[Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing project in conjuction with the South Plains College Alumni Association. The project highlights former SPC students and their achievements.]
by: MATT MOLINAR/Opinion Editor
Chad Alexander has achieved what most college students are looking forward to after graduating from South Plains College.
Alexander was born and raised in Levelland, graduating from Levelland High School in 1999. He then enrolled at nearby SPC to pursue an associate’s degree in science.
Alexander transferred to Texas Tech University to begin his education in the banking industry.
“After graduating from SPC, I transferred to Texas Tech and got a bachelor’s degree in finance,” Alexander said. “I enjoyed Tech. It was nice to get away form mom and dad for a little bit and grow up at school. But it also wasn’t very far from home, so I definitely enjoyed it. I had great experiences at both of the colleges I went to, although it was definitely a more intimate environment at SPC. My dad is on the Board of Regents over at SPC, so it has a special place in my heart.”
Alexander recalls close relationships with many of his professors, as well as some of the other staff, at SPC being the reason he wanted to attend the college. He remembers how helpful the small classroom setting was.
“I just loved some of my teachers,” Alexander said. “Rudy McAllister, I always enjoyed his class. Janna Holt-Day, Dr. Graves. There were a lot of good people out there. I love the personal relationships you had with the teachers. Being in Levelland, you get to see those friendly faces around a lot. SPC is a great foundation for learning how to survive college.”
Alexander graduated from Texas Tech in 2004 and received his first job as a bank examiner at a local bank in Lubbock. He then became interested in banking and moved back to Levelland to pursue a career as a banker for AIM Bank.
“I was a bank examiner for about five or six years,” Alexander explains. “Then I got into banking and got the opportunity to come and work for AIM Bank. Now I’m a commercial lender, among some other things that I do for the bank. I’m also the executive vice president, so I oversee this entire Levelland market, which essentially means I am the branch manager for the area.”
After completing his education and beginning work at AIM Bank, Alexander settled down, got married with his wife, whom he met while working at a bank in Lubbock, and began raising a child with her. The two were both students at Texas Tech at the time they met.
“I have one little boy,” says Alexander. “His name is Miles, and he’ll be 3 years old in November. My wife is from Lubbock. She’s about one year younger than me. We met going to school, and we both just moved back over here about five years ago. She loves it over here.”
Alexander is now 34 years old and says he loves working at AIM bank and raising his family with his wife. He enjoys playing golf in his spare time, as well as bonding with his son.
“If I could give any advice for current college students, it would be to have fun,” Alexander says. “Remember that you have to pay the bills one day. I took my education for granted at times. Also, make connections. It’s not always about what you know, but who you know as well.”
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