Education Credit Union Becomes Naming Sponsor of Student Financial Service

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — A new community partnership will help ensure the continuation of a program offering peer-to-peer financial coaching for West Texas A&M University students.

Education Credit Union has made a significant donation to WT’s Student Success Center to support what is now known as the Education Credit Union Buff $mart Program.

The program helps students improve their understanding of financial literacy and empowers them to make informed choices to improve their financial well-being.

“I have had the privilege of working with ECU since we started the program back in 2017,” Buff $mart coordinator Meghan Williams said. “They have been great to work with, whether it was helping train our team or coming to give financial presentations to students. This gift will further help provide financial education to students so they can graduate without owing a fortune and become financially independent.”

Buff $mart is a good fit for the Education Credit Union, said Eric Jenkins, president and CEO of Education Credit Union.

“We are so honored to partner with WT to enhance students’ ability to achieve financial success through the Education Credit Union Buff $mart Program,” Jenkins said. “Students are receiving a remarkable education that will lead them to careers of their choice, but if they make poor financial decisions, their futures can be negatively impacted for years. Our goal is to equip them with the essential life skill of managing their finances.” 

Buff $mart offers:

• One-on-one coaching sessions with trained peer financial coaches via webinar or in person;
• Classroom and organizational presentations on money management, budgeting, planning to pay for college and more; and
• Outreach programs and money management workshops on credit cards, credit scores, identity theft, budgeting and more

Partnering with community entities throughout the region is a key tenet of the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

About Education Credit Union

Since 1935, Education Credit Union has excelled in service, care, and financial protection for its members and their families. Education Credit Union’s vision is to be the preferred financial provider through all stages of life. Education Credit Union: Learn more. Live more. 

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. With enrollment of more than 10,000, WT offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 38 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 15 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WTAMU—