UT Tyler, Texas Bankers Association Enrich Opportunities for Finance Majors
September 16, 2026 | Hannah Buchanan
Partnership creates degree concentration, further prepares students entering banking industry
The University of Texas at Tyler has partnered with the Texas Bankers Association to create special opportunities for UT Tyler students entering the banking industry, further preparing them for successful careers in financial services. Beginning spring 2027, undergraduate finance majors can enter a formalized banking concentration within their UT Tyler finance degree to utilize the association’s student membership program.
Through the program, UT Tyler students can connect with statewide banking professionals and gain access to TBA educational resources, industry publications and additional networking opportunities.
“We are delighted to enter this partnership with the TBA, as it reinforces our commitment to preparing highly skilled financial professionals for the East Texas community and beyond,” said Dr. Krist Swimberghe, dean of the UT Tyler Soules College of Business. “The collaboration will open tremendous doors for our finance students by giving them direct access to industry leaders and valuable professional development opportunities that will enhance their classroom learning and make them even more marketable.”
The partnership also reflects the association’s commitment to developing the next generation of banking professionals and strengthening the banking industry across the state.
“By preparing local talent for meaningful careers and future leadership roles, UT Tyler is creating a tremendous opportunity for students, banks and communities throughout East Texas,” said Brent Cox, Texas Bankers Association vice president of member relations. “TBA applauds UT Tyler’s leadership for investing in this important academic-industry partnership and looks forward to supporting its success.”
Housed within the Soules College of Business, the UT Tyler Department of Accounting, Finance, Information Systems and Business Law prepares students for professional success in accounting, finance, compliance and business legal studies. To learn more, contact Dr. Tammy Cowart, UT Tyler professor of business law and department chair, at tcowart@uttyler.edu, or visit uttyler.edu.
Established in 1885, the Texas Bankers Association is America’s oldest and largest state banking organization. With a strong commitment to community development, TBA members contribute to local economies and strengthen Texas. For more information, visit texasbankers.com/.
With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 11,700 students.Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.