James Fisher
Vice President & Senior Vice President - Commercial Lending
St. Louis Bank for Cooperatives, CoBank & Arvest Bank, Benton County
- Fisher finances major agribusinesses in Arkansas, the mid-south, southeast and west Texas, specializing in rice, cotton, farm supply, milk marketing industries and rural utilities
- Agricultural Business, University of Arkansas, Bumpers College (B.S. 1969, M.S. 1973)
- DPC member since 2015
Q & A with James Fisher:
Why agricultural business?
The first course in economics that was required directed me to that major. In addition, the influence of some of my Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity brothers.
What do you enjoy most about your job/career?
Developing relationships with my customers, learning to finance multiple industries in different areas of the country, and dealing with complex and problem loans.
Something others may be surprised to learn about your field?
Ag econ led to a career with CoBank that had a major impact on the rice, cotton, grain, milk marketing and farm supply industry, including fertilizer manufacturing and rural utilities.
Why do you serve Bumpers College through the DPC?
It keeps me in touch with the U of A and the direction of Bumpers College. The change in program and course offerings reflects the changes in agriculture in Arkansas, the U.S. and the world.
What should high school students thinking about careers and majors know about Bumpers College?
The programs that are available in Bumpers College lead to meaningful jobs. The career path, and internship and placement process at Bumpers College sets it apart.
Something you and the DPC have accomplished you are proud of?
The development of the concentration and minor in agricultural leadership, plus the development of a mentoring program.
Favorite quotes?
1) Jesus Christ, Matthew 20: 25-28 “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
2) T. Boone Pickens, “A fool with a plan can outsmart a genius with no plan any day.”
3) T. Boone Pickens, “If you’re going to run with the big dogs, you have to get out from under the porch.”
If not in your current field, what might you be doing?
Agricultural law. The Vietnam War sidetracked my ambition. And if I had not chosen agricultural economics, I would have been a football and track coach.
Hobbies?
Fishing for smallmouth bass on Ozark streams in my kayak, float fishing for trout on the White River, travel and all things with my grandchildren.