Today@Sam Article

SHSU Unveils Plans for the Smith-Hutson Financial Center and Trading Floor to Elevate Business Education

Feb. 27, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

By Tory Josey

Sam Houston State University’s College of Business Administration (COBA) is proud to announce the development of the Smith-Hutson Financial Center and Trading Floor, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance finance and economic education through hands-on, technology-driven learning. This initiative is made possible through the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program.

Housed within the Ron and Linda Mafrige Learning Center, the new trading center will provide students with an immersive, real-world financial environment. Equipped with Bloomberg LP financial software—the industry standard for market analysis—the facility will allow students to monitor global financial markets in real time, analyze stock movements and understand the impact of economic trends. Construction is scheduled to begin March 10, 2025, with an anticipated completion date Spring 2026.

“Investments are near and dear to us as the funds we are putting into this project, and the funding of our scholarships, is derived from the income earned on securities that we are involved with every day. We proposed this project several years ago and are very happy that Dean Shar Self developed a plan to reimagine existing space to construct the center. Together with the support of Matthew Bethea, they are making it happen; this center provides an opportunity for business students to learn investments hands-on,” said Robert Hutson, Smith-Hutson designated representative.

Through these projects, students will gain insight into the complexities of currency fluctuations, governmental policies and corporate decision-making, all of which will prepare them for a bright future in finance.

COBA currently has over 300 students majoring in banking and finance, many of whom will benefit from the hands-on learning opportunities provided by the new trading floor. This facility will serve as a critical resource in preparing students for careers in banking, investment management, financial planning and corporate finance.

As part of this initiative, distinguished finance scholar Jose (Joey) Gutierrez will assume the role of Smith-Hutson Endowed Professor in Financial Investments beginning Summer 2025. His appointment marks the second endowed professorship within COBA, further strengthening the foundation of the trading center.

In addition to his professorship, Gutierrez will lead and oversee a student-managed investment fund with up to $500,000 of initial investment proceeds, also endowed by the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program. This will provide the students with real-time, real-money investment experience. Any profits derived from this student-managed fund will directly benefit COBA.

Gutierrez’s research focuses on corporate finance, market microstructure, liquidity, price dynamics and international financial markets, with publications in the Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting and the International Review of Economics and Finance. His expertise will enhance student learning and contribute to the center’s mission of providing cutting-edge financial education.

“Being tapped to serve as the inaugural Smith-Hutson Endowed Professor in Financial Investments is the highest honor of my academic career. Throughout my 15 years at SHSU I’ve had a strong desire for the college to have a concentrated investment/financial market program,” Gutierrez said. “This endowment, the resulting trading center, Bloomberg terminals and modified curriculum will take our department to the leading edge of investment finance and help put those careers at the fingertips of COBA students.”

A dedicated collaborative workspace within the trading center will be set aside for Smith-Hutson Scholars, providing them with a professional environment to work together. This space will foster teamwork, innovation and practical application of financial principles, reinforcing SHSU’s commitment to student success.

Beyond stock selection, students will gain firsthand experience in investment management, including compliance, performance reporting, economic trend analysis, trading strategies, marketing, financial modeling and presentation skills. These essential competencies align with industry demands, giving SHSU students a competitive edge in the job market. Research has shown that graduates who participate in similar trading programs have a distinct employment advantage, demonstrating stronger analytical skills and practical financial knowledge.

“The launch of our new trading floor is a game-changer, bridging the gap between theory and practice in finance. With access to Bloomberg terminals, a student-managed investment portfolio and a CFA-aligned curriculum, we are equipping future financial leaders with the hands-on experience and technical skills needed to excel in the securities industry. This investment goes beyond technology—it enhances academic quality, strengthens faculty resources and serves as a powerful recruiting tool, attracting top-tier students eager for a dynamic, career-focused education that prepares them for success in the financial world,” said Sharmistha Self, Dean of COBA.

By combining innovative technology, real-world market simulation and a collaborative learning environment, the Smith-Hutson Financial Center and Trading Floor will redefine business education at SHSU.

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