Celebrating Excellence & Building New Traditions at GSBLSU
Blog Post #3: Celebrating Excellence & Building New Traditions at GSBLSU
By Mike Highfield. President & Chief Academic Officer
The month of October has provided some wonderful opportunities to celebrate the people and relationships that make the Graduate School of Banking at LSU such a special institution. We recognized an extraordinary member of our faculty, gathered with our Board of Trustees in Florida, and launched what I hope will become a new annual tradition with our first-ever GSBLSU tailgate.
Of course, the tailgate was followed by LSU’s 31–0 victory over Mississippi State. As graduate of MSU, I enjoyed the tailgate considerably more than the football game, but I’ll come back to that.
Honoring Stephen David
On October 8 and 9, we held our 2026 Board of Trustees meeting at The Don CeSar Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. One of the highlights of that meeting was the opportunity to recognize my friend and longtime colleague, Stephen David, as the recipient of the 2026 T. Eugene Spragens, III Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence. I want to share a little about this award because I think its history tells us something important about what it represents.
In May 1999, T. E. “Gene” Spragens, Jr., a former president of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU and president and chairman of Farmers and Merchants National Bank in Lebanon, Kentucky, established this award in memory of his son, T. Eugene Spragens, III. His intention was to recognize an outstanding member of our faculty who demonstrated distinguished performance in the classroom while also supporting the School and its programs.
The first recipient was George A. Schloegel, then president of Hancock Bank in Gulfport, Mississippi, and a longtime member of our faculty. Since that time, the Spragens Award has become the highest honor we bestow upon a faculty member.
I think the criteria for this award are particularly important. This recognition is not simply about knowing your subject matter. We have many extraordinarily knowledgeable people on our faculty. It is about taking that knowledge and experience and making it meaningful to students. It is about engaging them, challenging them, and helping them become better bankers and better leaders. Equally important, it recognizes a commitment to the School that extends well beyond the classroom.
Stephen exemplifies all those qualities. His banking career began in 1981 at Peoples Bank and Trust. Over the next 44 years, he worked his way from management trainee to president and CEO and became one of Louisiana’s most respected community bankers. Along the way, he served as president and chairman of the Louisiana Bankers Association and developed relationships with banking leaders and communities throughout the state.
Stephen’s commitment to GSBLSU has been equally impressive. A graduate of the Class of 1990, he has served on our faculty for nearly three decades and was elected to serve as president of the School not once, but twice. That is a remarkable record of leadership and service, and it speaks to the confidence and respect he has earned from his colleagues.
But beyond those accomplishments, Stephen is, at heart, a coach. Throughout his career, he has mentored young bankers, developed future leaders, and spent countless hours coaching young people in baseball, football, basketball, and softball. I think there is a natural connection between being a great coach and being a great teacher. Both require the ability to challenge people, help them understand why things work, and allow them to learn from their decisions.
That is exactly what Stephen does through BankSim, one of the defining experiences of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. BankSim is where students take what they have learned in the classroom and put it into practice. They make decisions about lending, investments, funding, capital, and profitability, and then they have to live with the results. Sometimes those decisions work out well. Sometimes they discover that running a bank is considerably more complicated than they expected. And sometimes I suspect Stephen knows exactly how badly a particular strategy is going to turn out, but he lets them discover that for themselves.
Stephen brings more than four decades of practical banking experience to that process. But what makes him an exceptional teacher isn’t simply what he knows. It is his ability to help other people learn. He asks questions, challenges assumptions, uses humor, and makes students think a little harder without making them feel foolish for not knowing the answer. That’s a gift, and it is one that has benefited generations of bankers who have come through this School.
On a personal note, Stephen has never missed an opportunity to give me a hard time about my Mississippi State roots. I’ve tried to explain that working at a school affiliated with LSU doesn’t necessarily mean I have to cheer for the Tigers on Saturday afternoons. He remains unconvinced.
And after this past Saturday’s game, I suspect I am going to hear about that 31–0 score for quite some time. Knowing Stephen, he probably won’t even have to mention it. A smile and a raised eyebrow will be enough. But that’s Stephen. He loves to give people a hard time, and if he’s giving you a hard time, there’s a pretty good chance he likes you. At least that’s what I keep telling myself!
When Gene Spragens established this award in memory of his son, he wanted to recognize faculty members who combined exceptional teaching with a genuine commitment to the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. I cannot think of a more fitting description of Stephen’s contributions.
The best teachers do more than share information. They share experience, build confidence, and challenge people to become better than they were when they entered the classroom. Long after the details of a particular lesson have faded, students remember the person who helped them see something differently. I think that describes Stephen David exceptionally well.
You have made generations of bankers better at what they do, and you have made the Graduate School of Banking at LSU better through your service, leadership, friendship, and especially your teaching. I am grateful for your contributions to this institution and for your friendship. Congratulations, my friend, on this well-deserved recognition!
The Tailgate
The following weekend brought another opportunity to celebrate the relationships that make GSBLSU special. On Saturday, October 17, we hosted our first-ever GSBLSU tailgate in Baton Rouge before the LSU–Mississippi State football game.
One of the things I have come to appreciate about this School is the remarkable network of relationships that exists among our students, alumni, faculty, trustees, and friends. Those relationships are an important part of the GSBLSU experience, and I believe we should create opportunities to strengthen them outside the classroom.
Our inaugural tailgate was a step in that direction. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring members of the GSBLSU family together, reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy some of the traditions that make LSU such a special place. While I would have preferred a different outcome on the football field, I can certainly appreciate the enthusiasm of our LSU friends. I just wish the Tigers hadn’t been quite so enthusiastic against my Bulldogs.
As I reflect on a busy October, I am reminded that institutions like GSBLSU are built on more than academic programs and professional development. They are built on people, relationships, shared experiences, and traditions that connect one generation to the next.
Recognizing faculty members like Stephen, who have devoted decades to this School, and creating new opportunities for our GSBLSU family to come together are both important parts of that mission. I am grateful to be part of an institution with such a rich history, and I look forward to building on that foundation in the years ahead.
And if next year’s tailgate happens to feature a 2:30 p.m. kickoff and a different opponent, I certainly won’t complain.
Geaux Tigers! And Hail State!
What Never Changes
What Never Changes
By Mike Highfield | President & Chief Academic Officer
One of my favorite books over the past year has been Same as Ever by Morgan Housel. The premise is both simple and profound. We spend enormous amounts of time trying to predict what will change in the future, yet we often overlook the things that are unlikely to change at all. Housel argues that understanding what remains constant is often more valuable than trying to forecast the next big trend.
As I begin serving as President and Chief Academic Officer of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU, I have found myself reflecting on that idea and what it means for the banking profession. After all, there is certainly no shortage of change. Artificial intelligence is transforming how financial institutions analyze information and serve customers. Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. Digital payments, fintech partnerships, and new regulatory expectations are reshaping the industry at a remarkable pace. Every conference agenda seems to feature a new technology or emerging trend that promises to redefine banking and how we interact with our customers.
But the longer I work with bankers, the more convinced I become that the qualities separating exceptional institutions from average ones have changed very little. Customers still want to do business with people they trust. Boards still depend on leaders who exercise sound judgment. Communities still need banks that allocate capital wisely, manage risk responsibly, and remain committed to long-term relationships.
Technology may change how we deliver banking services, but it does not change why people bank with us in the first place.
That observation also helps explain why the Graduate School of Banking at LSU has remained relevant for more than seventy-five years. While we certainly teach emerging issues and prepare bankers to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape, our mission has always been larger than keeping pace with the latest trend. We know our responsibility is to develop leaders who possess sound judgment, unquestionable character, and intellectual curiosity to navigate change while remaining grounded in principles that endure.
In many ways, banking is a profession built on balancing innovation with permanence. We embrace new ideas because our customers expect us to evolve. At the same time, we recognize that trust, integrity, sound governance, and disciplined risk management are not relics of the past. They are the foundations upon which every successful innovation must be built.
That perspective will shape much of what I hope to write in this space. From time to time, I will share thoughts on artificial intelligence, economic policy, leadership, governance, financial markets, and the forces transforming banking. However, we will spend most of our time exploring the principles that have remained remarkably consistent throughout the history of banking.
Morgan Housel reminds us that while the world constantly changes, some things are “same as ever.” Banking, perhaps more than most professions, reminds us why those enduring principles continue to matter.
I look forward to exploring those ideas together.
2026 GSBLSU Session Recap
Graduate School of Banking at LSU Celebrates a Successful 76th Session
The Graduate School of Banking at LSU proudly concluded its 76th annual resident session on May 29, 2026, bringing together bankers from across the Southeast, beyond our traditional footprint, and Mexico for two weeks of intensive education, leadership development, and networking opportunities.
This year’s session welcomed 518 students representing 23 states and Mexico, reaffirming GSBLSU’s position as one of the largest graduate banking schools in the nation. Through a combination of classroom instruction, case studies, leadership programming, networking events, and the Bank Management Simulation, students strengthened their skills while building relationships that will last throughout their careers.
By the conclusion of the 2026 session, GSBLSU’s alumni network grew to an impressive 17,343 graduates.
A Tradition of Excellence
The resident session officially began on May 18 as Freshmen and Juniors arrived on campus and Seniors launched into the Bank Management Simulation, GSBLSU’s capstone leadership experience. Over the course of two weeks, students participated in a rigorous curriculum led by industry experts and faculty members dedicated to preparing the next generation of banking leaders.
Students represented community banks, regional institutions, regulatory agencies, and financial organizations from across the United States and Mexico, creating a uniquely diverse learning environment rooted in collaboration and shared experiences.
Celebrating Student Leadership
Each year, students elect representatives to serve as class officers and members of the Student Advisory Council.
The Class of 2028 elected the following officers:
President: Shane Sweeting of Nashville, TN
Vice President: DeVonte Thomas of Starkville, MS
Advisory Council Members:
- Joe Kelly of Memphis, TN
- Joy Candelieri of Arlington, VA
- Cesar Arroyo of Mexico City, MX
Current class leadership also continued their service throughout the session.
Class of 2027 Officers
- President: James Ramson, First Horizon Bank (Memphis, TN)
- Vice President: Abel Rostran, First Horizon Bank (Miami, FL)
- Advisory Council: Katrina Huerth (VA), Lee Lister (GA), and Eduardo Garcia (MX)
Class of 2026 Officers
- President: Chris Estrade, Hancock Whitney Bank (Gulfport, MS)
- Vice President: Mike Thomas, Apex Bank (Knoxville, TN)
- Advisory Council: Deon Coombs (GA), Fernando Garcia Molinar (MX), and Anthony Perez (FL)
The commitment of these student leaders helps strengthen communication between students and administration while preserving the traditions that make the GSBLSU experience unique.
Scholarships and Student Recognition
GSBLSU continued its commitment to supporting outstanding bankers through several scholarship programs.
The 2026 George A. Schloegel Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Nik Powers, Vice President of Meade County Bank in Brandenburg, Kentucky. Established in honor of longtime GSBLSU instructor and banking leader George Schloegel, the scholarship recognizes bankers who exemplify service, leadership, integrity, and dedication to their communities.
In addition, Freshman scholarships were awarded to top performers from state banking schools and regulatory agencies throughout the GSBLSU footprint, helping promising banking professionals continue their educational journey.
Building Relationships Through Tradition
While classroom instruction remains the foundation of the resident session, many of the most memorable moments occur outside the classroom.
Throughout the two weeks, students participated in several signature GSBLSU traditions, including:
- Class-sponsored social events
- Leadership Speaker
- Class Officer Elections
- Student Advisory Council Meetings
- The Annual Crawfish Boil
- The State Bankers Reception in Tiger Stadium
The annual Crawfish Boil once again provided students from across the country and Mexico with an authentic Louisiana experience, while the State Bankers Reception brought together students, alumni, faculty, and industry leaders to celebrate the relationships that connect the GSBLSU family across state lines.
These events continue to foster the networking opportunities and lifelong friendships that define the resident session experience.
Honoring Academic Achievement
The resident session concluded with graduation ceremonies held at the LSU Union Theater.
We extend our congratulations to all members of the graduating Class of 2026 and especially recognize Valedictorian Brian Henderson of Hancock Whitney Bank in Gonzales, Louisiana for his outstanding academic achievement and dedication throughout the program.
As graduates crossed the stage, they joined the ranks of more than 17,000 GSBLSU alumni who continue to lead and serve the banking industry throughout the United States and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2026 session would not have been possible without the dedication of our faculty, Board of Trustees, student leaders, alumni, sponsors, volunteers, and staff members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the resident session possible. Most importantly, thank you to our students for their commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning. Your engagement, enthusiasm, and willingness to invest in your future continue to make GSBLSU one of the premier banking schools in the country. We are proud of all that was accomplished during the 2026 resident session and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Baton Rouge for the 2027 session as we continue our mission of developing leaders for the banking industry.
George A. Schloegel 2026 Scholarship Recepient
Baton Rouge, LA – Join us in congratulating Nik Powers, our 2026 George A. Schloegel Memorial Scholarship recipient!
In 2023, and to honor George’s legacy, the Graduate School of Banking at LSU, in partnership with Hancock Whitney Bank and the Mississippi Bankers Association, created the “George A. Schloegel Memorial Scholarship,” which is awarded annually via application process to one deserving banker from the 15 Southeastern states within the GSBLSU footprint. Unlike other scholarships offered by GSBLSU, the GAS Memorial Scholarship covers tuition and fees for the full three years of its recipients’ enrollment and serves as a tremendous honor to its awardees.
This year, we are honored to share that Nik Powers, Vice President of Meade County Bank in Brandenburg, Kentucky was selected as the recipient of the 2026 GAS Memorial Scholarship. Nik is recognized by his colleagues as a community servant, a trusted confidant, measured, thoughtful, and a dedicated banker. He embodies the values the scholarship seeks to honor: genuineness, intelligence, honesty, integrity, and creativity.
Special thank you to Michael Schloegel, Chris Estrade (2024 recipient), and Misty Edwards (2025 recipient) for joining us in celebration! GSBLSU
2026 Bank Management Simulation Winners
Baton Rouge, LA – Each year, the seniors of GSBLSU participate in the Bank Management Simulation (BMSim), an intensive, computer-based capstone course designed to immerse students in the realities of bank leadership and strategic decision-making. This simulation challenges students to manage every major area of bank operations—from investments and funds management to loans, risk, and asset/liability management.
In BMSim, students are grouped into management teams across six simulated communities. Each team is handed the reins of a virtual bank with identical starting financial conditions and is tasked with navigating a two-year simulated operating period, broken into “quarterly” decision cycles. Throughout the course, teams make a wide range of strategic and tactical decisions, analyzing their impact through immediate, computerized feedback.
The culmination of this experience is a verbal presentation before a panel of judges—composed of real-world bank CEOs and regulatory professionals—who act as shareholders. These judges evaluate each team based on overall bank performance, earnings, leadership, and vision for the future. Most importantly, teams are judged on their ability to communicate their strategies and outcomes effectively, just as they would in front of real stakeholders.
At the conclusion of the simulation, one team from each community is named a winner. These top performers are recognized at graduation, along with the President and CEO of their sponsoring home bank, with a certificate and letter of recognition for their exceptional performance.
We are proud to announce the winning teams for the 2026 Bank Management Simulation, as revealed during commencement on May 29, 2026. Congratulations to all on an outstanding demonstration of leadership, insight, and competitive spirit.
