At Sorrell College of Business, a remarkable six-week course has been making waves. Over 20 students have been certified in personal finance, with a culminating trip to Franklin, Tenn. and Birmingham as part of the 360 Finance program. A recognition ceremony is set for Dec. 3.

The Importance of Financial Know-How

Preston Pritchett, the 360 Finance program coordinator and a lecturer at TROY, emphasizes the significance. "We're passionate about equipping Sorrell College students with both content knowledge and financial know-how. Research shows that Americans often lack financial savvy. Getting this training early is crucial."The Sorrell College's 360 Center for Professional Life partnered with Guardian Credit Union to introduce a new program. It teaches students valuable financial concepts and earns them certification through the National Financial Educators Council. Led by Pritchett and Rachel Stewart, Guardian's vice president of marketing and a Certified Senior Mortgage Examiner, topics covered in six weeks include account management, budgeting, debt and investment, loans, financial psychology, and more."Students benefit in two ways," Pritchett explains. "They enhance their financial knowledge, enabling them to use money correctly when they start their careers. Additionally, the camaraderie built within the cohort is valuable. Bringing together diverse students allows everyone to contribute and learn from one another."JR Eason, TROY Director of Development, shares his perspective. "Most students don't realize the importance of personal finance until they face reality in early adulthood. A program like this would have been invaluable for me and could have prevented some poor financial decisions. I'm excited to see its long-term impact."

The Trip and Industry Connections

During the trip, 11 students met with industry professionals from Community Bank. One was a TROY alumna, which held special meaning. "She mentioned how she got her position through a career fair at Troy University," Pritchett says. "This highlights the importance of networking and engaging with professionals when they visit campus. Students saw firsthand how these events can benefit them."Moreover, students visited Dave Ramsey's headquarters, saw his live radio show, and interacted with the financial guru. This was the culmination of the first cohort. Pritchett plans to grow the program in the future. "We're excited to open it up again and offer it in the spring semester."Sorrell 360 student Virginia Dart contributed to this story.