The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at SMU Cox 2025 session on the Southern Methodist University campus wrapped up this month with a commencement ceremony celebrating the graduation of SWGSB Class LXVI at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Ben Ray, Vice President, Relationship Manager at Susser Bank, completed the three-year program along with 106 additional classmates from Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas.

The SWGSB program attracts emerging leaders and experienced financial professionals—including regional presidents, commercial loan officers, branch managers, credit analysts, cashiers, mortgage lenders, consumer lenders, operations officers, and state and federal regulators—with a graduate program that propels careers in the financial services industry.

“We are proud of Ben and the entire SWGSB Class LXVI who completed the program with passion and persistence,” said SWGSB President and CEO William T. Chittenden, Ph.D. “From essential core elements to the latest management strategies, SWGSB provides a collaborative style of learning that empowers participants to gain mastery of leadership over three consecutive years.”

Since 1957, the SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB) has educated and empowered bankers in all positions, other financial services professionals and affiliates, regulators, bank directors, and aspiring bank directors with knowledge and relationships that strengthen careers, organizations, and communities. SWGSB is a nationally recognized leader in banking and commercial lending education, bank management training, and bank director training programs. Learn more at swgsb.org or call 214.768.2991 for more information.

Founded 63 years ago, Susser Bank has operated under the ownership and direction of Susser Banc Holdings Corporation since 2018.  

Susser Bank is a Texas-based company offering a full suite of personal and commercial banking solutions with offices across Texas – Dallas, Arlington, Austin, Bedford, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Plano, Round Rock and San Antonio. The company is a diversified bank with robust capital, liquidity, and leading-edge technology led by the Susser family and a legacy of six generations of Texas entrepreneurs. Susser Bank is dedicated to building long-term client relationships and providing outstanding financial solutions that make Texas stronger. More information is available at susserbank.com.