GSB Wisconsin Pivots to Deliver Schools Online

o meet demand for banker education while maintaining safety in a pandemic, the Graduate School of Banking as successfully pivoted all its 2020 specialty schools virtual delivery this year. & GSB Wisonsin Pivots to Deliver Schools Online Adds New Digital Banking School to Meet Industry Needs t

Six schools will be offered online starting in September, including the Financial Managers School, Bank Technology Management

School, Bank Technology Security School, Sales and Marketing School and Human Resource Management School – all programs that have been very popular for years through traditional in-person delivery.

Additionally, to meet the educational needs. around innovation and digital banking, GSB also unveiled the nation’s first Digital Banking School – designed exclusively to help community bankers successfully move into or grow their digital presence.

“We are excited to offer our popular in-person schools virtually for our students. The distance education classes will still incorporate group discussions and networking that will enhance online learning. Students can expect the same quality content and outstanding faculty that they’ve come to expect from GSB’s in-person programs,” said Becky Patterson, vice president, education and professional development.

GSB’s newest offering, starting September 29, is the Digital Banking School which will feature 8 modules that cover the critical elements of developing and executing a successful digital bank – and will be led by a team of knowledgeable instructors including Eric Cook of WSI Digital Marketing, who is the school’s program coordinator.

Cook will be joined by JP Nicols and Jason Henrichs of FinTech Forge and Joe Sullivan of MarketInsights – who are just a few of an impressive faculty. The team of instructors includes a mix of innovation and FinTech consultants and active bankers.

Patrick Sells of Quontic Bank – who was recently named “2020 Digital Banker of the Year” by American Banker – is one of several practitioners who’ll share their real-world experiences of creating highly successful digital banks.

“Early enrollment indicates this will be a very popular program, which isn’t surprising given what we’ve heard from our Banker Advisory Board and others. To consumer expectations, many community bankers are focusing on digital product lines, online engagement, vendor partnerships and more” said Kirby Davidson, president and CEO. “There is a tremendous need for education in this area – and we’re proud to add this terrific school to our lineup of offerings that support community banking.”

"I believe this is the perfect time for GSB to launch a Digital Banking School. It's exactly what the banking industry needs right now, especially given what's taken place over the past several months as bankers have had to shift their strategies and adapt rapidly to new ways of serving and connecting with their customers digitally. Given the caliber of faculty who are involved and the sessions we have planned, this program will serve as a comprehensive expert's guide in all the various facets of a digital banking strategy. As a GSB graduate and faculty member for several other GSB programs, it's not only exciting for me - but a real honor - to be the section leader for this groundbreaking program," said Eric Cook, digital strategist with WSI and founder/chief mentor at TheLinkedBanker. com

Enrollment is limited – and waiting lists are anticipated for some schools – so early applications are strongly encouraged. To enroll in a GSB school, or to register for an online seminar, please visit www. gsb.org and choose your preferred program from the drop-down menu. Applications are now being accepted for all 2020 GSB specialty schools, as well as for an array of online seminars that are available year-round.

Bankers interested in enrolling for the next session of the Graduate School of Banking, which will be held August 1-13, 2021, in Madison, Wisconsin, can begin applying when 2021 enrollment opens in early September. Since the 2020 session was cancelled due to COVID, and all enrolled students were rolled forward to the next session, there is unprecedented demand for the limited seats that remain available – applying early is the best way to secure a seat before the school reaches capacity.

The Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin, which is sponsored by state banking associations from across the central United States, as well as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was established in 1945 to provide bankers with an opportunity for advanced study and research in banking, economics and leadership. In addition to its flagship Graduate School of Banking, GSB offers specialty schools for Human Resource, Technology, Information Security, Sales, Marketing and Finance leaders in banking—plus online seminars across all areas of bank management.

For further information call 1-800-755-6440 or email www.gsb.org.

(Right photo) Eric Cook, Digital Strategist, WSI Digital, is the program coordinator for GSB’s Digital Banking School and also serves on the faculty of the Sales and Marketing School and Graduate School of Banking. (Above photo) 2019 GSB graduates gathering after commencement for photos and sharing memories.

(Left photo) GSB-Wisconsin graduates receive two credentials – a diploma in bank management and Certificate of Executive Leadership from the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development.

(Above photo) 2019 Sales and Marketing School attendees enjoying group discussions; small group interaction and networking will still be a part of the virtual program when it’s held online in Fall 2020.