A&M-Texarkana Students Offered Banking Experience

While many college students struggle to keep track of their checking accounts and student loans, 11 students from Texarkana A&M University-Texarkana have an opportunity to get real-world banking experience as members of the Commercial National Bank Collegiate Ambassador Board.

Now in its second year, the board’s mission is to educate students on activities and experiences within a financial institution, provide opportunities to gain experience and knowledge in serving as an advisory board member, and allow insight and the opportunity for feedback on the bank’s marketing strategies.

Members of the Collegiate Ambassador Board attend monthly sessions at the bank from October to May, focusing on areas such as leadership, banking laws, financial literacy, marketing strategies, planning, and mortgage and commercial lending. Students also will be challenged to brainstorm ideas for a final project.

“We are pleased to partner with Commercial National Bank once again to provide a positive and enriching learning experience for our students,” said Dr. Emily Cutrer, A&M-Texarkana president. “The students gain a great deal of insight into the world of banking and develop important networking, communication and critical thinking skills. We look forward to working with other businesses and industries in the region to provide similar initiatives for our students.”

Dr. Gary Stading, dean of the A&M-Texarkana College of Business, worked with bank officials to select the second class for the program.

“The enthusiasm shown by Commercial National Bank’s officers, directors and staff is outstanding,” Dr. Stading said. “Students value the opportunity to develop professional relationships and explore career opportunities in banking. We truly appreciate Commercial National Bank’s ongoing support of our students and university.”

Dennis Huffman, president of Commercial National Bank, said, “We are pleased to enter our second year with our partnership with A&M-Texarkana and our Collegiate Ambassador Board.  We believe it's not only a benefit to the students, but we also have seen it as a reward for the bank as well.”

2015-2016 Collegiate Ambassador Board members include the following:

• Alicia Diggs, a senior from Pittsburg, Texas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.
• Christen Hawks, a senior from Texarkana, Arkansas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.
• Colton Hicks, a senior from Atlanta, Texas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance.
• Hayden Lee, a junior from DeKalb, Texas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance.
• Joe Leeves, a senior from Naples, Texas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.
• Juan Leyva, a senior from Texarkana, Texas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance.
• Hollyann Mitchell, a graduate student from Avery, Texas, who is pursuing a Master of Business Administration.
• Jarrod M. Perryman, a senior from Hooks, Texas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.
• Lindley Southard, a senior from Tarrant, Texas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.
• Jill Warren, a senior from Fulton, Arkansas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.
• Andrew Wells, a senior from Atlanta, Texas, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance.

For more information, contact Dr. Gary Stading, dean of the College of Business, at Gary.Stading@tamut.edu.