Tech's Rawls College of Business expanding programming to meet needs of banking industry

The Excellence in Banking Program will focus on modern banking operations and practices.

Positive economic growth in West Texas continues to drive the demand for qualified employees across a variety of sectors. Behind the economic growth lies the banking industry, which needs for qualified employees of its own.

In response to the economic and industry events that have led to the demand for qualified bankers, the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University has developed a new Excellence in Banking Program.

“We are excited to partner with banks and bankers to help satisfy a critical need in West Texas and across the state,” said Margaret L. Williams, dean of the Rawls College of Business. “This program was motivated by Rawls alumni who are leaders in the banking industry, and with their help, we plan to develop a curriculum to effectively prepare students to address the banking needs of the future.”

Scheduled to launch this fall, the program is designed to produce topnotch bankers by giving students a comprehensive understanding of modern banking operations and practices.

“This initiative is another example of the university building a partnership that includes alumni, business leaders and faculty in order to develop academic programs that address industry needs in the state of Texas,” said Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech president. “This program will present our students with opportunities beyond the classroom that will better prepare them for the workforce and, in turn, contribute to strengthening the state’s banking industry.”

Students will complete courses in finance, accounting and advanced banking topics to prepare them for long-term success in the ever-changing banking industry. To make certain that the program is preparing students for current industry demands, the program will be advised by a seasoned board of industry leaders.

“Input from bankers has informed our planning process and will continue to ensure that our curriculum is current and prepares students for successful careers in banking,” said associate dean Jeffrey Mercer, Centennial Bank chair and professor of finance. “We are including industry certifications in the curriculum and making sure students are prepared for a variety of banking careers in different types of banks.”

The curriculum will be enhanced by a required internship in banking, a mentoring program, opportunities for students to visit banks, including the Federal Reserve Bank, conferences and workshops, a speaker series, student organization activities and other interactions with banking professionals and successful alumni.