The Department of Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Law (FIREL) of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas (UNT) has announced a partnership with the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation and the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation to launch a new course on commercial equipment finance. The course, FINA 4700-Survey of Commercial Equipment Leasing & Finance, will begin in spring 2025.
 
This course will use The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals’ Handbook for the textbook, and will cover foundational concepts, origination topics, and operations and servicing areas. Upon successful completion, students will be awarded the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Student Certification.
 
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is providing financial support and resources, including academic scholarships, internship opportunities, and networking events. This partnership is a natural alignment with the Foundation’s Campus to Career academic outreach program created to raise awareness for student talent development and provide learning and connection opportunities through resources for both students and employers.
 
The program was developed by Michael P. Gallo, B.Fin., M.Fin., J.D., Lecturer Professor at FIREL and 35-year veteran of the industry having held positions in sales, management and legal, and is currently associated with Padfield & Stout, LLP.  “This collaboration supports a comprehensive academic program in commercial equipment leasing and finance that bridges the gap between academia and industry, preparing the next generation of professionals,” Gallo said. “It creates a platform for students to gain real-world insights and hands-on experience, positioning them for successful careers.”
 
The program also provides direct access to top talent, enabling equipment finance companies to:

• Engage with the program and students.
• Identify future professionals with industry knowledge and CLFP Student Certification.
• Benefit from students skilled in foundational concepts, origination, and operations.
• Ensure a steady pipeline of qualified graduates ready to contribute to the industry's success.

Future plans for the program include expanding to other colleges and universities across the country to facilitate wider access.
 
The G. Brint Ryan College of Business offers a special thanks to Kirk Phillips, President & CEO of Wintrust Commercial Finance, for his critical role in providing industry leadership and spearheading efforts to foster support for this groundbreaking program.
 
Companies can support the program by posting their open internship opportunities at the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Internship Resources page. Others wishing to participate in the program can contact Professor Gallo at 972.358.4213, Michael.gallo@unt.edu.