More than 20 Sorrell College of Business students have been certified in personal finance through a special six-week course culminating in a trip to Franklin, Tenn. and Birmingham as part of the 360 Finance program.
A recognition ceremony is slated for Dec. 3.
“We’re all very passionate about ensuring Sorrell College of Business students have both content knowledge and financial know-how to be able to use their money wisely,” said Preston Pritchett, the 360 Finance program coordinator and a lecturer at TROY. “A lot of research shows that Americans as a whole are not as savvy when it comes to financial matters, so getting that training early on is important.”
The Sorrell College’s 360 Center for Professional Life had teamed up with Guardian Credit Union to initiate a new program that teaches students valuable financial concepts and earn the certification in financial literacy through the National Financial Educators Council. The program is led by Prtichett and Rachel Stewart, Guardian’s vice president of marketing and a Certified Senior Mortgage Examiner.
Topics covered over the span of six weeks included account management, budgeting, debt and investment, loans, financial psychology and other related issues.
“Students were able to benefit twofold,” Pritchett said. “First, they’re able to enhance their financial knowledge so when they start making money in their careers, they will be able to use it correctly.
“The second benefit is the camaraderie that was built through our cohort. Bringing together a diverse range of students is a great opportunity to realize that everybody can bring something beneficial to the table.”
“Most students do not realize the importance of personal finance until they are hit with the harsh reality in their early adulthood. As I look back at my first few years out of college, this is the type of program that would have been invaluable for me and would have probably prevented some of my poor financial decisions. I’m excited to see the impact that the Sorrell 360 Finance will have for years to come,” said TROY Director of Development JR Eason. He helped to realize this program by securing funding for the 360 Finance Program for its first 3 yearswith Guardian Credit Union.
On the trip, 11 students met with industry professionals from Community Bank. One representative was a TROY alumna, which Pritchett said carried a different meaning for students.
“[The alumna] mentioned how she was able to obtain her position through a career fair at Troy University,” Pritchett said. “It was a way to double down on the importance of networking and engaging with the professionals when they come to campus for a variety of events.
“Students were able to see firsthand how participating in those events can be beneficial to them.”
Additionally, students went to visit Dave Ramsey’s headquarters. They saw his live radio show and interacted with the popular financial guru.
The trip was the culmination of 360 Finance’s first cohort – Pritchett said that there are plans to grow in the future.
“We’re excited about opening up the program again and doing again next semester in the spring,” Pritchett said.
Sorrell 360 student Virginia Dart contributed to this story.
