Dr. Tom Payne: Greetings


	Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking

GREETINGS from the CHAIR

(The following is a personal message to web site
visitors from Dr. Tom Payne, UTM's Dunagan Chair
of Excellence in Banking.)

As the Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking, it is a privilege to work with the region’s best community bankers and college students. The partnership between The University of Tennessee at Martin and the banking profession provides students at all levels with practical knowledge and bankers with access to industry-related courses and programs. This relationship facilitates a number of innovative activities that benefit students, banking professionals, and the regional community.

(continued below)

My mission to serve bankers and students is leveraged through direct ties with the Tennessee Bankers Association, the Barret School of Banking, the Tennessee Chapter of the American Institute of Banking, the Financial Services Volunteer Corps, regional community development and civic groups, as well as a wide range of academic and administrative units of the University of Tennessee.

Since coming to UT-Martin 1998, I have had the opportunity to meet many of the people who make West Tennessee a wonderful place to live and work. While on the Martin Campus, I have witnessed the spirit of unity and cooperation that exists among UTM units, banking institutions, and the communities that they serve. On a personal note, and as a direct result of this unique and nurturing educational environment, my daughter Rachel is a freshman at UT Martin this year. UT Martin truly lives up to its motto “The Campus that Cares”.

The Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking at UTM is an integral part of the relationship that exists among students, faculty, staff, and the community. Students participate in banking internships, receive scholarship awards from organizations including Financial Executives International, become members of professional business organizations such as Phi Chi Theta, and have the opportunity to attend professional conferences such as the Tennessee Bankers Association Credit Conference (see pages 24, 25, & 27 of this link) and the TVA Investment Challenge. They are educated in an environment that stresses strong technical skills and the importance of personal and professional integrity. They are also challenged to participate in Honors Programs, the UT Martin Lead Academy, and Students in Free Enterprise. Chair of Banking partnerships were formed and continue to grow through the vision of the Dunagan Family, the cooperation and support of regional banking institutions, the entrepreneurial spirit fostered at the University of Tennessee and the outstanding faculty and staff at UT-Martin. It is a partnership in which everyone wins; students gain valuable insights from area bankers, faculty obtain new ideas for relevant research, teaching, and community service. Bankers have access to training programs, consulting services, and an excellent pool of UT-Martin graduates!

Together we face the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing financial services industry. UT Martin and the regional banking community share a commitment to providing customer service in a competitive marketplace. Innovative ideas and information flow from the classroom to the workplace and back. By bridging the gap between academia and practice, we continually improve service to our customers and add value to our institutions and our community. You will find information on The Horace and Sara Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking Web Page regarding upcoming events and educational opportunities. You will also find a summary of some of my activities by clicking on Planning Presentation (be sure to select "view show" once you are in PowerPoint). I would also like to hear from you. You may e-mail me at tpayne@utm.edu or call me at (731) 881-7324 with any questions, comments, or suggestions. I look forward to working with you.