September 05, 2025
First Community Bank is proud to announce that Austin Simpson, senior vice president and senior regional lender for Northwest Arkansas, has graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado (GSBC) in Boulder, Colorado.
Simpson successfully completed GSBC’s three-year program, which provides advanced banking education to prepare the next generation of community bank leaders. In addition to his diploma, he earned GSBC’s Committed to Lead and Affordable Housing micro-credential recognition, highlighting his dedication to leadership and specialized areas of community banking.
“Austin has demonstrated tremendous commitment to his professional development and to serving our communities with excellence,” said Natalie Bartholomew, community president for Northwest Arkansas. “As both a GSBC alum and faculty member, I know firsthand the rigor of this program, and I am so proud of Austin for this accomplishment. His leadership will continue to be a valuable asset to our customers, our team, and the banking industry.”
Reflecting on the achievement, Simpson said, “Graduating from GSBC has been a rewarding experience that has challenged me and helped me grow as a community banker. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and alongside so many talented professionals from across the country, and I look forward to applying this knowledge to better serve our communities.”
The Graduate School of Banking at Colorado is recognized as America’s Premier Community Banking School. Since 1950, GSBC has educated more than 20,000 bankers through its annual school session, executive development institute, and specialized programs, equipping graduates with the skills to lead in a rapidly changing financial industry.
The lobby at First Community Bank in Fayetteville operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The drive-through is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The Rogers branch operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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