BOONE, N.C. — The North Carolina School of Banking (NCSB) — the longest running state banking school in the nation — has moved its headquarters to Appalachian State University, marking a significant milestone in the school’s 88-year history and establishing a strategic partnership designed to enrich academic and professional development opportunities for future banking leaders.

The school has operated since 1936 and was most recently stationed in the state’s Triangle region.

This year, the school’s annual summer program took place July 22–26 at App State’s Boone campus. The program, which is administered by the North Carolina Banking Association (NCBA), is designed for banking professionals who want to advance in their careers, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the banking industry. NCBA is the state’s professional trade organization for the banking industry.

“The North Carolina School of Banking has a rich history of providing top-tier banking education,” said NCBA President and CEO Peter Gwaltney. “By establishing its headquarters at App State, we aim to create an environment that further fosters innovation, collaboration and excellence in banking education.”

According to Gwaltney, the decision to move the school’s headquarters to App State’s Boone campus is part of a broader initiative to enhance collaboration between the banking industry and academia.

“This longtime, successful collaboration between academia and industry in Boone is very exciting,” said Dr. Harry Davis, who has served as dean of NCSB for more than 20 years and is a professor in App State’s Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance.

According to Davis, more than 200 financial professionals took part in the school’s 2024 program — the largest school enrollment in 15 years. These students attended classes and special events, participated in case studies and group projects, listened to and engaged with guest lecturers and completed assessments.

“The decision to align the longest running state banking school in the nation with App State is an excellent match to strengthen the banking industry’s partnership with higher education,” said App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris. “Day after day, my colleagues and I witness firsthand examples of the value higher education brings to our students, and in turn, to their future workplaces, industries, communities, and to our society.”

Walker College faculty regularly serve as instructors in the North Carolina School of Banking. In this year’s program, Davis and three other App State faculty members taught classes:

• Dr. Justin Cox, assistant professor in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance
• Dr. Kevin Eller, associate professor in the Department of Accounting
• Dr. Chris McNeil, the Alfred Adams Professor of Banking in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance

“This partnership underscores the university’s commitment to provide exceptional educational opportunities and foster strong connections with industry leaders through its Walker College of Business,” said Walker College Dean Sandra Vannoy. “Walker College, the NCBA and its North Carolina School of Banking are key to developing future business leaders.”

North State Bank Chief Financial Officer Stacy Roberson Reedy ’06 ’07 — an alumna of both App State and the North Carolina School of Banking — served as an instructor in the school’s summer program at the university. She attributes her experiences with the school to helping her transition from her background in accounting to her current role as CFO. Reedy is a member of Walker College’s Business Advisory Council and the university’s 2023 Young Alumni Award recipient.

Events for the school’s 2024 program were coordinated by App State’s Conference and Event Services.

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Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact our community, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling more than 4,000 undergraduates in 11 majors, Walker College has the highest enrollment of full-time undergraduate students in the University of North Carolina System, and more than 250 graduate students are enrolled in the college’s three master’s programs. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools.

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About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling more than 4,000 undergraduates in 11 majors, Walker College has the highest enrollment of full-time undergraduate students in the University of North Carolina System, and more than 250 graduate students are enrolled in the college’s three master’s programs. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.

About Conference and Event Services at App State

With over 30 years of experience, Conference and Event Services (CES) at Appalachian State University offers comprehensive event planning, providing personalized support from start to finish — coordinating everything from catering to logistics across more than 45 university venues. CES supports approximately 70 conferences annually and generates approximately $1.4 million in gross revenue each year for the university. It is recognized by the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors–International as a certified One-Stop Shop for its streamlined approach to event planning. App State is the first higher education institution in North Carolina to receive the certification. Learn more at conferences.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.