BOULDER, COLO. -- The Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC) hosted a record-setting 72^nd Annual School Session on the University of Colorado Boulder campus July 16-28, 2023. Approximately 600 industry professionals, including students, faculty and alumni, were hosted over two weeks, where the school showcased its ongoing commitment to building community bank leaders through education, innovation and connection.

GSBC’s attendance record of 501 students on campus coincides with the school’s third consecutive sellout session, achieved this year at a record pace. Nearly 190 new students comprised the first- and second-year direct populations that joined the three-class student body.

Students of the session benefitted from several new and expanded initiatives under the theme of the school’s current three-year strategic plan, including a thriving new-student peer group program, a tech-focused signals group project option, the new Committed to Lead micro-credential and a series of three third-year readiness courses under an umbrella called GSBCx.

Introducing the GSBC Class of 2023

Completing their final year at GSBC was a group of 166 banking professionals representing 31 states across the nation. The school awarded these individuals with its prestigious diploma in banking on July 27, 2023, during a ceremony in Boulder.

The following are the Oklahoma-based graduates:

Worley Aitken, F&M Bank, Oklahoma City
Blake Barrett, First Oklahoma Bank, Jenks
Heather Bledsoe, Bank of the Panhandle, Guymon
Blake Coburn, Oklahoma State Banking Department, Oklahoma City
Joseph Crossley, David Capital Partners, Yukon
Clinton Duncan, Oklahoma State Banking Department, Oklahoma City
Jay Dyer, Arvest Bank, Bartlesville
Sierra Eberle, Arvest Bank, Norman
Laura Hayes, Stride Bank, NA, Woodward
Robert Jones, First Oklahoma Bank, Jenks
Joshua Killer, Bank of Cherokee County, Hulbert
Jill Maple, AllNations Bank, Calumet
Cory Nance, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Oklahoma City
Kenneth Nash, The First National Bank & Trust Co, Chickasha
Blake Overland, Kirkpatrick Bank, Edmond
Kenton Owens, Quail Creek Bank, Oklahoma City
Brian Porter, American Heritage Bank, Yale
Jason Roberts, First National Bank & Trust Co of Ardmore, Ardmore
Kelli Seacat, Stock Exchange Bank, Woodward
Tyler Spradlin, First Pryority Bank, Tulsa
Nathan Thompson, Arvest Bank, Norman
Jessica Walker, Security State Bank, Hammon
Sarah Whittenton, Regent Bank, Tulsa

GSBC recognized 17 of the 166 students with Honors, awarded to those who graduated in the top 10 percent of their class based on their intersession project performance. Oklahoma students graduating with honors included:

• Clinton Duncan, Oklahoma Banking Department (Oklahoma City, OK)
• Kenton Owens, Quail Creek Bank (Oklahoma City, OK)
• Tyler Spradlin, First Pryority Bank (Tulsa, OK)

Graduates receive their diploma after successfully completing two weeks of classroom training for three consecutive years. Classes focus on 1) Financial management and strategy, 2) Innovation and engagement, 3) Leadership and culture and 4) Lending. The students also completed six intersession projects and ended their curriculum at GSBC with an extensive bank management simulation course.

GSBC’s 73rd Annual School Session is scheduled for July 14-26, 2024. Pre-enrollment is open for 2024; visit www.GSBColorado.org for details.