ECU’s early growth was shaped by managers R. F. Williams (1935-1949) and S. G. Anthony (1949-1958), who served part-time and supported members before and after school hours. Both served as part-time employees, serving members before or after school hours, conducting a “hip-pocket, shoebox” operation. Williams and Anthony breathed life into the youthful organization, and their dedication helped lay the foundation for what ECU would become.

Growth accelerated in the 1970s with full-time management. E. M. Savage (1958-1982) became ECU’s first full-time manager. Patricia M. Tomberlin (1982-1997) served as President/Manager and helped shape ECU into the thriving, full-service institution it is today.

Larry D. Cooper (1997-2003) became President/CEO in June 1997 and restructured the leadership team to support a growing membership. The new team included roles such as Vice President of Management Information Systems, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Marketing; Vice President of Lending; Vice President of Member Services; Collection Manager; and Teller Supervisor. Gregg R. Bynum (2003-2019) joined in 1997 as Senior Vice President and became President/CEO in 2003 and employee training in compliance practices began in earnest. Eric L. Jenkins served as President/CEO from 2019-2022. In December 2022, Marcus Smith (2022-present) was named President/CEO. Smith had been with ECU for 10 years prior to his promotion, serving as CFO and interim CEO. Before joining ECU, Smith was a Senior Controls Specialist where he was involved in financial audits, internal control testing, regulatory training, and compliance. Raised in Amarillo, Smith and his wife have chosen to raise their family in the community. Marcus received his bachelor’s degree in business from West Texas A&M University.

In December 1986, ECU expanded eligibility to blood and legal relatives of members. Additional employee groups were added, including Opportunity Plan Inc. and Texas Tech University Health Science Center. In 1988, ECU adopted an option allowing small employee groups within 10 miles of headquarters, including High Plains Dermatology Center and Panhandle Alcoholic Recovery Center (added in 1989).

Education Credit Union (ECU) has expanded steadily to serve more members across the Texas Panhandle, while growing assets, upgrading technology and adding modern financial products and services.

In 1997, the credit union changed its name from Amarillo School Employees Credit Union to The Education Credit Union (ECU) to reflect a broader, more inclusive field of membership. In July of that same year, ECU expanded eligibility to include currently enrolled students of higher learning.

In 2001, ECU expanded membership eligibility to include:

In January 2004, ECU merged with THD District 4 Credit Union, adding 404 new members. In 2005, ECU expanded eligibility to include the AISD PTA Council, the WTAMU Alumni Association, and school employees in Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchison, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Roberts, and Sherman counties in the Texas Panhandle.

In 2010, ECU expanded its charter to serve anyone living, working, worshiping or attending school within 10 miles of the Canyon or Bushland branches. Eligibility also extended to students enrolled in school within the top 16 counties ECU served. In April 2012, ECU broadened membership again to include anyone within 10 miles of the Hillside and I-40 branches.

On July 1, 2013, ECU updated its brand name by dropping “The,” becoming Education Credit Union.

Today, ECU serves more than 40,000 members across the Texas Panhandle. Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school within 10 miles of any of ECU’s 11 locations is eligible to join. ECU is your go-to expert financial guidance, expertise and access.