The Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is pleased to announce that 43 distinguished credit union executives graduated from the Southeast CUNA Management School after successful completion of the three-year program on the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.

Since 1970, the SRCUS Southeast CUNA Management School has equipped graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet the leadership challenges that arise in the credit union industry. The curriculum develops students’ operational, managerial and leadership abilities as they receive advanced academic instruction on a variety of topics including management, leadership, and financial analysis. Students also apply the knowledge gained from the on-site sessions to projects that require strategic analysis of their credit unions and research of relevant issues facing the credit union industry.

Graduates of the Southeast CUNA Management School Class of 2018, listed by state, include:

Alabama                               

Lindsey Marlow, Heritage South Credit Union

April Morris, Heritage South Credit Union

Florida                                  

Deanna Frame, Guardians Credit Union

Michael Poucher, First Commerce Credit Union

Marieta Retuyan, Guardians Credit Union

Emily Williams, Achieva Credit Union

Georgia                                 

Edith Bailey, Peach State Federal Credit Union

Barbara Ann Duncan, Peach State Federal Credit Union

Kemper Fitch, Delta Community Credit Union

Wendy Garrett, Peach State Federal Credit Union

Matthew Griffin, Marshland Credit Union

Hope Murray, North Main Credit Union

Patricia Payne, GeoVista Credit Union

Elsa Plant, Credit Union of Georgia

Florence Thomas, Coca-Cola Credit Union

Teresa Welborn, Peach State Federal Credit Union

Kentucky                             

Alan Parrott, Members Choice Credit Union

Kathy Roberts, Commonwealth Credit Union

Louisiana                             

Angie Baker, Heart of Louisiana Federal Credit Union

Ashley Neal, Pelican State Credit Union

Pegeen Singley, Centric Federal Credit Union

Yolanda Whitmore, Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Mississippi                           

Aaron Coffey, Magnolia Federal Credit Union

Maleigh Coffey, Members Exchange Credit Union

Josh Ivey, 1st Mississippi Federal Credit Union

Ladonna Jacobs, Members Exchange Credit Union

North Carolina                                

Michael Doi, Coastal Credit Union

Jill Drye, Acclaim Federal Credit Union

Murray Miller, Winston-Salem Fed Credit Union

Deborah Perkins-Futch, Duke Credit Union

South Carolina                                

Carol Cochrane, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Christine Cooper, Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union

Jennifer Gasperson, Family Trust Federal Credit Union

Niya Leverette, Peach State Federal Credit Union

Josh Nyegaard, Family Trust Federal Credit Union

Akira Pugh, SC Federal Credit Union

Koy Stone, SC Telco Federal Credit Union

Tennessee                           

Jennifer Carter, Bowater Employees Credit Union

Matthew Garrett, ORNL Federal Credit Union

Sharon Mitchell, Fortera Credit Union

Dale Phillips, Veritas Federal Credit Union

Virginia                                

Joshua Lott, Salem VA Credit Union

Godfrey Smith, BayPort Credit Union

In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, the Southeast CUNA Management School provides students the opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities and better understand the credit union philosophy so that they can contribute to the success of their credit unions and to the movement as a whole. In the true credit union spirit of “people helping people”, the Class of 2018 participated in a volunteer outreach effort with the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, where they assisted with food recovery for families in need in Northeast Georgia.

Graduation from the Southeast CUNA Management School is recognized throughout the credit union industry as a prestigious mark of achievement. Upon successful completion of the program, students received a graduation diploma issued in conjunction with the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. For more information on the Southeast CUNA Management School, visit www.srcus.org/management.

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About SRCUS: Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is a collaboration of eight southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, Louisiana Credit Union League, Mississippi Credit Union Association, Tennessee Credit Union League, and

Virginia Credit Union League. Through collaboration with CUNA and Affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. Since the school’s formation it has graduated over 1,250 credit union management professionals from 21 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Director’s Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.

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Media Contacts: 

Tom McWilliams, Advisory Committee Chair

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 800.748.8627 ext. 310

Email tmcwilliams@mscua.com

Jennifer Green, Student Liaison/PR Coordinator

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 504.232.1720

Email jgreen@srcus.org

We previously reported on the outstanding work that the SRCUS Class of 2018 did at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia last week during the SE CUNA Management School, as well as the generous $1,000 donation they made to the food bank. And we’re so pleased to report that the students have done even more for the food bank – during graduation ceremonies last Friday, the class announced that they were making an additional monetary donation to the food bank, increasing the total donation to $1,685! Way to go!!

Continue reading for the previously issued press release…

Giving back to the community is a way of life for credit unions. During this year’s Southeast CUNA Management School, students took a break from the academic rigors of the program to put credit unions’ “people helping people” philosophy into action, as forty-three individuals from the Class of 2018 volunteered at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia (FBNEGA) in Athens, Georgia.

FBNEGA recovers donated and salvaged surplus food and, with the help of volunteers, distributes it to human-service agencies that then distribute the food to residents in need in the community. Students gathered on Tuesday morning and packed nearly 1,000 meals that will be provided to food-insecure families and individuals in northeast Georgia. In addition to giving of their time, the Class of 2018 also made a financial donation of $1,000 to the food bank, which will help further the mission of the food bank as they work toward ending hunger as part of an overall community effort to alleviate poverty.

“Concern for community is the 7th cooperative principle – these principles are the foundation for why we do what we do as credit unions,” explained Michael Poucher, President of the Class of 2018 and Financial Center Manager at First Commerce Credit Union in Florida. “This is one of the many things we learn at SRCUS. Each year we come to Athens, Georgia to embark on our journey to improve ourselves as leaders within our organizations as well as the credit union movement. While we spend our time here, the community of Athens – the “people” – welcome us with open arms, so when given the opportunity to engage in the community that has been so good to us, we jumped on board. Why? Enhancing peoples’ quality of life is what we do.”

The Southeast CUNA Management School is administered by the Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS). Students in the Class of 2018 serve credit unions in ten states among the southeast region, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

June 25, 2018— The Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) organization is pleased to announce that Michael Poucher and Dale Phillips have been awarded the 2018 Hugh Watson award at this year’s session of the Southeast CUNA Management School. Selected by vote of his classmates, this is the first time two students have received the award. Both students made exceptional contributions to the class as a whole over the three years of SRCUS and demonstrated outstanding leadership skills.

Michael Poucher has been in the credit union industry for 8 years and currently serves as Financial Center Manager II at First Commerce Credit Union (Tallahassee, FL). He believes that the work credit unions do truly makes a difference in the lives of their members and communities. “I am so honored to receive this award and grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such an amazing program. Attending and completing SRCUS was rewarding and I know the experiences I have had and tools I have gained will help me tremendously in my journey as I continue to grow as a credit union professional,” explained Poucher. “The support you receive from faculty and your classmates is the same support you receive from family and that’s what you become, family.”

Dale Phillips began his career in the credit union industry more than 20 years ago at a small state-chartered credit union and currently serves members as Executive Operations Officer at Veritas FCU (Smyrna, TN). Phillips stands behind the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” and values the opportunity credit unions have to know their members on a personal level and help provide a foundation for members’ financial success. “SRCUS has made a difference in my professional and personal development. I have stepped out of my comfort zone professionally along with my classmates,” noted Phillips. “Due to this experience, I have grown personally in a way I never expected. SRCUS is about preparing individuals for advancement and professional success while engaging them in personal interaction that forms lasting friendships even after graduation.”

Four years ago, SRCUS instituted the “Hugh Watson Award” to recognize an outstanding third year student and to honor the retirement of Hugh Watson from SRCUS. Watson joined the SRCUS faculty in 1971 and during his tenure, he taught in all 3 years, served as academic coordinator and facilitated the 3rd year simulation for 43 years. Upon his retirement from SRCUS, the Hugh Watson Award was instituted to honor the 3rd year student whose service to SRCUS has been closest to that exemplified by Dr. Hugh Watson.

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About SRCUS: Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is a collaboration of eight southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, Louisiana Credit Union League, Mississippi Credit Union Association, Tennessee Credit Union League, and Virginia Credit Union League. Through collaboration with CUNA and Affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. Since the school’s formation it has graduated over 1,250 credit union management professionals from 21 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Director’s Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.

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Media Contacts: 

Tom McWilliams, Advisory Committee Chair

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 800.748.8627 ext. 310

Email tmcwilliams@mscua.com

Jennifer Green, Student Liaison/PR Coordinator

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 504.232.1720

Email jgreen@srcus.org

We’re excited to announce that we’ve confirmed dates for the Southeast CUNA Management School at the University of Georgia through 2022! If you’re a current student in the Southeast CUNA Management School or if you’re planning to start your SRCUS journey soon, mark these dates in your calendar…

• June 7 – 14, 2019
• June 5 – 12, 2020
• June 5 – 11, 2021
• June 11 – 17, 2022

Be sure and check out our Facebook page for the latest news and updates from SRCUS. If you have questions about the program or would like to be notified when registration opens for the upcoming session, please email jgreen@srcus.org.

Registration for the 2019 session of the Southeast CUNA Management School is now open! The session will run from Friday, June 7, 2019 to Friday, June 14, 2019. For more information or to register, click here.

Registration for the 2019 session of the Southeast CUNA Management School is now open and the deadline to register and receive the early-bird discount has been extended to April 15! The session will run from Friday, June 7, 2019 to Friday, June 14, 2019. For more information or to register, click here. Don’t hesitate – get your registrations in today!

The schedule for the upcoming session of the Southeast CUNA Management School is now available! We’re delighted to have many of our well-known instructors returning to be a part of the faculty this year as well as the addition of a few new instructors to the program. Click the link below to view the full schedule for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students.

SRCUS 2019 – Schedule

SRCUS is delighted to announce that David Salyers will kick off the 2019 session of the Southeast CUNA Management School this summer in Athens, Georgia. David was one of the original two marketing executives at Chick-fil-A, where he spent 37 years in the Chick-fil-A Marketing Department and most recently served as a Vice President before his recent retirement. Having worked at Chick-fil-A his entire career, he saw the principles of servant leadership and compassion play out in the growth of more than 2,300 Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country. Known for his marketing mind, his servant’s heart, and his entrepreneurial spirit, we are looking forward to the message that David will share with our credit union leaders at SRCUS.

June 20, 2019 — Giving back to the community is a way of life for credit unions. During this year’s Southeast CUNA Management School, students took a break from the academic rigors of the program to put credit unions’ “people helping people” philosophy into action.

Thirty-four credit union professionals worked together to provide school supplies for students in need in the Athens, GA area. Members of the Class of 2019 purchased school supplies and then spent the afternoon decorating and assembling 125 supply bags, which were brought to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Athens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens has provided a clean, healthy, and safe environment for youth of Clark County for over 50 years, where 71% of students in the Clarke County School System come from an economically disadvantaged background.

In addition to supply bags, the class provided 125 BRAVE bears, which will be given to a foster care agency and distributed to children who are placed in foster care.

Amanda Blair, a student in the Class of 2019, was especially thankful for being able to participate in this service project. “You see, while my children attended elementary school, they were the ones receiving the school supply bags! Today, I was able to fill my own bags for children just like my boys all those years ago. I remember the kids coming home with school supplies from local charities and how thankful we were that someone had taken a financial burden off of our plate,” explained Blair.

The Southeast CUNA Management School is administered by the Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS). Students in the Class of 2019 serve credit unions from eleven states across the United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

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About SRCUS: Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is a collaboration of eight southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, Louisiana Credit Union League, Mississippi Credit Union Association, Tennessee Credit Union League, and Virginia Credit Union League. Through collaboration with CUNA and Affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. Since the school’s formation it has graduated over 1,100 credit union management professionals from 21 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Director’s Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.

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Media Contact

Jennifer Green, Student Liaison/PR Coordinator
Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools
Phone 504.232.1720
Email jgreen@srcus.org

June 20, 2019— The Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) organization is pleased to announce that Chip Bailey has been awarded the 2019 Hugh Watson award at this year’s session of the Southeast CUNA Management School. Selected by vote of his classmates, Chip has made exceptional contributions to the class as a whole over the three years of SRCUS and demonstrated outstanding leadership skills.

Chip Bailey began his career in the credit union industry more than 13 years ago at Coastal Credit Union (Raleigh, NC) where he still serves members as a Senior Business Analyst in Digital Banking. Upon receipt of the award, Bailey expressed his gratitude for those who have helped him along his path. “The time and dedication of many like Hugh Watson, the SRCUS Board, SRCUS instructors, Southeast Credit Union Leagues, Coastal Credit Union, and the SRCUS Class of 2019 made this possible. SRCUS combines classroom education, annual projects, and lifelong professional connections to create an experience that is unrivaled. The knowledge gained at SRCUS has given me a greater understanding of my credit union, the credit union industry, and management. This wisdom has equipped me for the future as I continue my credit union career.”

Five years ago, SRCUS instituted the “Hugh Watson Award” to recognize an outstanding third year student and to honor the retirement of Hugh Watson from SRCUS. Watson joined the SRCUS faculty in 1971 and during his tenure, he taught in all 3 years, served as academic coordinator and facilitated the 3rd year simulation for 43 years. Upon his retirement from SRCUS, the Hugh Watson Award was instituted to honor the 3rd year student whose service to SRCUS has been closest to that exemplified by Dr. Hugh Watson.

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About SRCUS: Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is a collaboration of eight southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, Louisiana Credit Union League, Mississippi Credit Union Association, Tennessee Credit Union League, and Virginia Credit Union League. Through collaboration with CUNA and Affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. Since the school’s formation it has graduated over 1,250 credit union management professionals from 21 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Director’s Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Green, Student Liaison/PR Coordinator
Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools
Phone 504.232.1720
Email jgreen@srcus.org

Registration for the 2020 session of the Southeast CUNA Management School, the premier learning opportunity for credit union professionals in the southeast, is now open. The school is being held from Friday, June 5 through Friday, June 12, 2020 at the University of Georgia Hotel & Conference Center, 1197 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA.

The Southeast CUNA Management School’s mission is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to meet the leadership challenges that arise in the credit union industry. Over the course of this three-year program, students receive advanced academic instruction on a variety of topics including management, leadership, and financial analysis. Students also apply the knowledge gained from the on-site sessions to projects that require strategic analysis of their credit unions and research of relevant issues facing the credit union industry.  Upon successful completion of the program, students received a graduation diploma issued in conjunction with the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Graduation from the Southeast CUNA Management School is recognized throughout the credit union industry as a prestigious mark of achievement.

Tuition is $2,145 if paid on or before April 30, 2020. To register, please click here to complete your registration online.  If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Lauren DeAngelis at 919.457.9059 or ldeangelis@carolinasleague.org. To stay up to date with the latest SRCUS news and information, ‘like’ us on Facebook.

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About SRCUS: Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is a collaboration of eight southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, Louisiana Credit Union League, Mississippi Credit Union Association, Tennessee Credit Union League, and Virginia Credit Union League. Through collaboration with CUNA and Affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. Since the school’s formation it has graduated over 1,100 credit union management professionals from 21 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Director’s Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.

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Media Contacts:

Lauren DeAngelis, Advisory Committee Chair
Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools
Phone 919.457.9059
Email ldeangelis@carolinasleague.org

Jennifer Green, Student Liaison/PR Coordinator
Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools
Phone 504.232.1720
Email jgreen@srcus.org

SRCUS  has been closely monitoring directives from local, state, and national officials, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, throughout the vie COVID-19 pandemic. Our students’ health and safety, as well as supporting their focus on aiding their members, is paramount, and, as such, we are postponing the 2020 session of the SE CUNA Management School. This year’s session, scheduled for June 5 – 12, 2020, at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education in Athens, GA, has been postponed to June 4 – 11, 2021. By making this decision in advance, we hope to minimize any added stress or inconvenience for our students.

If you are currently registered for the 2020 session, you will not need to re-register as your registration will automatically be transferred to the 2021 session with no change in your registration fee. If your ability to participate in the 2021 session changes and you are no longer able to attend, please email registration@georgiacenter.uga.edu no later than Friday, May 1, 2020.

If you have booked your hotel room at the Georgia Center, your reservation will be cancelled. You will need to rebook your room reservation for the 2021 session by clicking here.

Thank you for your continued support. Stay safe, stay healthy, and we look forward to seeing you in 2021.

January 6, 2021 — The Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) organization is pleased to announce that a scholarship fund has been established to honor the memory of ardent SRCUS supporter and enthusiast Dale P. Phillips. The Dale P. Phillips Memorial Scholarship is a triennial scholarship which will be awarded to an incoming first-year student attending the Southeast CUNA Management School held at the University of Georgia.  This is three-year scholarship, administered by SRCUS, covers the cost of tuition, registration, transportation, and other items.

Dale Phillips was a man of a million smiles and of unending credit union knowledge. With more than 25 years’ experience in the credit union industry, Dale was admired by both colleagues and members alike for his vast knowledge, willingness to help, and genuinely caring personality. Dale stood behind the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” and valued the opportunity credit unions have to know their members on a personal level and provide a foundation for members’ financial success.

Dale began his SRCUS journey as a first-year student in 2016 and quickly became a friend to all; he never seemed to meet a stranger, and if he did, he got to know them and they became friends! Affectionately known as “Waldo” by his classmates, Dale served as Class Treasurer and was an active member of his class, always available to lend a hand with anything that was needed. In 2018, Dale completed the three-year program and upon graduation was awarded the prestigious Hugh Watson Award for leadership excellence. Dale loved his time at SRCUS, not only for the professional and personal development opportunities the program provided, but also for the relationships he developed with his classmates. And his classmates sincerely loved him.

Memorial contributions can be made to the scholarship by sending checks to SRCUS/Dale S. Phillips Scholarship,  Virginia Credit Union League, 1207 Fenwick Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

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About SRCUS: Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is a collaboration of seven southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, Louisiana Credit Union League, Mississippi Credit Union Association, Tennessee Credit Union League, and Virginia Credit Union League. Through collaboration with CUNA and Affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. Since the school’s formation it has graduated over 1,100 credit union management professionals from 21 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Director’s Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.

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Media Contacts:

Lauren DeAngelis, Advisory Committee Chair

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 919.457.9059

Email ldeangelis@carolinasleague.org

Jennifer Green, Student Liaison/PR Coordinator

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 504.232.1720

Email jgreen@srcus.org

Although many things have changed in the past year, our commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience for credit union professionals remains strong and we are delighted to announce that registration will open soon for the VIRTUAL 2021 SE CUNA Management School. While there will be some things that look a bit different from the traditional on-campus program, participants will also experience many of the same amazing opportunities that are available at the in-person program, including…

• Informative education sessions from well-respected and knowledgeable faculty;
• Engaging discussions with credit union colleagues;
• Networking and collaboration opportunities with individuals from across the country;
• Teambuilding activities to help you grow professionally and personally;
• Personal feedback on projects and/or whitepapers;
• and lots of FUN!

Stay tuned for complete registration and program details to be released in early February! If you would like to be added to the priority notification list to receive information on the 2021 program as soon as it is available, please email jgreen@srcus.org; use “2021 Information Request” as the subject line of your email and make sure to include your name, credit union name, and indicate if you will be a new (1st year) student or a returning (2nd or 3rd year) student.

If you were previously registered for the 2020 session, you will be contacted soon to confirm your intent to attend the virtual 2021 session. 

Registration is now open for the 2021 session of the Southeast CUNA Management School! Although many things have changed in the past year, our commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience for credit union professionals remains strong! Here’s what you need to know for this year’s upcoming program…

• Registration is open now! Click here to register.
• The program will be held online from June 7 – 11, 2021. Students will also complete 10 to 15 hours of self-paced coursework during the two week period prior to June 7. Click here for a tentative schedule.
• The registration deadline for the 2021 program is Friday, May 21, 2021; registrations will not be accepted after this date.
• The cost to attend is $1,645.
• If you were previously registered for the 2020 session, you will not need to re-register as your registration will automatically be transferred to the 2021 session and you will receive a refund for the difference in your registration fee ($500). If you were previously registered for the 2020 session and you are not planning to attend in 2021, you will need to contact the Georgia Center directly to cancel your registration.

Need more info? Contact us!

• Courtney Aldrich, Program Coordinator
  (404) 822-8884
  caldrich30@gmail.com
• Jennifer Green, Student Liaison
  (504) 232-1720
  jgreen@srcus.org
• Lauren DeAngelis, Advisory Committee Chair
  (919) 457-9059
  ldeangelis@carolinasleague.org

Athens, Ga. (June 10, 2021) – The 2021 SE CUNA Management School saw big changes this year, as the program is being hosted in a completely virtual environment for the first time ever in our 41-year history. Credit union professionals are gathering online with colleagues and instructors from around the world for a week filled with engaging and educational coursework, interactive discussions, and even a little after-hours fun!

118 credit union professionals from 15 states and the United Kingdom are enrolled in this year’s program and are spending the week engaged in educational coursework covering a wide range of topics, from strategic marketing and business development to asset-liability management and financial analysis. In addition to the challenging coursework, students have had many opportunities for teambuilding and fun, including a master mixology course, virtual happy hour, silent auction, and trivia nights! The theme of this year’s program is “CU Superheroes” and our students have certainly demonstrated that they are true superheroes as they remain committed to continued professional development and leadership in these challenging times.

Although students hoped for an in-person session this summer, the virtual sessions have provided new opportunities for engagement and interaction. Rebecca Gaddis, SVP, Senior Lender and Business Development at San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, has served as class president for the Class of 2021. “While the virtual environment is much different than an on-campus experience, the leadership team for SRCUS has done an incredible job providing a well-managed platform, interactive sessions and a rich leaning environment,” explained Gaddis. ‘’The education and networking opportunities provided by SRCUS have helped me create a diversified professional network, lifelong friendships, and a solid foundation to assist with making effective management decisions within my credit union.”

Since 1970, the SRCUS Southeast CUNA Management School has equipped graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet the leadership challenges that arise in the credit union industry. The curriculum develops students’ operational, managerial and leadership abilities as they receive advanced academic instruction on a variety of topics including management, leadership, and financial analysis. Students also apply the knowledge gained from the on-site sessions to projects that require strategic analysis of their credit unions and research of relevant issues facing the credit union industry.

Graduation from the Southeast CUNA Management School is recognized throughout the credit union industry as a prestigious mark of achievement. Upon successful completion of the program, students received a graduation diploma issued in conjunction with the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. For more information on the Southeast CUNA Management School, visit www.srcus.org/management.

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About SRCUS:
Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is a collaboration of seven southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, Louisiana Credit Union League, Mississippi Credit Union Association, Tennessee Credit Union League, and Virginia Credit Union League. Through collaboration with CUNA and Affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Director’s Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.

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Media Contacts:

Lauren DeAngelis, Advisory Committee Chair

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 919.457.9059

Email ldeangelis@carolinasleague.org

Jennifer Green, Student Liaison/PR Coordinator

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 504.232.1720

Email jgreen@srcus.org

July 1, 2021— The Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) organization is pleased to announce that Chris Outland has been awarded the 2021 Hugh Watson award at this year’s session of the Southeast CUNA Management School. Selected by vote of his classmates, Outland was chosen to receive this award based on his exceptional contributions to the class as a whole over the three years of SRCUS and his outstanding leadership skills.

Chris Outland currently serves as the President of 7 Title.  7 Title is a title company and Credit Union Services Organization (CUSO) jointly owned by ORNL Federal Credit Union & Y12 Federal Credit Union. Chris began his credit union career in 2013 as the Mortgage Processing Supervisor for 7 Mortgage, a wholly owned CUSO of ORNL FCU.  He took on the role of Title Manager of 7 Title in 2014, then transitioned into his current role of President in 2016.  Prior to 2013 Chris spent over 20 years in the consumer finance industry, mostly in the role of Branch Manager where he gained valuable experience in all facets of managing a team and running a business. Chris was born, raised and continues to live in Knoxville Tennessee, less than an hour drive from the Great Smoky Mountains.  He enjoys spending time with his wife Ginger and his three children Jacob, Elijah and Ella.

“SRCUS is a unique and dynamic opportunity to improve your skills as a leader and learn more about the credit union you work for, as well as the credit union industry in general,” noted Outland. “The curriculum is great, but what makes this school unique is the opportunity to meet and bond with other impressive credit union professionals. The friendships made turn into meaningful, lasting relationships.  Additionally, SRCUS gives you many opportunities to put yourself into your “stretch zone” where personal growth happens.  I went into it telling myself “I’m just going to press forward and take advantage of everything this experience has to offer” and I was paid back tenfold,” explained Outland.

Seven years ago, SRCUS instituted the “Hugh Watson Award” to recognize an outstanding third year student and to honor the retirement of Hugh Watson from SRCUS. Watson joined the SRCUS faculty in 1971 and during his tenure, he taught in all 3 years, served as academic coordinator and facilitated the 3rd year simulation for 43 years. Upon his retirement from SRCUS, the Hugh Watson Award was instituted to honor the 3rd year student whose service to SRCUS has been closest to that exemplified by Dr. Hugh Watson.

Since 1970, the SRCUS Southeast CUNA Management School has equipped graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet the leadership challenges that arise in the credit union industry. The curriculum develops students’ operational, managerial and leadership abilities as they receive advanced academic instruction on a variety of topics including management, leadership, and financial analysis. Students also apply the knowledge gained from the on-site sessions to projects that require strategic analysis of their credit unions and research of relevant issues facing the credit union industry.

Graduation from the Southeast CUNA Management School is recognized throughout the credit union industry as a prestigious mark of achievement. Upon successful completion of the program, students received a graduation diploma issued in conjunction with the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. For more information on the Southeast CUNA Management School, visit www.srcus.org/management.

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About SRCUS: Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is a collaboration of seven southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, Louisiana Credit Union League, Mississippi Credit Union Association, Tennessee Credit Union League, and Virginia Credit Union League. Through collaboration with CUNA and Affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Director’s Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.

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Media Contacts:

Lauren DeAngelis, Advisory Committee Chair

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 919.457.9059

Email ldeangelis@carolinasleague.org

Jennifer Green, Student Liaison/PR Coordinator

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 504.232.1720

Email jgreen@srcus.org

July 7, 2021— The Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) organization is pleased to announce that two student groups have been recognized for outstanding white papers during the 2021 session of the Southeast CUNA Management School, which was held June 7 – 11, 2021.

The honor of “Excellence in 3rd Year White Paper” was awarded to Bridget Griffin, Enrichment FCU (Oak Ridge, TN); Tracey Linder, Purdue FCU (West Lafayette, IN); Gretchen Lino, IBM Southeast Employees CU (Marietta, GA); and Stacie Reed, IBM Southeast Employees CU (Marietta, GA) for their research on “Voice Banking Technologies”. With such a dramatic increase in consumer usage of voice technology, their study of how this technology can be implemented by credit unions provided a timely and thorough overview of the development of voice banking technology, security and privacy concerns, the member experience, and research on current financial institutions usage of voice technologies. The white paper detailed recommendations for credit unions to consider as they move forward with implementation of voice banking technology, including conducting focus groups, ensuring sound project management, providing training for employees, and deploying the new technology to members. The group concluded that “voice banking technology is here to stay” and recommended that “credit unions need to implement these new technologies into the products and services offered to members” in order to remain in the forefront.

The honor of “Best 3rd Year White Paper Presentation” was awarded to Margie Burton, Associated Credit Union (Norcross, GA); Lisa Cox, CORE Credit Union (Statesboro, GA); Amber Crisp, Anderson FCU (Anderson, SC); and Crow Hunter, Peach State FCU (Lawrenceville, GA) for their presentation on employee engagement. Credit unions’ primary focus is on the betterment of members, but it is important that credit unions ensure that employees remain engaged and satisfied with their credit union’s culture so that they can continue to provide the best possible member experience. Based on the white paper written by the group, “Happy Employees, Happy Members: Improving Employee Engagement to Perfect the Member Experience”, the group’s presentation detailed the importance of having an actively engaged workforce and how this translates into an even better member experience. In addition to highlighting credit union success stories, the group provided sound recommendations that will help guide credit unions as they work to transform the culture of their organization and improve employee engagement.

The purpose of the Southeast CUNA Management School is to prepare each student for a successful career of leadership in the credit union movement.  To help meet this objective, students must complete a white paper research project prior to returning for their third year of the program. The white paper project requires students to form teams of two to four students that will work together to identify their topic of choice. The teams must involve students from at least two different credit unions to promote greater opportunities for collaboration and problem solving across credit unions.  The purpose of this project is to present current research, analyses, and proposed solutions for an issue affecting the credit union industry or an opportunity/decision that many credit unions are currently facing or will face in the future. The papers are submitted prior to school for grading and students must earn a passing score. Additionally, students are required to present their papers to their peers during the school’s program.

Since 1970, the SRCUS Southeast CUNA Management School has equipped graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet the leadership challenges that arise in the credit union industry. The curriculum develops students’ operational, managerial and leadership abilities as they receive advanced academic instruction on a variety of topics including management, leadership, and financial analysis. Students also apply the knowledge gained from the on-site sessions to projects that require strategic analysis of their credit unions and research of relevant issues facing the credit union industry.

Graduation from the Southeast CUNA Management School is recognized throughout the credit union industry as a prestigious mark of achievement. Upon successful completion of the program, students received a graduation diploma issued in conjunction with the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. For more information on the Southeast CUNA Management School, visit www.srcus.org/management.

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About SRCUS: Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is a collaboration of seven southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, Louisiana Credit Union League, Mississippi Credit Union Association, Tennessee Credit Union League, and Virginia Credit Union League. Through collaboration with CUNA and Affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Director’s Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.

###

Media Contacts:

Lauren DeAngelis, Advisory Committee Chair

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 919.457.9059

Email ldeangelis@carolinasleague.org

Jennifer Green, PR Coordinator

Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools

Phone 504.232.1720

Email jgreen@srcus.org

Mark your calendars for June 10 – 17, 2022 as SRCUS prepares to return for in-person learning! Although plans are still being finalized and are subject to change, we are hoping to offer at least a portion of the program in person for 2022 on the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Georgia. There is a possibility that we will offer a combination or hybrid approach, with some coursework completed in person and some completed online, but please rest assured that your SRCUS advisory committee is working hard to ensure an optimal learning experience for all participants.

Tuition will be finalized as soon as we are able to confirm all aspects of the program but prospective attendees can refer to 2019 pricing for budgeting purposes (paid on or before 4/15: $1,945; paid after 4/15: $2,095).

Check back here regularly and follow us on Facebook to receive future updates as information is available.