Texas Tech University

Rawls College Names Excellence in Banking Program Director

McKenzi Morris

Mike Mauldin

Mike Mauldin has more than 40 years of experience in the banking industry.

After an extensive search, Texas Tech University's Jerry S. Rawls College of Business has named Mike Mauldin director of the new Excellence in Banking Program. He will assume the role on Nov. 1.

"I am very excited to be named the director of the Rawls College of Business Excellence in Banking Program," Mauldin said. "Texas Tech has a history of producing quality bankers who have achieved state and national recognition in the field of banking. By working with the existing finance faculty and the regional stakeholders who invested in the program, the Texas Tech Excellence in Banking Program will create more opportunities for current and future students and banks that will be second to none. I cannot wait to get started."

Mauldin has worked in the banking industry for more than 42 years, during which time he has held leadership positions with the American Bankers Association and Texas Bankers Association. He also received the 2010 Texas Bankers Association Chairman's Award.

For the past 17 years, Mauldin has been chairman, president and CEO of First Financial Bank, Hereford region.

"We are thrilled to be taking this next step in the growth of our Excellence in Banking Program," said Margaret L. Williams, Rawls College of Business dean. "Mike brings the right combination of experience, a broad banking network and an enthusiasm for working with our banking students to build a strong reputation for our program. We can't wait for him to join the team."

The Excellence in Banking Program, supported by a growing endowment of more than $11 million, is designed to produce top-notch bankers by giving students a comprehensive understanding of modern banking operations and practices. In the program, students will complete their finance curriculum and new courses on advanced banking topics.

"We have sought substantial input from a number of key banking alumni to create a curriculum that is relevant and rigorous, and one that will prepare these outstanding young men and women to fill the needs of the industry," said Jeff Mercer, Centennial Bank Chair in finance and director of the Texas Tech School of Banking. "Combined with the long-running Texas Tech School of Banking, this new program will position the Rawls College of Business to lead the state, and potentially the nation, in banking education."

For more information about the Excellence in Banking Program or to support the initiative, visit the website or contact Courtney Jordan.