Since 1957, the SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at SMU Cox has been a trusted leader in developing banking talent nationwide. A member of the New Mexico Bankers Association, SWGSB is known for its rigorous curriculum and powerful professional network. SWGSB delivers immersive learning experiences that prepare financial services professionals to lead with confidence and impact in an evolving industry.

“We have exciting plans for SWGSB in 2026,” said William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB. “From our flagship graduate banking school that develops banking leaders over three consecutive summer sessions to our Commercial Lending School in partnership with Texas Bankers Association, as well as our bank director programs that take place on the SMU campus and at exciting venues across the country, SWGSB programs strengthen careers, organizations and communities.”

2026 Programs

Assemblies for Bank Directors
SWGSB Assemblies for Bank Directors empower aspiring, new and experienced bank directors, as well as those in a financial institution’s C-suite, with knowledge and relationships to execute board duties with confidence. The following assembly is scheduled for later this year:

Sept. 3-6, 2026
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa
Beaver Creek, Colorado

Commercial Lending School
The SWGSB Commercial Lending School, in partnership with the Texas Bankers Association, is a transformative program designed for both new and seasoned lending professionals that equips them with the knowledge and skills to successfully compete in the commercial lending space. The next session is set for April 26-May 1, 2026, at SMU Cox.

Graduate Banking School
The SWGSB graduate banking school prepares future banking leaders for greater responsibility with a cutting-edge curriculum, exceptional student-faculty ratio, networking, team building and unique hands-on learning. The program is completed over three consecutive summer sessions and includes intersession assignments after Year 1 and Year 2. SWGSB’s next session is May 26-June 5, 2026, at SMU Cox.

National Certified Community Bank Director’s Program
SWGSB’s National Certified Community Bank Director’s (NCCBD) Program is a comprehensive curriculum offered on the SMU Cox campus for aspiring, new and experienced bank directors. The program covers the foundations of bank directorship, including duties and responsibilities, as well as board structures and processes. NCCBD certification focuses on what makes boards and directors effective, as well as on what is expected of them by regulators, examiners and shareholders. Upon completion of the requirements, participants receive a certificate and may use the NCCBD designation. The next NCCBD three-day session will take place Oct. 19-21, 2026, at SMU Cox.