FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at SMU Cox 2026 session on the Southern Methodist University campus wrapped up June 5, 2026, with a commencement ceremony celebrating the graduation of SWGSB Class LXVII at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Dragana Alperin, Dallas Market Vice President / Portfolio Manager, completed the three-year program along with 81 additional classmates from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia.
“On behalf of the entire bank, I am proud to congratulate Dragana on graduating from one of the financial industry’s most prestigious and demanding executive bank programs,” said Craig Berry, American National Bank & Trust President / Chief Lending Officer. “This accomplishment reflects an extraordinary commitment to professional excellence, lifelong learning, and leadership development,” Berry said. “Throughout this journey, Dragana has demonstrated the qualities that define outstanding leaders: a commitment to serving customers, strengthening communities, supporting colleagues, and driving our industry forward.”
The SWGSB program attracts emerging leaders and experienced financial professionals—including regional presidents, commercial loan officers, branch managers, credit analysts, cashiers, mortgage lenders, consumer lenders, operations officers, and state and federal regulators—with a graduate program that propels careers in the financial services industry.
“We are incredibly proud of Dragana, who also received the Distinguished Leadership Award, and the entire SWGSB Class LXVII for their dedication and achievements,” said William T. Chittenden, SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox President and CEO. “Through three years of immersive learning, participants build a strong foundation in community banking while developing the leadership skills and strategic perspective needed to guide their institutions into the future. The relationships formed and knowledge gained through SWGSB create a lasting impact on both the individual and the banks they serve.”
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About American National Bank & Trust:
American National Bank & Trust (AMNAT), headquartered in Wichita Falls, Texas, stands out as one of the largest independently owned financial institutions in the North Texas region. With more than $2.4 billion in assets and 300 talented individuals, we are grounded in our legacy of providing exceptional customer service since 1976. We continue to grow into a regional financial institution powerhouse, serving communities from the Red River to the Gulf Coast.
ABOUT THE SW GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BANKING AT SMU COX
Since 1957, the SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB) has educated and empowered bankers in all positions, other financial services professionals and affiliates, regulators, bank directors, and aspiring bank directors with knowledge and relationships that strengthen careers, organizations, and communities. SWGSB is a nationally recognized leader in banking and commercial lending education, bank management training, and bank director training programs. Learn more at swgsb.org or call 214.768.2991 for more information.
