RUSTON, La. — Louisiana Tech University and the Louisiana Bankers Association hosted the fifth annual Louisiana Tech School of Banking in June, bringing together 88 banking professionals from across the state for a weeklong leadership and professional development program.
The program, presented by Louisiana Tech’s College of Business, focused on expanding the knowledge and skills of emerging banking leaders through coursework and discussions on artificial intelligence, regional economic development, cybersecurity, operations, risk management, liquidity, marketing, sales and banking regulations.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony recognizing 49 participants who completed the school’s two-year curriculum. A separate cohort of 39 bankers completed the program’s first year and is scheduled to return in 2027 for advanced coursework featuring BankExec simulations and case studies.
Second-year participants took part in BankExec, a banking simulation that challenges teams to manage financial institutions and address financial management decisions. Ten teams competed throughout the week, with Marth Bank and Common Cents Bank earning top honors.
Jordan McNeely, assistant vice president and credit analyst II at Origin Bank, said the program provided valuable insight into banking leadership and industry trends.
“I am very proud to have had the opportunity to attend the Louisiana Tech School of Banking for the past two years,” McNeely said. “Getting to hear from the leaders of different banks about what they are seeing in their communities was eye opening.”
Sponsors of the 2026 program included presenting sponsor b1BANK, gold sponsors Bonvenu Bank and Origin Bank, silver sponsor Century Next Bank, and bronze sponsors Caldwell Holding Company, Gibsland Bank & Trust, Louisiana Land Bank and the Louisiana Bankers Education Council.
Registration for the next Louisiana Tech School of Banking cohort is scheduled to open in January 2027.