purpose

Furman challenged Tate to grow both personally and academically.

“I realized my spirituality through philosophy courses that had real life applicability,” he shared. “I became someone I am incredibly proud to be because of leadership and mentorship opportunities.”

Academically, he discovered how he learns best.

“I learned to love learning,” Tate said. “I found my passion and a path forward because of the advisors and resources at Furman.”

Life in Greenville

Outside the classroom, Tate enjoys exploring Greenville’s outdoors and local spots with friends.

His favorite weekend activities include:

• Cycling and running on the Swamp Rabbit Trail
• Stopping at Tandem Creperie or a local coffee shop
• Grabbing Stecca Bread at Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery

His top must-do experiences include:

• Watching the sunrise at Bald Rock
• Cycling from Greenville to Travelers Rest
• Camping at Lake Jocassee
• Attending local sports events and cheering on the Swamp Rabbits

What Makes Furman Feel Like Home

For Tate, Furman feels like home in the moments that hold memories.

“When I walk across campus and see people, places, and things tied to memories, that is when Furman feels like home,” he shared.

What he loves most about Furman is the opportunity.

“I have hiked the hills of Meteora in Greece, shadowed a 50 million dollar Furman bond pricing, slept on the mall raising money for charity, learned from top CEOs, and built relationships with administrators,” Tate said. “There is just so much we can do here.”

Tate’s Advice for Future Paladins

Tate encourages incoming students to be bold and intentional.

“Get involved with The Cothran Center,” he said. “Try new things. Make mistakes. Do not spend time in places you do not enjoy. Build your own community and never stop building it.”

For high school students considering Furman, his advice is simple.

“If you have ambition and energy, Furman is the right place for you,” Tate shared. “If you want to execute, have fun, and create a life of meaning and purpose, Furman will provide it.”