Multiyear Grant to Develop New Curriculum for Future Financial Planners
IRVING, Texas (Feb. 19, 2026) — The University of Dallas Satish & Yasmin Gupta College
of Business has received a multiyear grant from Schwab Advisor Services in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation to launch a new financial planning program designed to prepare ethical, industry-ready
financial advisors for a rapidly growing profession. The funding will enable the college
to create a comprehensive curriculum, including mentorship opportunities, professional
development and access to world-class financial technology, to prepare the next generation
of ethical financial advisors ready to serve clients nationwide.
The grant addresses growing demand for qualified financial planners while supporting
the college’s mission of developing ethical business leaders. The new program will
equip both undergraduate and graduate students with practical skills and industry
credentials that position them for success in the rapidly evolving financial services
sector.
Key components of the three-year grant include:
● Development of a comprehensive undergraduate financial planning curriculum
aligned with industry and CFP® standards
● Access to Bloomberg terminals, enabling students to work with professional-grade
market data and analytics
● Support for investment planning certificates and licensing preparation to enhance
career readiness
● Structured mentorship and professional development opportunities with local
Schwab leaders and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) professionals
“Financial planning is ultimately about trust, stewardship, and service,” said Dr. J. Lee Whittington, dean of the UDallas College of Business and professor of management. “This partnership enables us to prepare advisors who combine technical excellence with character — professionals who will guide individuals and families toward long-term financial well-being with wisdom and integrity.”
“Preparing the next generation of financial advisors requires more than technical training,” said Jon Beatty, head of Schwab Advisor Services. “Through this partnership with the University of Dallas, we’re empowering students to grow not only in knowledge, but in character. By giving them access to real-world tools, mentorship, and values-driven education, we’re helping shape future advisors who will serve clients with integrity, compassion, and lasting purpose.”
"We're deeply thankful to the Charles Schwab Foundation for believing in our vision,"
said Dr. Greg Bell, senior associate dean and professor of management. “This partnership allows us to
integrate rigorous financial planning education with hands-on tools and real-world
mentorship. Our students won’t just learn finance. They’ll learn how to serve clients
responsibly, ethically, and with professional excellence from day one.”
The new financial planning program will prepare both undergraduate and graduate students
for careers that combine technical expertise with ethical decision-making. With a
curriculum designed to prepare students for the rigorous Certified Financial Planner®
(CFP®) exam, graduates will be positioned to pursue careers with financial advisory
firms, wealth management companies and registered investment advisor firms nationwide.
Learn more about the UDallas College of Business at udallas.edu/business.
About the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business
The Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business at the University of Dallas has been
a pioneer of graduate business education for more than 50 years. Located in Irving,
Texas, the college was the first in Texas to offer an AACSB-accredited Doctor of Business
Administration. Today, the college offers undergraduate and graduate business education
grounded in ethical leadership and liberal arts principles, with programs in finance,
management, marketing and accounting that prepare students to lead with integrity
in a global marketplace. Named in honor of alumni Satish and Yasmin Gupta, the college
emphasizes character formation alongside professional development. For more information,
visit udallas.edu/business.
