2025 Distinguished Partner Award

PlainsCapital Bank’s (PlainsCapital) roots in Lubbock, Texas, have fostered a deep and enduring relationship with Texas Tech University’s Jerry S. Rawls College of Business (Rawls College). This partnership, built on shared values of leadership, education, and community service, has evolved into a model of corporate-academic collaboration that continues to shape the future of banking in Texas.

Foundational Ties and Leadership Involvement

PlainsCapital has long been a champion of the Rawls College of Business, with many of its senior leaders being proud alumni. Brian Heflin, PlainsCapital Bank president, exemplifies this connection. Brian is a distinguished alumnus of the Rawls College. He earned both his BBA in finance and MBA from Texas Tech University, laying the foundation for a successful career in banking. Brian served on the Rawls College Advisory Council, where he is recognized as an emeritus member for his lasting contributions to the college’s mission and student development. His leadership and continued involvement reflect PlainsCapital’s culture of giving back and investing in future generations of business professionals.

Similarly, David R. Quintanilla, West Texas region chairman for PlainsCapital Bank, is also an alumnus of the Rawls College and plays a pivotal role in guiding the Rawls College’s Excellence in Banking program. As chairman of its advisory board and an emeritus member of the Rawls College Advisory Council, David brings decades of banking expertise to help shape curriculum and mentorship opportunities for students pursuing careers in financial services and is a frequent guest speaker to graduate and undergraduate students.

A magna cum laude graduate of Texas Tech with a BBA in finance, Brent Raindl, PlainsCapital Bank Dallas region chairman, serves on the Rawls College Advisory Council and the Dallas Scholarship Committee, actively contributing to the college’s strategic direction and student support initiatives.

In addition to these three leaders, more than half of PlainsCapital’s senior executive leadership team in Dallas are Rawls College graduates, including: Chief Operating Officer Pete Villarreal, Chief Credit Officer Darrell Adams, Chief Financial Officer Walter Clarke, Director of Treasury Services Tye Barton, and Chief Investment Officer Andrew Cunningham.

Furthermore, including Quintanilla, PlainsCapital’s Lubbock leadership team is composed of nearly 90% Rawls College alumni, among them: Lubbock President of Commercial Banking Seth Schulz, Consumer Lending Manager Matthew Wade, Correspondent Lending Manager Wilson Wicks, Real Estate Loan Officer Kyle Arp, and Senior Commercial Loan Officer Jessie Mendoza.

This deep alumni connection reinforces the bank’s belief in the value of the Rawls College and its role in preparing bankers for leadership positions.

Alumni Impact and Mentorship

PlainsCapital’s influence extends through its employees who remain actively involved with Texas Tech. Brent Shrauner, a commercial loan officer at the bank and a 2020 Rawls College graduate, serves on the Rawls Recent Alumni Board and participates in various alumni and community organizations. His ongoing involvement exemplifies the bank’s culture of mentorship and civic responsibility.

Excellence in Banking Program: A Strategic Investment

PlainsCapital is a founding partner of the Rawls College’s Excellence in Banking Program, launched to prepare undergraduate and graduate students for leadership roles in the banking industry. The bank’s contributions support scholarships, academic programming, and industry engagement, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world banking. David Quintanilla previously served as chairman of the Development Committee, contributing to fundraising efforts that raised $13 million to endow the program and helping to shape the curriculum of the program.

This initiative reflects PlainsCapital’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of bankers, especially in West Texas, where the bank has deep historical and operational ties.

Community Engagement and Scholarship Support

Beyond academic programming, PlainsCapital actively supports scholarship fundraising events hosted by the Rawls College. In May 2024, the bank served as a co-title sponsor for the 37th annual Rawls College Scholarship Event in Dallas, which raised nearly $52,000 for students from the region. These events not only provide financial support but also foster alumni engagement and community building.

The PlainsCapital Bank Courtyard

The courtyard at Texas Tech University's Rawls College of Business is named PlainsCapital Bank Courtyard, honoring the bank’s longstanding support and partnership with the college. This naming reflects PlainsCapital’s deep ties to Texas Tech and its commitment to fostering educational excellence, particularly in the field of banking and finance.

The courtyard at Texas Tech University's Rawls College of Business is named PlainsCapital Bank Courtyard, honoring the bank’s longstanding support and partnership with the college. This naming reflects PlainsCapital’s deep ties to Texas Tech and its commitment to fostering educational excellence, particularly in the field of banking and finance.

The courtyard serves as a central gathering space for students, faculty, and visitors—often used for events, networking, and informal meetings. Its naming is a visible symbol of the bank’s investment in the future of business education and its legacy within the Lubbock community.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The relationship between PlainsCapital Bank and the Rawls College of Business is more than a partnership—it’s a shared vision for empowering students, strengthening communities, and advancing the banking profession. Through leadership, philanthropy, and educational investment, PlainsCapital continues to honor its Lubbock heritage while shaping the future of finance across Texas.