SWGSB is a nationally recognized leader in banking and commercial lending education, bank management training, and bank director training programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Since 1957, the SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB) has been a trusted leader in developing banking talent nationwide. Known for its rigorous curriculum and powerful professional network, SWGSB delivers immersive learning experiences that prepare financial services professionals to lead with confidence and impact in an evolving industry.
“We have exciting plans for SWGSB in 2026,” said William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB. “From our flagship graduate banking school that develops banking leaders over three consecutive summer sessions to our Commercial Lending School in partnership with Texas Bankers Association, and our bank director programs that take place on the SMU campus and at exciting venues across the country, SWGSB programs strengthen careers, organizations, and communities.”
2026 PROGRAMS
Assemblies for Bank Directors
SWGSB Assemblies for Bank Directors empower aspiring, new, and experienced bank directors, as well as those in a financial institution’s C-suite, with knowledge and relationships to execute board duties with confidence. Upcoming assemblies include:
JANUARY 29–FEBRUARY 1, 2026
The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu
Turtle Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
SEPTEMBER 3–6, 2026
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Commercial Lending School
The SWGSB Commercial Lending School in partnership with Texas Bankers Association is a transformative program designed for both new and seasoned lending professionals that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully compete in the highly competitive commercial lending space. The next session is set for APRIL 26–MAY 1, 2026, at SMU Cox.
Graduate Banking School
The SWGSB graduate banking school prepares future banking leaders for greater responsibility with a cutting-edge curriculum, exceptional student-faculty ratio, networking, team building, and unique hands-on learning found only at SWGSB. The program is completed over three consecutive summer sessions and includes intersession assignments after Year 1 and Year 2. SWGSB’s next session is MAY 26–JUNE 5, 2026, at SMU Cox.
National Certified Community Bank Director’s Program
SWGSB’s National Certified Community Bank Director’s Program (NCCBD) is a comprehensive curriculum offered on the SMU COX campus designed for aspiring, new, and experienced bank directors. The program addresses the foundations of bank directorship—from duties and responsibilities to board structures and processes. NCCBD certification focuses on what makes boards and directors effective, as well as what is expected by regulators, examiners, and shareholders. Upon completion of the requirements, participants are awarded a certificate and can use the NCCBD designation. The next NCCBD three-day session is set for OCTOBER 19–21, 2026, at SMU Cox.
