Financial Literacy Month Program Links Bulldogs with Industry Leaders on Money, Careers and Fraud Prevention

Alabama A&M University joined with Regions Bank on April 1 to deliver a day of student engagement, financial education and career preparation during its annual Regions Day, highlighted by a campuswide panel focused on building lifelong financial success.

The day started at the University Recreation & Fitness Center, where Regions created an experiential activation complete with live music, a photo booth, interactive activities, and giveaways for students, while candidates for the 2026–2027 Student Government Association and Royal Court connected with voters ahead of campus elections.

The signature event followed in Dawson Auditorium, where banking professionals and University leaders led a discussion titled “Financial Returns: Knowledge That Pays You Back.”

The program, held during National Financial Literacy Month, brought together Regions executives and advisors with Alabama A&M students to address topics central to long-term success, including managing money early, preparing for first jobs and protecting personal finances from fraud.

Panelists included Deno Posey, executive vice president for technology, operations, digital and data at Regions Bank; Cecilia Bailey, financial education manager at Regions; Blair Liggins, private wealth advisor at Regions; Kimberly Reece, customer advocacy manager at Regions; D’Anna Olive, organizational change management leader at Regions; and Kim M. Davis, annual fund director for the Alabama A&M Foundation.

Speakers emphasized practical strategies for students entering the workforce, including résumé development, interview preparation and salary negotiation, while reinforcing the importance of financial awareness at every stage of life.

“It can be tough to ask for advice when it comes to money,” Posey said. “But that’s where our experience can help. No matter how young you are, or how much or how little you have to start, the decisions you make today can really benefit you tomorrow.”

The event also underscored the long-standing partnership between Alabama A&M and Regions Bank, which continues to expand opportunities for students through hands-on learning and direct engagement with industry professionals.

“This is a chance for us to connect with students on a real, impactful level,” said Bailey. “We’ve worked with Alabama A&M for years on programs that serve and support students and alumni, and we’re proud to continue building on that relationship.”

Organizers said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to student success by combining academic preparation with real-world financial knowledge.

“Opportunities like this ensure our students are not only prepared for the workforce, but confident in managing their financial futures,” said Davis. “By connecting classroom learning with real-world expertise, we are helping our students build a strong foundation for lifelong success.”