GSBLSU Student Spotlight: Samuel James

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“LSU has a wonderful reputation for learning, not only inside the classroom but through networking opportunities with other bankers that can improve your knowledge,” remarks Samuel James, a student at the Graduate School of Banking at LSU and Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management at Bank of Zachary.  While James has worked in the financial industry for nearly a decade, he never balks at an opportunity to further his education and improve his performance as well as the services that he can offer his clients and financial institution.

Samuel’s day-to-day role has him overseeing compliance, BSA, CRA, CDFI officers, restricting terrorist financing, loan review, ALM, ALLL, and designing financial models. ”I build models, which is really just a fancy word for spreadsheets that perform stress tests. These tests help us determine liquidity and sensitivity for our clients,” says James. It is through his experience at GSBLSU that he is able to bring more knowledge and insight to his bank.  “Bridging the knowledge between all aspects of the bank has been the greatest benefit of attending GSBLSU.  Compliance, risk, capital, earnings, lending, asset quality, and employee retention, along with the case studies have provided exceptional understanding.”

Bank Regulatory Law class has really stood out in the curriculum for Sam. The Bank Regulatory Law course is designed to assist bankers in meeting the challenges of the rapidly changing regulatory environment. Topics include regulatory enforcement actions, mergers and acquisitions (including FDIC assisted deals), bank secrecy act, C.R.A., fair lending, bankruptcy, lender liability, and survival tactics for the new financial services industry. Attention is also given to current and proposed legislation as well as discussing the future of the financial services industry.

The interaction, networking opportunities, and lessons have become even more valuable to Samuel since the changes to work, school, and life that COVID created.  This new way of working and connecting remotely has made James even more productive at home and at work. “Remote work has allowed me the ability to take care of family responsibilities while also tending to work needs such as an audit, exam, or an exit meeting.”

For those considering furthering their education and career in the banking industry, Samuel has words of wisdom, and furthermore, fond memories to share with prospective GSBLSU students.  “Three years will pass whether you are in school or not; make those three years count.”  As far as memories go, watching people from across the country experience some authentic south Louisiana charm never gets old.  “Seeing people step out of their comfort zone and trying crawfish for the first time is always fun.”

GSBLSU Junior Class President Spotlight

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Jamie Johnson is a Vice President and Compliance Officer at Farmers Bank in Virginia. She’s been in the banking industry for over 14 years and is President for the current junior class of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. While her day-to-day role at Farmers Bank has her managing the compliance management program for deposit and lending compliance, her self-proclaimed role as an “eternal student,” led her to GSBLSU to further her knowledge and experience in the banking industry.

“As a compliance officer I’m constantly learning or pivoting my focus to the newest regulation or area of concern,” says Jamie. Furthering her education was the most effective option to enhance her knowledge on major banking functions. “I had a desire to better understand the areas of banking that I do not normally encounter.”

Before enrolling at GSBLSU, Jamie completed her state association’s banking school in Virginia, but still felt like she had more to learn. “At graduation I jokingly asked them to add another year to the program so I could return,” she jokes. It was at this point that the Graduate School of Banking at LSU was suggested. She would be the first attendee from her bank and checked with friends and peers from around the state who had already attended GSBLSU. “Once I compared all of my options, GSBLSU was the clear answer for continued learning.”

One of the greatest benefits that Jamie has received during her time at GSBLSU is the connections she’s made. “The caliber of people who attend GSBLSU are some of the best I’ve ever met,” remarks Jamie. Even in spite spending one session in a virtual environment, the relationships she’s made with instructors, staff, and classmates have been her favorite aspect. “We have bonded and created support systems with each other. Whether we are answering questions, sharing best practices, or discussing sports, the comradery between everyone has immeasurable value.”

While there are many courses and concentrations, Leading Through Motivation with Steve Robichaux was one of Jamie’s favorite classes and professors. “Leadership classes are not promoted enough, yet it is a subject where there is always room to grow,” says Jamie. She finds the takeaways from this particular class valuable, not only at her bank, but in life.

Although GSBLSU is a premier educational destination for banking professionals, it also offers many experiences outside of the classroom. “We start our mornings early in the gym, float the lazy river in the afternoon, and spend several nights with class parties and study sessions,” remembers Jamie. “We always go to dinner as a group and make several trips to The Chimes. I even learned how to eat crawfish, and surprisingly, liked them!”

As the Junior Class President, Jamie has some words of wisdom for anyone who is considering furthering their education and career. “Attending GSBLSU is not a decision that I would take lightly. It is a big commitment that involves leaving your family for two weeks, studying for exams, and writing papers in between the in-person sessions, all on top of the responsibilities in your bank. However, if you are willing to put in the effort and do the work, the reward is worth it.”

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