SFA finance students selected for UTIMCO Scholars program

Three finance sophomores from Stephen F. Austin State University's Nelson Rusche College of Business were selected for The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company Scholars program in 2025: Madison Custer of Spring, Davis Huddle of Houston and Raymundo Perez of Frisco. The year's cohort members met in May in Austin, pictured, before completing their program work in July. UTIMCO is now sharing the students' résumés with its recruiting partners, who are filling internship positions for summer 2026.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Three finance sophomores from Stephen F. Austin State University's Nelson Rusche College of Business were selected for The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company Scholars program this year.

Madison Custer of Spring, Davis Huddle of Houston and Raymundo Perez of Frisco form the second group of SFA students selected for this opportunity, which was made possible by the university's affiliation with the UT System two years ago.

"SFA selected Madison, Davis and Raymundo to represent the university in this program because they have already shown high character, perseverance and a strong willingness to learn," said Dr. Mikhail Kouliavtsev, chair of the SFA Department of Economics and Finance and coordinator for the UTIMCO Scholars program nomination process at SFA.

UTIMCO, the first external investment corporation formed by a public university system, oversees investments for the UT and Texas A&M University systems. In addition, the company forms a cohort every year of up to five students from each institution in these systems for its scholars program.

To be eligible for the cohort, students must be Pell Grant recipients or first-generation college students who are about to enter their sophomore or junior year of college. They also must be interested in asset management careers.

"The program has helped me consider a career in investment banking," Custer said. "Going into the program, I had no idea which specific path I wanted to pursue, but now I feel more confident about the area I want to enter. I would definitely recommend this program to all SFA business students as it has been very beneficial and helps you learn about the world of finance."

Since March, Custer, Huddle and Perez have participated in professional development activities that not only introduced them to the investment management industry but also helped them build their peer networks and obtain early career advice from experts in the field.

"One of the most valuable things I've learned from the trainings is how to improve my interviewing skills," Perez said. "The program has given me practical strategies on how to present myself more confidently and effectively in interviews, which I know will be a major asset in my future career. I've also learned how to network more confidently and build genuine connections with people who are already succeeding in the industry."

They've met with professionals from firms including AllianceBernstein, BlackRock, Brevan Howard, Dimensional Fund Advisors, J.P. Morgan, PIMCO Investments and TriPost Capital Partners. In addition, the program included a trip to UT Austin in May to work with cohort participants from other UT institutions on their interviewing and networking skills.

"Being able to listen to finance professionals share their journeys has been invaluable and eye-opening," Custer said. "I have learned from the program's sessions that everyone's career path is different, and it is OK to have a nontraditional one."

In addition to confirming his interest in the asset management field and helping him understand the environments and roles that align with his strengths and interests, the UTIMCO Scholars program gave Perez a whole new mindset.

"Stay curious and open to learning - not just about the job but also about the people and purpose behind the work," he said. "That mindset has helped me grow not only professionally but personally as well."

For future participants in the program, Perez offers the following advice.

"Be ready to step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there," he said. "This program pushes you to grow - not just in knowledge but in confidence and professionalism. Also, be prepared to not always be the smartest person in the room. What matters most is showing up, staying curious and being the hardest worker. The experience is what you make of it, and if you're willing to invest in yourself, this program will absolutely pay off."

The students completed the program in July, and UTIMCO began sharing their résumés with its recruiting partners who are filling internship positions for summer 2026. UTIMCO team members will work with program participants during the 2025-26 academic year to help them secure internships.

"The students' commitment to this rigorous program over the spring and summer has been impressive," Kouliavtsev said. "Being selected for one of the internships will be a well-earned honor."

For more information on opportunities like these in the Rusche College of Business, visit sfasu.edu/cob.