Arkansas Student Loan Authority Partners
With Simmons First National Bank
1/25/2007
Little Rock, AR: The Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) announces a new strategic partnership with Simmons First National Bank. ASLA will be the exclusive secondary market for the Simmons First education loan portfolio. Simmons First customers will be eligible for the attractive loan repayment benefits and incentives offered by ASLA.
Tony Williams, executive director of ASLA, had the following to say, “ASLA is truly honored to enter a partnership with Simmons First. This partnership brings together two organizations committed to serving the needs of Arkansas students; Simmons First and ASLA have a combined history of over 70 years in the education loan business. I believe this partnership is good for Simmons, good for ASLA, and most importantly, good for the students of Arkansas.”
Established in 1977, ASLA works with Arkansas lenders to provide low-cost education loans for students and families. ASLA offers a full range of borrower benefits including a 3% interest rate reduction for all borrowers and an immediate 4% interest rate reduction for Federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS borrowers who enter designated critical career areas in the state. ASLA also features competitive consolidation rates and flexible payment options.
Known as “Arkansas’ Bank,” Simmons First has a strong commitment to Arkansas students as evidenced by over forty years in the student loan business. Established in 1903, the bank has made an indelible footprint across the state.
Shirley Crow, Senior Vice President of Simmons First Student Loans said, “Simmons First is committed to the philosophy that people make a difference. In spite of the changes occurring in technology and electronics, banking is, more than ever, a "people" business. It's a philosophy that stresses the importance of providing our customers with the very best in quality services and products. Simmons First is proud to be affiliated with the Arkansas Student Loan Authority in serving the students of Arkansas.”
ASLA and Simmons First share the same corporate philosophy of putting customers first. Working together with students and schools, these Arkansas institutions will further higher education statewide.
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The Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) is a nonprofit state agency created to provide information about and access to educational funding for all Arkansas students who wish to attend Arkansas institutions of higher education.
Simmons First National Corporation is a $2.7 billion financial holding company with eight community banks in Pine Bluff, El Dorado, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Lake Village, Rogers, Russellville and Searcy, Arkansas. The Company’s eight banks conduct financial operations from 85 offices, of which 82 are financial centers, in 47 communities.