SC State CU’s Coggins sees SRCUS as a transformative journey

Amy Coggins brings a wealth of expertise as the loan adjustments manager at S.C. State Credit Union. Graduating in 2023, Amy’s journey at Southeast Management School was marked by remarkable achievements. From serving as class president to earning recognition for her work with the Best 3rd Year White Paper and subsequent publication, Amy exemplifies dedication and excellence in the credit union industry.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Southeast Management School (aka SRCUS)? 

I came in second place at the CCUL Protégé competition in 2019, which gave me the option of several prizes.  One of those prizes was a year of SRCUS tuition.  I have always been ambitious, and I wanted to expand my credit union knowledge so after speaking with my credit union, I elected to go to SRCUS.

Q: What did you think of the experience after three years? 

…As president of my class, I got to stand at graduation and look at my classmates with an enormous amount of pride, we’d done it!  SRCUS taught me so much, the coursework alone gave me insight into the credit union space that I’d never even thought about.  But I learned more than just what the curriculum stated.  I learned about the value of collaboration and learning from others.  I learned that there are more facets to a credit union than I could have ever imagined.  I learned how to be a better leader and that it’s not always about winning but helping others to succeed as well.  But most of all, I learned that the credit union movement is where I belong and that SRCUS has given me the tools to succeed in my career.

Q: What were your favorite courses?

My favorite courses were Ratios, Financial Analysis, and ALM with Tim Gardner as well as the simulation with Dale Gauthreaux.

Q: What did you enjoy about the extracurricular activities?

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to bond with my classmates in the Hospitality Suite.  It provided a great place to relax after a grueling day of classes when your brain felt like mush… I can’t imagine SRCUS without the suite, it balanced out the week perfectly. 

Q: What was the campus environment like? 

The campus is absolutely gorgeous.  The convention center is in a great place that was easily accessible with stores and restaurants close by.  The rooms were great and allowed you to feel comfortable for the weeklong stay.  

Q: How did SRCUS help you prepare for your career?

My experience at SRCUS was a unique one.  Things weren’t always easy and at times I felt a lot of pressure on my shoulders whether it be due to our first year on Zoom or being class president, it taught me to be flexible and to keep my head up when things seem tough.

…Aside from learning the nuts and bolts of running a credit union, the leadership skills that I learned have helped propel me in my career.  I manage a large staff at my credit union and the skills I learned have helped me tremendously in my day-to-day work life.  Each of the classes gave me something to take away and have made me more confident when speaking with senior management.  When presented with challenges I can use that knowledge to look at the overall picture better than I had before.

Q: What advice do you have for others considering this school?

Do it and get involved. Participate! …I was lucky enough to have a small class, so we were really able to bond and get to know one another.  We leaned on each other and learned from each other, which I think is one of the most unique parts of SRCUS.  The classes are important and force you to learn different things than you’re used to, but the people – whether they’re your classmates, your teachers, the program leaders – they all will teach you something, if you’re ready for it.  SRCUS changed my life, and I am better both professionally and personally for having gone through it.

Southeastern Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) is currently accepting students for enrollment in its 2024 Southeast Management School, set for June 16-21 in Athens, GA. Early enrollment is open through April 26, with a final deadline of June 5. Connect with your credit union league to explore scholarship options. Visit srcus.org/management-school/register-online to learn more.