Our Story: The History of Southern Teachers & Parents Federal Credit Union

At Southern Teachers & Parents Federal Credit Union (STPFCU), our story begins with a simple but powerful vision to serve, uplift, and empower our community through financial access and education.

Founded in 1935, during a time when financial opportunities were limited for many, a small group of Southern University educators and community leaders came together with a mission to create something greater than themselves. They wanted a financial institution that would look out for everyday people, a place where teachers, parents, and workers could come together to save, borrow, and build a better future.

Among those visionary leaders was Richard Turnley Jr., a respected educator, community advocate, and later a Louisiana state senator. His leadership and dedication to empowering African Americans through education and economic opportunity helped shape the values that continue to guide STPFCU today. Richard Turnley Jr.’s commitment to service and progress left a lasting mark on our institution and our community.

What started as a small cooperative among colleagues quickly grew into a strong and trusted credit union. STPFCU became a safe haven for members who believed in unity, self-reliance, and community growth. Our founders understood that when we support one another, we all rise together.

Over the decades, STPFCU has continued to expand its services and reach, all while staying true to its roots. We have remained deeply connected to Louisiana culture, proudly serving Southern University and the Greater Baton Rouge area. From personal loans and youth savings to financial literacy programs and community outreach, everything we do is rooted in the same mission our founders started with: people helping people.

Today, STPFCU stands as the largest HBCU credit union in the nation, a legacy we carry with pride and gratitude. Our success is built on generations of members who believed in us, trusted us, and grew with us.

As we look to the future, we continue to honor our past by empowering our members, supporting our schools, and giving back to the community that made us who we are.

We are more than a credit union, we are family.

Southern Teachers & Parents Federal Credit Union

Rooted in Louisiana. Built by community. Growing together.