ASU's Norris-Vincent College of Business Announces Partnership with First Financial Bank

SAN ANGELO – A large contingent of Angelo State University business and agribusiness students were the guests of honor at the announcement on Oct. 19 of a new program in ASU's Norris-Vincent College of Business (NVCOB) specifically for students interested in careers in banking.

Still in its early stages, the new program will mirror the Excellence in Banking program at Texas Tech University and will be designed to produce top-notch bankers by giving students a comprehensive understanding of modern banking operations and practices. A board of industry professionals will advise the program, and other aspects of the program will include:

• Banking internships
• Mentoring program
• Site visits to financial institutions
• Speaker series
• Conferences and workshops
• Student organization activities
• Networking with successful professionals and alumni

"We are excited to launch our new banking program, which will meet the needs of West Texas banks by providing them a steady pool of well-qualified, entry-level banking professionals," said Dr. Andrew Tiger, dean of the NVCOB. "This effort aligns with the NVCOB mission, which is to develop values-focused professional leaders in business and aviation, create and deliver business knowledge that solves problems, and inspire innovation so that we have a significant impact in our community and beyond."

ASU President Ronnie Hawkins Jr., Dr. Don Topliff, ASU provost and vice president for academic affairs; Mike Mauldin, director of Texas Tech's Excellence in Banking program; and Chris Evatt, CEO of First Financial Bank in San Angelo, joined with Tiger to address the students and announce the new ASU program.

Following the announcement, the students were invited to practice networking with representatives from First Financial Bank.

The new program is scheduled to begin enrolling students in ASU's first banking courses by the fall 2023 semester.