Stellar Bank is committed to giving back to our local communities—and that includes partnering with colleges and universities throughout Texas. Our leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the banking industry by providing internships, mentorship programs and donations to finance students and recent graduates. These programs give students real-world experiences and demand hands-on learning.
Our bankers serve on college and university advisory boards, guest lecture, and recruit at college campuses. “Banks have a critical role to play in shaping the industry's future, especially as fewer graduates are pursuing careers in banking,” said Ryan Tillman, Executive Vice President, Market President of Commercial Banking at Stellar Bank.
“Expanding internship programs, increasing professional interactions in academic settings, and creating structured mentorship opportunities are essential steps,” said Tillman. “By proactively investing in the development of students interested in finance, the industry can ensure a steady pipeline of well-prepared and passionate future bankers.”
Leading by example
Tillman is a guest lecturer for the Baylor University Center for Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation within the Hankamer School of Business.
“This year marks my fourth year of contributing lectures [at Baylor] a few times annually,” said Tillman. “Hearing directly from banking professionals allows students to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. It helps them see how classroom concepts translate into actual financing transactions. Additionally, sharing my journey—from sitting in their seats to advancing in the banking sector—provides students with a relatable perspective on the potential paths their own careers might take.”
Jason Sirkel, Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer at Stellar Bank, agrees. He has always had a passion for teaching and continuous learning and currently serves on the college of business advisory boards at both Texas A&M University and Sam Houston State University.
“Students gain real-life industry knowledge and examples to apply to the academic side of their learning. Information becomes relevant rather than theoretical,” said Sirkel. “It reinforces their understanding and often helps students narrow the field of roles in banking to those that are most appealing to them. Universities that pair industry and academia tend to produce better-prepared graduates as they enter the workforce.”
Investing in education
Stellar Bank was an inaugural partner of Texas Southern University’s Future Bankers Leadership Program—donating $100,000 over a three-year period. The program helps students gain real industry knowledge and arms them with examples to apply to the academic side of their learning. In addition to helping Stellar Bank attract and recruit emerging talent, these types of academic partnerships help universities tailor curriculum to reflect current industry trends and needs, such as regulatory changes, emerging technologies, and ever-evolving customer expectations.
“As a proud graduate of Texas Southern University, I donate my time to help educate students at my alma mater about the banking industry,” said Tracy Shivers, Senior Vice President, Community Development Mortgage Liaison at Stellar Bank. “It’s an honor and a privilege to give back to the community and help college students better understand the
principles of accounting and finance as they relate to the business world.”
Working with seasoned banking professionals equips young candidates with the fundamental skills in various areas within a bank (i.e., credit, lending, treasury services, branch operations) to see which area of banking may be the best fit, said Shivers.
“The various bankers that would come into the classroom and speak about real-world loan packages would break down the complexity into ways that I was able to understand,” said Kameron Pree, Stellar Bank Officer Development Program Associate and TSU Future Banker Leadership Program Graduate. “This made me gain an interest in becoming a credit analyst.”
From classrooms to career
Stellar Bank leaders believe in the power of paying it forward, said Carlos Sandoval, Executive Vice President, Market President, at Stellar Bank. Sandoval is a guest lecturer and member of the Texas A&M University commercial banking program advisory board.
“Our academic partnerships help Texas students gain invaluable real-world insights from professionals who have experience navigating the complex landscape of banking,” said Sandoval. “This direct exposure can bridge classroom theories with practical applications and build relationships that can serve as a foundation for future networking and career opportunities.”
“I think it’s important to provide a structured entry-level program that provides a broad understanding of various banking functions,” said Honeca Ngov, Senior Vice President, Officer Development Program Manager at Stellar Bank. Ngov serves as a member of the University of Houston Bauer College of Business Commercial Banking Advisory Board.
Additionally, she attends guest lectures and recruitment events at Texas A&M University, Sam Houston State University, and Texas Southern University.
Mentorship, continuous learning, and advancement opportunities are also important, notes Ngov. Banking is ever changing. As technologies, sales practices, regulatory changes, and communication styles evolve, so does Stellar Bank’s training. It’s important to adapt to different generational perspectives while emphasizing the value of face-to-face interactions and strong relationships.
“Our commitment to learning and development doesn’t end after the first couple of years,” said Sirkel. “We continually invest in proper recruiting, hiring, and training, which leads to an improved banker experience, a better client experience, and, ultimately, improved shareholder value.”
Learn more about how we support our community here.
