Dr. Kevin Vichcales and Dr. Denise Doyle visit the student-run branch of the United SA Federal Credit Union during the grand opening in November.

The University of the Incarnate Word and United SA Federal Credit Union recently established the Cardinal Branch of United SA, one of the few entirely student-run offices of an existing financial institution on a university campus in the United States.

From personnel who greet branch guests to tellers and loan officers, all positions are held by UIW students. A United SA supervisor is on-site to provide assistance as needed, and a student board of directors is in place to manage the overall operation of the branch.

“The Cardinal Branch is one of the few true learning lab credit union offices in the country. The hands-on business experience the students will be exposed to will truly benefit their business experiences after graduation,” said Steve Coomes, president and CEO of United SA.

“This is a proud day for UIW!  The Cardinal Branch is a real business with real money requiring real effort; what better experience for students?” said Dr. Shawn Daly, dean of the H-E-B School of Business and Administration.