Southeastern, First United Bank launch FUSE program to connect students with careers

DURANT, Okla. - Southeastern Oklahoma State University's John Massey School of Business (JMSB) and First United Bank (FUB) are launching a new partnership designed to connect students with professional experience and career opportunities in banking and corporate operations.

The FUSE (First United/Southeastern) Program will provide JMSB students with paid, discipline-specific professional experience at FUB while creating a direct pathway to full-time employment following graduation.

The partnership was formally launched during a signing ceremony Friday, featuring Melissa Perrin, executive vice president and chief culture and communication officer of First United Bank, and Dr. Rhonda Richards, dean of the John Massey School of Business.

Through FUSE, participating students will gain hands-on experience while completing their education at Southeastern. The program is designed to allow students to begin building professional careers while remaining in Durant and contributing to the future of the local community.

"This partnership reflects our purpose to inspire and empower others to Spend Life Wisely. By helping Southeastern students discover meaningful careers where their gifts and values can thrive, we're investing not only in their future, but in the future of the communities we serve," said Perrin." When local talent grows here, stays here, and leads here, everyone benefits."

"This partnership reflects our purpose to inspire and empower others to Spend Life Wisely," Perrin said. "By helping Southeastern students discover meaningful careers where their gifts and values can thrive, we're investing in their future and the future of the communities we serve."

Richards said the program will help students connect classroom learning with professional experience.

"At the John Massey School of Business, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens when we connect a strong academic foundation with real-world experience," Richards said. "FUSE gives our students an opportunity to develop professionally, learn from industry leaders and see how their education translates into a career."

The partnership reflects a shared commitment by First United and Southeastern to developing local talent and strengthening the connection between Southeastern graduates and the regional workforce.

For more information about the FUSE Program, contact Dr. Eric Kennedy, associate professor and chair of the Department of Management, Marketing, Information Systems and Computer Science, at [email protected].

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