Continuing Education Opportunities

Executive MBA

In 1999, America’s Community Bankers announced a new MBA program, designed in cooperation with Fairfield University. Forty-six graduates received their MBA in the first two years. In 2003, ACB expanded the program, moving it to the University of Maryland University College and to the University of Massachusetts—Amherst. Each program is unique and qualification requirements vary; complete details can be found on the ACB website. In general, successful applicants are National School and college graduates with five years management experience. Managers without a college degree are accepted by the University of Maryland under a special admissions policy.

NSB graduates have advanced standing in both Executive MBAs. Courses are essentially delivered online and the students pace themselves through the semester work. The global outlook of both Executive MBA programs broaden the focus of the National School’s banking curriculum. Application packets for either UMUC or UMass-Amherst can be found on the ACB website, as well as information on the NSB Alumni Scholarships for the Executive MBA. A new class begins each April with an application deadline of the preceding December 1.

Senior Leadership Institute

This ten-day workshop is offered in two parts, five days each summer. Senior officers engage in an intense personal examination of their own leadership qualities measured against the best of the banking industry and other business leaders. Small group discussions, guided readings, simulations, roleplays, videotaped exercises, and interactive workshops combine to challenge each participant to explore the strengths needed to be a true leader.

The Seminar for Presidents

Each February, community bank CEOs and presidents take four days out of their busy schedule to meet as peers and explore business challenges and opportunities from a strategic viewpoint. Combining lectures, case studies, and lively discussion, Seminar for Presidents provides a break from the everyday pressures, a re-charging of batteries, and the chance to view pressing issues with a fresh eye and with input from colleagues facing similar questions. Many chief executives consider this seminar their annual “school” with its combination of economic, financial, and management topics.