SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU

Congratulations to SWGSB graduate Mark Evans on his appointment as chief lending officer at Worthington Bank. With more than 40 years of experience in lending and executive management across banks in Louisiana and Texas, Evans has built a reputation for strong leadership, sound underwriting, and meaningful relationship development. His continued success reflects the impact of experienced, principled leadership in community banking.

Learn more about how SWGSB can take you from peer to leader at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/sw-graduate-school-of-banking

Vista Bank continues to lead with purpose and progress. After becoming the first bank to establish a presence in South Dallas in over 30 years, the bank recently marked another historic milestone with the appointment of Lubbock Smith III as South Dallas Market President—the first Black president in the market’s history.

Lubbock’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to community impact, relationship banking, and economic empowerment. As a proud member of SWGSB Class LXVI, he represents the excellence and forward-thinking leadership shaping the future of community banking.

This achievement is not only a personal milestone—it’s a meaningful step forward for representation, opportunity, and continued investment in South Dallas.

Join us in celebrating this incredible accomplishment! Lean more about how to strengthen your leadership journey at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/sw-graduate-school-of-banking

One of SWGSB’s greatest strengths is the community that comes with it. More than 12,000 alumni have graduated from SWGSB at SMU Cox School of Business, forming a powerful network of banking leaders across the country. These alumni serve as CEOs, senior executives, lenders, and industry innovators who remain connected long after graduation.

For current students, that network becomes a valuable resource—trusted peers to call for insight, collaboration, and perspective on the challenges facing community banking. For alumni, it’s a lifelong professional community built on shared experience and a commitment to strengthening the industry.

Learn more about the SWGSB experience at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/sw-graduate-school-of-banking

This September 3–6, 2026, join fellow banking leaders in the breathtaking Colorado Rockies for the SW Graduate School of Banking 162nd Assembly for Bank Directors in Vail/Beaver Creek. Where executive education meets fresh mountain air, this destination delivers more than informative sessions—it delivers perspective.

From inspiring alpine scenery and world-class resort amenities to elevated networking opportunities and actionable board-level insights, SWGSB bank director education offers the ideal balance of professional growth and personal recharge. Step out of the boardroom and into an environment designed to spark clarity, connection, and strategic thinking.

Learn more: https://www.swgsb.org/programs/assemblies-for-bank-directors

A special thank you to our sponsors who helped make this year’s SWGSB Commercial Lending School such a success. We’re grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, the Texas Bankers Association, and our Welcome Reception Sponsor, CD Construction Consulting, for their support in creating an exceptional learning experience for community bankers. Your partnership helps equip the next generation of commercial lending leaders with the knowledge, skills, and connections to strengthen banks and communities.

Learn more about this transformative program at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/commercial-lending-school

Graduates left SWGSB Commercial Lending School in partnership with Texas Bankers Association ready to lead in commercial banking, equipped with practical skills, deep insights, and a powerful network of peers and faculty.

Learn more at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/commercial-lending-school

Day 4 of SWGSB Commercial Lending School in partnership with Texas Bankers Association was all about risk management, decision-making, and structuring loans that balance growth and safety—preparing community bankers to lead and lend with confidence.

Learn more at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/commercial-lending-school

Community bankers at SWGSB Commercial Lending School in partnership with Texas Bankers Association focused on advanced underwriting, portfolio management, and strategic lending to tackle real-world challenges confidently.

Learn more at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/commercial-lending-school

Day 2 of SWGSB Commercial Lending School in partnership with Texas Bankers Association focused on sector trends, portfolio strategy, and real-world case studies—helping students make smarter lending decisions for their clients.

Learn more at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/commercial-lending-school

Bankers at SWGSB Commercial Lending School in partnership with Texas Bankers Association dove into credit analysis, financial review, and risk assessment—turning classroom insights into skills they can use immediately.

Learn more at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/commercial-lending-school

More than 170 community bankers and faculty gathered at a welcome reception sponsored by CD Construction Consulting for SWGSB’s 2026 Commercial Lending School in partnership with Texas Bankers Association to connect, celebrate, and start a week of immersive learning in commercial lending. Here’s to a week of insight, strategy, and collaboration! Thank you to CD Construction Consulting for your support!

Learn more at https://www.swgsb.org/programs/commercial-lending-school