Palmer Named Outstanding Banker

posted on 31 July 2024
Palmer Named Outstanding Banker
Kayla Palmer with Union State Bank Hazen recently graduated from the Dakota School of Banking and was named Outstanding Banker. The school is sponsored by the North Dakota Bankers Association (NDBA) and held at the University of Jamestown. In its 50th year, the school trained 72 bank personnel. 

“The Dakota School of Banking provides focus education for bankers looking to enhance their skill set and advance their careers,” said Dorothy Lick, NDBA senior vice president of education. “Each banker gets a well-rounded educational experience, develops banking skills, and creates a valuable network of peers.”

DSB students are enrolled for two years, attending the school one week each summer. The first-year session provides an overview of the banking industry and the departments that make up a bank. The second-year session builds on the banking knowledge gained in the first year and adds a computerized bank management simulation to reinforce technical and functional management skills. 

“The Dakota School of Banking was a great experience, from the learning opportunities to networking with colleagues,” said Palmer. “I look forward to putting the knowledge I’ve gained to work.”

Teachers at the school include bankers, attorneys, accountants and financial industry consultants. Sessions combine lectures, hands-on activities, a computerized banking simulation, and testing.

Union State Bank has been a proud supporter of the Dakota School of Banking. Every year, Union State Bank invests in themselves and the future of bankers by sending several of their own staff to the school. Union State Bank’s President and CEO, Christie Huber Obenauer said, “The culture at Union State Bank is about growth and opportunity. We embrace change and look for opportunities to stretch and be stretched….to challenge and be challenged. North Dakota Bankers Association’s Dakota School of Banking held at University of Jamestown is one of those places where we get to grow by being stretched and challenged.”

To attend the school of banking, one must have a general knowledge of banking and understand basic terms. They must have a college degree and two years of banking experience or a high school diploma and five years of banking experience. To attend one must also be recommended by their CEO. 

To earn “Outstanding Banker,” one is chosen every year for this exceptional achievement. This is chosen by the school’s administrative team. The criteria on which this is based on is: achievement during the two-year course of study, contribution to and participation in class, and overall personal contribution with the student body. 

Kayla Palmer is the third woman to have received this award in the school’s 50-year existence. “We are so happy to celebrate Kayla being named this year’s Outstanding Banker… we couldn’t be more proud,” said Christie. 

Union State Bank's Consumer Lender Michelle Harm attended the school as first year, as Kayla graduated the program. Christie said as they continue to send employees and staff to the school of banking it is all for the sake of community. “We know that the better they are, the better we can be for you and our community,” said Christie.