Palm Beach Atlantic (PBA) University’s Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business (RSB) announced the creation of their new Center for Financial Literacy (CFL). Barbara VanderWerf, PBA’s Assistant Professor of Business, has been named the founding center director.
The CFL will meet a critical need in the community and throughout Florida to educate both students and members of the Florida public about financial literacy. PBA will host a financial literacy event (2023-24), which will be open to the PBA community and the broader community. The event will provide Florida citizens the ability to learn from topic based relevant speakers, as well as, provide an opportunity for financial literacy coaching. Additionally, an online self-paced curriculum will be made available to enhance and continue subject matter development. The Center will also provide PBA’s financial literacy curriculum to the Department of Education (DOE) to assist the Florida DOE in its K-12 financial literacy curriculum.
“I am thrilled that PBA’s highly acclaimed and AACSB accredited Rinker School of Business is also community minded,” said Dr. Debra Schwinn, President of PBA. “Financial literacy is crucial in this day and age, and PBA’s new Center for Financial Literacy is an important step in ensuring our students and broader community members have opportunities to thrive in their own personal finances.”
The Center’s mission is to “equip students with an understanding of financial concepts in order to make wise, personal, financial decisions.” Through practical training, resources and coaching alignment with Christian principles, the goal is to inspire students, faculty, staff and members of the community to effectively manage their finances, allowing them to live a life of financial freedom and generous giving.
“Professor VanderWerf, winner of the 2022-23 Outstanding Teaching Award in the Rinker School of Business, has a passion for financial literacy education and is an experienced leader in the field of financial literacy,” said Dr. Brian Strow, Dean of the RSB. “Her efforts to improve financial literacy among students and the public are unparalleled in the PBA community. We are extremely proud to name her as our founding director for the Rinker School of Business Center for Financial Literacy.”
Professor Barbara VanderWerf developed an elective in personal finance, and she has a private financial coaching business.
“I am excited to be a part of this Center that will inspire and equip people to live a life with less financial stress,” said Professor VanderWerf. “We must intentionally and effectively manage the resources that God entrusted to us – this does not happen by accident, it takes work and learned skills. I am praying the CFL will assist our students, faculty, staff and community in that journey.”
To learn more about the CFL, visit https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/centers-of-excellence/center-for-financial-literacy/. Please email CFL@pba.edu if you wish to be a part of the Center’s mission or have any questions.
About Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 29-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The university is dedicated to the integration of biblical principles to prepare students for learning, leadership, and service. Learn more at www.pba.edu.
