Today@Sam Article

Woodforest Bank Donates $100,000 To Banking Program

June 12, 2015
SHSU Media Contact: Julia May

Woodforest Bank CEO Robert Marling, his wife Kim, and a large number of his directors, officers and employees recently presented a $100,000 check to Jim Bexley, chair of banking at SHSU, to support banking scholarships and programs at the university.

Woodforest Bank, headquartered in The Woodlands, recently donated $100,000 to Sam Houston State University to sponsor the Bank Executives and Directors Seminar and Golf Tournament, which is held each spring.

Funds from the event provide scholarships to banking students and support for the programs under the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking.

Woodforest CEO Robert Marling, his wife Kim, and a large number of his directors, officers and employees presented the check to Jim Bexley, chair of banking at SHSU, during the 2015 Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Gala at SHSU.  Marling was one of five individuals inducted during ceremonies, in recognition of his significant contributions to the banking industry.

He and his staff have been regular supporters of SHSU’s banking program, hiring graduates and interns, sending officers to the Executive MBA Program, and donating their time.

“Robert Marling and his staff have been with us from the beginning of the program 19 years ago,” said Bexley.  “They have gone the ‘extra mile’ to be supportive of all that we do.” 

The banking program at SHSU is the only accredited degree program offering a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in banking and financial institutions.

Graduates of the program find jobs with banks, state and federal regulatory agencies throughout Texas.  Additionally, the program places between 30 and 40 interns in banks and regulatory agencies per semester.  Not only are these paid internships, but also the students receive three semester credit hours, not to exceed six semester credit hours, for total internship credit. 

In 2005, the program added the Executive MBA degree in banking and financial institutions.  The EMBA is a cohort program that offers flexibility to bankers and regulators who have difficulty pursuing a conventional MBA due to scheduling and time constraints. 

The two-year program begins with a new cohort each fall semester.  An annual two-week residency at the main SHSU campus in Huntsville is required prior to the start of each fall semester.  Other than the residency requirement, students complete their coursework entirely online.

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