Chris Montoya

For some young people, choosing a college to attend can be difficult, but for McMurry alumnus Chris Montoya, the choice was rather easy. Following the lead of two older sisters, Chris calls his decision to attend McMurry a “no brainer.” “I became affiliated with McMurry at a very young age, and because of the positive experience my sisters had, the decision to attend McMurry was very easy.” As an undergraduate at McMurry, Chris took advantage of the opportunity given him to excel. He graduated in 2000 with Summa Cum Laude honors and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing.

Now, as Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager with First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company in Abilene, Chris chuckles when asked how he decided to pursue his present career. “I kind of stumbled into it. After switching my major to marketing, I took several elective classes in finance and investments. I found them extremely interesting, and I guess the rest is history.” After graduating in 2000, Chris began his career with Edward Jones Investments before joining First Financial in 2001.

Chris appreciates all the people who influenced him during his time at McMurry, naming one in particular, Dr. Paul Fabrizio. Although Dr. Fabrizio was not a professor in Chris’ major field of study, Chris values the lessons taught to him by the Political Science professor. After being in his career for several years, Chris now sees many similarities between the world of politics and the field of finance. “Dr. Fabrizio opened my eyes to how things in the world of politics operate and how goals are accomplished. I have been able to apply many of those lessons on politics to the field of finance and investments.”

While his school days are long over, Chris continues to stay involved with McMurry as a member of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. After finishing his McMurry career in a rapid pace of three years, Chris eagerly gives back to McMurry. “Because I finished in three years, my time at McMurry went by so fast. Sometimes I wish I could go back. Being involved with the Alumni Board gives me that opportunity.”