Top academic achievements honored at 2025 Southeast Management School
One of the primary purposes of Southeast Management School is to prepare each student for a successful career of leadership in the credit union movement. To help accomplish this purpose and as a prerequisite for graduation from the three-year program, students take part in a range of individual and group projects that deepen their understanding of their credit union, the communities they serve, and the industry as a whole.
Outstanding achievements in these areas are recognized through a few annual awards, including Year 2 Project Best and Excellence Awards, Year 3 Project Best and Excellence Awards, CU Financial Simulation Awards, and Best SRCUS Debate Team.
The Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) congratulates this year’s recipients.
2nd Year Project Awards
Between their first and second year of school, rising second-year students work individually on research projects that delve into quantitative analysis of their respective credit unions, helping them gain a greater understanding of credit union operations, ratio reporting, and financial health and performance. The following recipients received top scores in their asset category.
Best 2nd Year Project (assets $590M+)
Nestor Ramirez, Peach State FCU
Best 2nd Year Project (assets < $590M)
Jessica Horton, Jack Daniel Employees’ CU
Excellence in 2nd Year Project (assets $590M+)
Megan Paulk, Georgia’s Own CU
Michelle Shaffer, Y-12 FCU
Excellence in 2nd Year Project (assets < $590M)
Brandon Pemberton, The CU for Robertson County
Justin Callaway, Marshland Credit Union
3rd Year Project Awards
Between their second and final year of school, rising third-year students work individually on research projects that delve into qualitative analysis as they assess the past, current, and future of their respective credit unions. This approach builds upon the last project, helping them sharpen their leadership mindset and strategy development skills. The following recipients received top scores in their asset category.
Best 3rd Year Project (assets $530M+)Eric Ham, Avadian CU
Best 3rd Year Project (assets < $530M)Christopher Kerrigan, Serve and Protect CU
Excellence in 3rd Year Project (assets $530M+)
Christopher Jones, BayPort CU
Elton Roshi, US Senate FCU
Excellence in 3rd Year Project (assets < $530M)
Lynette Guillory, CSE FCU
Elizabeth Orama, Neighbors United FCU
CU Financial Simulation Awards
The Credit Union Financial Simulation is an interactive learning experience aimed at helping third-year students understand how financial decisions impact the overall performance and health of a credit union. The following recipients received top scores in overall financial performance.
- Luke McGilvary, 1st Class CU
- Taylor Evans, Whitesville Community CU
- Amanda Youngblood, Access of Louisiana FCU
- Ryan Fowler, SAFE FCU
- Andrea Mercer, Nashville Firemen’s CU
SRCUS Debate Award
Each year, students engage in a structured debate on a key credit union industry issue, with second- and third-year students forming research-based teams. The formal debate is a highlight of the SRCUS program, and this year’s winning team was the 3rd Year Team!
- Summer Carter, Legacy Community FCU
- Chris Jones, BayPort CU
- Claire Jones, Associated CU
- Elton Roshi, US Senate FCU
Watch the recorded debate on SRCUS’ Facebook page.
Southeast Management School continues to foster the next generation of credit union leaders through a rigorous, hands-on curriculum that challenges students to think critically, work collaboratively, and lead strategically. SRCUS congratulates all this year’s award recipients and applauds their dedication to advancing the credit union movement. For more information about the program and future enrollment, visit www.srcus.org.