MOULTRIE — Russell Bates of Ameris Bank in Moultrie has graduated from the Georgia Banking School. The graduation ceremony took place May 4 in the Center for Continuing Education on the campus of the University of Georgia.

Established in 1961, the Georgia Banking School is a three-year specialized school sponsored by the Georgia Bankers Association Professional Development Program. The purpose of the school is to prepare first-level managers to effectively and profitably serve the public by developing a thorough understanding of banking practices, regulations and management principles.

The school includes three intense one-week residence sessions at the University of Georgia and requires the students to complete home study programs between sessions. The school provides a well-balanced curriculum featuring UGA faculty members, veteran bankers and other well-qualified industry experts and specialists.

James Verbrugge, professor of finance and chair of banking emeritus in the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, serves as academic director for the school.

“For the past 46 years,” said Director William S. Loyd, executive vice president of Community Bankshares Inc. in Cornelia, “this school has been a highly effective resource for developing the leadership talents of Georgia bankers.”

Established in 1892, the Georgia Bankers Association is the trade and professional organization representing Georgia’s commercial banks and thrift institutions.