As economic and competitive conditions change, GSBC constantly revises its curriculum to address current issues. In addition to its core curriculum, in 2017 GSBC will extend coursework to examine the impact of demographic changes, technology changes, management succession issues and macroeconomic/regulatory events as they affect community banks.

Demographic Changes

The keynote speaker on the opening Monday is Matt Beaudreau, who will speak on ‘Crossing the Generational Divide,’ which addresses the impact of millennials in the workforce and as consumers, the migration from rural to urban markets and the role of immigration.

Technology Changes

GSBC will now offer a required class for all first year students on ‘The Effective Use of Technology at a Community Bank’ which will offer insights into current technologies and delivery systems for financial services.

Third year students will have an opportunity to take an elective titled ‘Financial Innovation – Banking in the Era of Digital Disruption’ which will examine the competitive landscape between large banks, FinTech firms and community banks.

As in prior years, an elective focusing on managing cybersecurity threats and will continue to be offered for students in their second or third year.

Leadership & Management Succession:

Third year students will take a new, required course on ‘Effective Presentations’ designed to give students a comprehensive overview of effective presentation skills to complement the Bank Management Simulation curriculum.

Faculty teaching courses the Leadership & Human Resource Management track will take a heightened approach to addressing talent management opportunities and management succession planning.

Regulatory Challenges & Strategic Performance:

First year students will take classes that address ‘Navigating the Regulatory Environment’ and ‘Economic Issues for Community Banks.’ This year, Charles Cooper, Texas State Banking Commissioner, will also offer of Regulatory Update for Community Banks.

Finally, first year students will conduct a case study of a community bank facing numerous financial issues with the purpose of offering strategies to improve performance.

The coursework is highly informative, interactive and structured to provide community bankers with specific takeaways to improve their own banks’ performance. The faculty are well-known community bank experts who offer an extraordinary educational experience. In my view, the 2017 curriculum will challenge all participants and benefit the sponsoring organizations going forward.

by Timothy Koch, Ph.D, President