When most people think of back-to-school, they picture new backpacks, fresh notebooks, and the latest athletic shoes. For Ben Kern, Vice President of Commercial Lending at Iowa State Bank, going back to school means two weeks of intensive financial education away from both his customers at the bank and his family at home.
Kern graduated from a rigorous three-year program at the Graduate School of Banking, held at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Iowa State Bank proudly supports his pursuit of continued education and leadership development, recognizing the value it brings not only to the bank but also to the communities it serves.
For three summers, Kern spends two weeks immersed in advanced coursework focused on leadership, community banking, and the challenges facing today's financial institutions. One of the program's most demanding components is a comprehensive bank simulation exercise.
"The bank simulation challenges students to tackle all aspects of community banking, from managing the balance sheet to making hiring decisions," Kern explained.
Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Between annual sessions, the students complete intersession research projects designed to address real-world banking challenges. These projects often provide practical solutions that can be implemented immediately, helping institutions improve performance and create lasting impact.
The Graduate School of Banking also offers valuable opportunities to build professional relationships. Before arriving on campus, students are assigned to peer groups that work together throughout the program.
"Having a group of friends and colleagues to connect with is a valuable part of this experience," Kern said. "We all learn from each other and serve as resources for one another. It's also an opportunity to meet people with similar career aspirations and, of course, have some fun along the way."
Through these connections, students discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the banking industry today, including cryptocurrency, evolving regulations, economic factors and increasing fraud risks. Together, they explore strategies that can be applied within their own institutions and communities.
"We're all community bankers here," Kern said. "It doesn't matter if you live in the Texas Hill Country or the hills of Tennessee. We're all working to strengthen our communities through community banking and to provide the best possible service to our customers."
At Iowa State Bank, a commitment to both personal and professional growth is a core value. Ben Kern exemplifies that commitment through his dedication to continued learning and leadership development. We applaud his efforts to bring new ideas, innovative solutions, and industry knowledge back to Iowa State Bank as he helps prepare the organization for the future of community banking.
Kern graduated from a rigorous three-year program at the Graduate School of Banking, held at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Iowa State Bank proudly supports his pursuit of continued education and leadership development, recognizing the value it brings not only to the bank but also to the communities it serves.
For three summers, Kern spends two weeks immersed in advanced coursework focused on leadership, community banking, and the challenges facing today's financial institutions. One of the program's most demanding components is a comprehensive bank simulation exercise.
"The bank simulation challenges students to tackle all aspects of community banking, from managing the balance sheet to making hiring decisions," Kern explained.
Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Between annual sessions, the students complete intersession research projects designed to address real-world banking challenges. These projects often provide practical solutions that can be implemented immediately, helping institutions improve performance and create lasting impact.
The Graduate School of Banking also offers valuable opportunities to build professional relationships. Before arriving on campus, students are assigned to peer groups that work together throughout the program.
"Having a group of friends and colleagues to connect with is a valuable part of this experience," Kern said. "We all learn from each other and serve as resources for one another. It's also an opportunity to meet people with similar career aspirations and, of course, have some fun along the way."
Through these connections, students discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the banking industry today, including cryptocurrency, evolving regulations, economic factors and increasing fraud risks. Together, they explore strategies that can be applied within their own institutions and communities.
"We're all community bankers here," Kern said. "It doesn't matter if you live in the Texas Hill Country or the hills of Tennessee. We're all working to strengthen our communities through community banking and to provide the best possible service to our customers."
At Iowa State Bank, a commitment to both personal and professional growth is a core value. Ben Kern exemplifies that commitment through his dedication to continued learning and leadership development. We applaud his efforts to bring new ideas, innovative solutions, and industry knowledge back to Iowa State Bank as he helps prepare the organization for the future of community banking.
Business Tips Community Employment General
August 11, 2026 by Iowa State Bank
