The SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB), in partnership with the Texas Bankers Association (TBA), will welcome more than 150 community bankers to the 2026 session of its Commercial Lending School, held April 26–May 1 on the campus of Southern Methodist University.
Now in its second year, the Commercial Lending School continues to build momentum as the nation’s premier training ground for the next generation of commercial lenders. Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s banking environment, the program offers two levels of instruction focused on practical, real-world application.
Level 1 provides a strong foundation in commercial lending, equipping participants with essential skills in credit analysis, underwriting, and financial statement evaluation. Level 2 builds on that knowledge with more advanced instruction in specialized lending, portfolio management, and risk assessment—helping bankers strengthen decision-making and leadership capabilities.
“Participants learn directly from experienced industry professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom, creating an immersive and highly interactive educational experience,” said William Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of the SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Texas Bankers Association to deliver a program that is both practical and impactful. The strong turnout this year reflects the growing demand for high-quality, hands-on commercial lending education that prepares bankers to lead in an increasingly complex environment.”
Chris Furlow, president and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association, added, “The continued success of the Commercial Lending School underscores our shared commitment to strengthening community banks in Texas and across the United States. By investing in the development of lending professionals, we are helping ensure the long-term vitality of the communities they serve.”
At the conclusion of each level, participants receive a certificate of completion recognizing their achievement and commitment to professional growth.
For more information about the Commercial Lending School, visit swgsb.org/cls.
