07/24/2025
JONESBORO – The 2025-2026 Arkansas State University Leadership in Banking Series is scheduled to begin soon, continuing its tradition of offering valuable insights and professional development opportunities for banking professionals in northeast Arkansas.
The program consists of six monthly meetings where seasoned banking professionals will engage in discussions on current industry challenges and leadership skills. Some sessions will be led by faculty members from the Neil Griffin College of Business, who will facilitate conversations and provide expert feedback.
“The topics covered are essential for today’s banking leaders. Instructors share proven strategies and encourage participants to contribute their perspectives. Networking with peers is also a key benefit,” explained Dr. Cliff E. Jones, deputy director of the Delta Center for Economic Development.
The schedule for the upcoming sessions is as follows:
– Dr. David Kern, associate professor of finance and McAdams Frierson Chair of Bank Management, will open the series at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10.
– C. David White, chief lending officer at Farmers Bank and Trust in Magnolia, will lead a session titled “Leadership in Lending” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8.
– Dr. Hilary Schloemer, associate professor of management, will present “Management Issues in Banking” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12.
– Dr. H. Steve Leslie, associate professor of business communication, will host “Business Communication for Banking” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10.
– Dr. Katie Hill, associate professor and marketing director of the R.M. “Bob” Wood Sales Leadership Center, will lead the “Sales and Marketing for Banking” session from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14.
– Dr. Cliff E. Jones will conclude the series with “Leadership Fundamentals for Banking” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11.
Participants will engage in interactive exercises, focused discussions, and peer networking to enhance their leadership capabilities and expand their professional connections.
The series was launched in 2023 through a collaboration between the A-State Delta Center for Economic Development, the Neil Griffin College of Business, and Jonesboro Unlimited, and has grown steadily since its inception.
“Each year, enrollment has increased and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a collaborative effort that supports the banking sector in the region,” said Jones.
Dr. Kern expressed optimism about the program’s growing influence.
“The Leadership in Banking Series is making a meaningful impact by equipping professionals with the leadership tools needed to navigate today’s complex financial environment. The success of the program is also due to the support of local bankers,” he noted.
Registration is currently open, but space is limited. The deadline to register is Friday, August 22. Interested participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot among northeast Arkansas’ top emerging banking leaders.
— news from Arkansas State University
— News Original —
Delta Center for Economic Development to Host Annual Leadership in Banking Series
07/24/2025
JONESBORO – The highly anticipated 2025-2026 Arkansas State University Leadership in Banking Series is set to return for another year.
This series features six monthly gatherings of experienced banking professionals from across northeast Arkansas, where they will explore contemporary issues and skills relevant to the banking industry.
Some sessions will be facilitated by professors from the Neil Griffin College of Business, who will engage in discussions and provide feedback.
“The sessions cover topics that are important to the modern banking industry. Instructors share best practices and encourage feedback from participants. The opportunity to network with fellow banking colleagues is another benefit of the program,” said Dr. Cliff E. Jones, deputy director of the Delta Center for Economic Development.
The sessions will take place as follows:
– Dr. David Kern, associate professor of finance and McAdams Frierson Chair of Bank Management, will kick off the Leadership in Banking series at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
– C. David White, chief lending officer at Farmers Bank and Trust in Magnolia, will lead a “Leadership in Lending” session from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8.
– Dr. Hilary Schloemer, associate professor of management, will conduct the “Management Issues in Banking” session from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12.
– Dr. H. Steve Leslie, associate professor of business communication, will host the “Business Communication for Banking” session from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10.
– Dr. Katie Hill, associate professor and marketing director of the R.M. “Bob” Wood Sales Leadership Center, will welcome participants to the “Sales and Marketing for Banking” session from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14.
– Dr. Cliff E. Jones will host the “Leadership Fundamentals for Banking” session from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11.
Participants will engage in exercises designed to deepen their understanding of the banking profession, participate in focused discussions, gain real-world insights, and connect with peers to enhance their leadership skills and expand their professional network.
The series originated in 2023 as a collaboration between the A-State Delta Center for Economic Development, the Neil Griffin College of Business, and Jonesboro Unlimited. It has expanded since its inception.
“Enrollment has increased each year and the reviews of the series have been excellent. It’s a team effort that serves the banking industry in the greater region,” said Jones.
Kern is encouraged by the positive response the series has garnered.
“The Leadership in Banking Series is making a real impact by equipping commercial banking professionals with the leadership skills needed to navigate today’s complex financial landscape. The program is helping to cultivate confident, capable leaders who are prepared to drive the industry forward,” he said.
The A-State faculty member emphasized that the program would not be successful without the support of local bankers who help make it possible.
Registration is now open, but spots are limited. The deadline to secure your seat is Friday, August 22. Register now to reserve your place among northeast Arkansas’ top emerging leaders in the banking industry.