SHSU contributes much to the business community. In 1996, an anonymous $1 million gift planted the seeds of what would become Texas’ most distinguished degree-granting banking education program. As the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking at SHSU marks its 30th anniversary, the program stands as a testament to visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of banking.
Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking, Jill Sharp Vaughn said, “The donor was a true visionary who saw the void in our industry and stepped forward to make the program happen. We are very grateful to 1965 alumnus Robert Hutson, one of the founders, who has continuously provided support and serves as an active member of the advisory board.”
Vaughn said, “At the time, there were no comprehensive university degree programs that educated undergraduates and graduates to pursue a career in banking.”
It would be nearly 20 years before another organized undergraduate banking program emerged in Texas, Today, there are 18.
