HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Two credit unions have announced new partnerships with universities in Texas and Maryland that will make them official financial partners while expanding financial education, student support and athletics-related initiatives on the campuses.
In the Lone Star State, First Community Credit Union has signed a 10-year agreement with Sam Houston State University, while State Employees’ Credit Union of Maryland has been named the official banking partner of Salisbury University in Maryland, according to announcements from the respective universities.
Both partnerships are designed to extend beyond traditional athletic sponsorships by providing students with financial education and other resources.
First Community Signs 10-Year Agreement
At Sam Houston State, First Community will become the university’s official financial partner and expand its sponsorship support for Bearkat Athletics.
The agreement also could give First Community an on-campus presence providing financial services to students, faculty and staff.
The organizations plan to collaborate on financial literacy initiatives, internships, career development programs and networking opportunities connecting students with financial services professionals.
Sam Houston State President Alisa White said First Community already has strong ties to the university, with a number of its executives and leaders being Bearkat alumni.
“They understand our mission, believe in our students and are committed to investing in the university’s future,” White said.
First Community President and CEO TJ Tijerina is among those alumni, having graduated from Sam Houston State in 2003 and 2017.
‘Shared Commitment’
Tijerina said the partnership brings together organizations that share a commitment to education and their communities.
“We’re honored to partner with Sam Houston State University in supporting its students, faculty, staff, alumni and athletic programs,” Tijerina said. “Together, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and strengthening our communities for years to come.”
Sam Houston State Athletic Director Bobby Williams said the agreement is intended to enhance the student experience while supporting athletics, strengthening community connections and bringing additional private support to the university.
“This is exactly the type of partnership SHSU strives to build,” Williams said.
Financial terms of the 10-year agreement were not disclosed.
SECU Becomes Salisbury’s Official Banking Partner
In Maryland, Salisbury University and State Employees’ Credit Union of Maryland, or SECU, said their partnership will provide financial wellness resources, educational programming and student support initiatives for students, faculty, staff, families and alumni.
SECU also will gain additional visibility through campus activities and Sea Gull athletics.
The organizations said the partnership is intended to make financial guidance readily available to students at different stages of their college experience, ranging from first-year students opening their first checking accounts or beginning to establish credit to graduating seniors preparing for their financial lives after college.
A new co-branded SECU at SU online resource will serve as a central location for financial wellness information, upcoming workshops, student support funds and other information about the partnership.
The site also will support outreach through campus signage, email, social media and printed materials.
“This partnership reflects our shared belief that financial wellness is an essential building block of student success and serves to make the next generation of Marylanders stronger,” SECU President and CEO David Sweiderk said.
Sweiderk said the credit union wants to provide resources that help students build financial confidence and prepare for future financial milestones.
Debit Card, Scholarships and Financial Workshops
The Salisbury partnership includes a co-branded debit card and additional co-branded activities on campus.
SECU also will provide financial wellness workshops addressing budgeting, building credit, scam prevention and other topics.
Other components include student support funds and an approved SECU scholarship program, along with financial content available through Salisbury’s Family Portal for incoming students and their families.
SECU also will be integrated into Salisbury athletics through the Sea Gull Sports Network, Maroon & Gold Club benefits and activities at Sea Gull Stadium.
Salisbury, meanwhile, will support SECU’s annual Kindness Campaign each October.
SECU has more than $5.5 billion in assets and more than 250,000 members.
