It’s simply ingrained in Campus Federal’s culture to be member focused. For the past 90 years, they’ve wanted nothing more than to be a trusted financial partner for every stage of life.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: Jane Verret, President & CEO; Ryan Blauvelt, Chief Financial Officer; Jay Noel, Chief Lending Officer; Kristie Daspit, Chief Operating Officer; Ron Moreau, Chief Member Experience Officer
Phone: 225.769.8841
Address: 6230 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Website: CampusFederal.org
They’re member owned, so they offer the advantages common to credit unions—better interest rates for savings, loans and credit card products, and a commitment to their members rather than a group of shareholders. But it’s Campus Federal’s connection to LSU that sets it apart.
In October 1934, seven individuals at LSU founded the Baton Rouge Campus Federal Credit Union. That relationship remains strong today, with branches located on LSU and LSU Health campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport.
In addition to LSU, they’ve grown and expanded geographically over the years, adding more than 30 other partner companies. In 2012, they merged with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Federal Credit Union, expanding their healthcare focus.
Along the way, they’ve turned most members into lifelong members. “We have members from all over the country … even around the world,” says Bonny Botts, senior vice president of marketing and business development.
They’re equally proud of their employee tenure. Several of them have been with the organization for more than 30 years. Case in point—Janice Weisen, vice president of operational systems and support, will retire in March after a 45-year career with the credit union. “That says a lot about the stability of an organization,” Botts says.
NO STRANGER TO CHANGE
Campus Federal has never shied away from change. It’s how they’ve remained viable all these years. In 1997, they were the first financial institution in Louisiana to begin offering online banking and online bill paying services. A few years ago, they became one of the first banking institutions in the area to incorporate Campus ConnectSM Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) and launched a video call center to allow members to talk directly to financial services representatives from anywhere.
The Campus ConnectSM Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) have been a member service game changer, and offer expanded hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “People work during the day, so they can talk face to face with a live teller before or after work,” Botts says. “We also have chat and video chat on the website, so you can choose the way you want to interact.”
More recently, the use of AI has begun to make waves. “AI is greatly improving efficiencies for underwriting auto loans, signature loans and Mastercard credit card online applications,” she adds. “We are able to input certain criteria into the system to get a decision immediately with a 45 percent approval rate.”
They’re also evaluating offering a chatbot that will provide members with 24/7 answers to questions, which should significantly free up time for Call Center employees to help with more complex questions or issues.
Even as they make progress in the technological space, Campus Federal remains committed to those members who prefer personal, face-to-face interaction. “We’ve renovated several of our branches over the past year to improve the member experience,” says Botts. In 2023, they opened a new Siegen Lane Branch, Mortgage and Business Center in Baton Rouge, and in 2024 they began providing wealth management services through their newest partner, RRDM Wealth Management Partners.
In the end, every dollar spent goes toward fulfilling Campus Federal’s purpose and mission, which has remained virtually unchanged over nine decades. As Botts puts it, “We’re just people helping people, and no matter what stage of life you’re in, we’re here for you.”
