Plante Moran Wealth Management and Charles Schwab Foundation Partner to Create New Program

Students and faculty pose at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new classroom space

Plante Moran Wealth Management and Charles Schwab Foundation in partnership with Schwab Advisor Services is teaming up with Michigan State University to expand the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program within the Eli Broad College of Business.

The organizations will work with the university to build on the preparation of business students for success in financial planning and wealth management careers in the following ways:

  • Create the Plante Moran Endowed Professor of Practice in financial planning and wealth management
  • Support continued development of academic programs and scholarships
  • Establish a dedicated classroom space in the Broad College’s new Edward J. Minskoff Pavilion, which opened this fall

“Michigan State is committed to opening doors to new experiences and training for students,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. “We deeply appreciate the support and backing of Plante Moran and Charles Schwab Foundation, which will significantly strengthen our ability to prepare the next generation of business leaders in an important sector.”

Plante Moran will also engage with MSU students through frequent guest lecture events and speaking engagements.

“The program allows students to get a significant jumpstart on their careers, and we’re honored to give back in a meaningful way to a university that has provided us with so many talented, driven staff,” said Bob Palmer, partner and practice leader for Plante Moran Wealth Management, and a 1985 graduate of the college.

The Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program, launched in September 2018, was designed to improve the standards of excellence for competent and ethical financial planning. It provides undergraduate finance students the opportunity to differentiate themselves through six courses on topics such as an insurance and risk management and estate and income tax planning. Students who complete the requirements will satisfy the education requirement needed to be eligible to sit for the Certified Financial Planner exam upon graduation.

“This program sets Spartans apart and prepares them for a future in the finance industry that is relevant and in demand,” Eli and Edythe L. Broad Dean Sanjay Gupta said. “We are so grateful that Plante Moran and Charles Schwab Foundation, in partnership with Schwab Advisor Services, have made a commitment to support this kind of program.”


About Plante Moran Wealth Management

With $16.4 billion in assets under management, Plante Moran Financial Advisors, the investment arm of Plante Moran Wealth Management, is fifth on the Forbes list of top 100 wealth management firms by 10-year growth. Plante Moran Financial Advisors serves as a trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals, family business owners, not-for-profit organizations, and corporate retirement plans, helping them build, manage, and preserve their wealth. Its integrated services include investment consulting, financial planning, trust, insurance consulting, estate planning, business succession, and tax planning. Plante Moran Financial Advisors is the registered investment advisor affiliate of Plante Moran, one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and business advisory firms, providing clients with financial, human capital, operations, strategy, technology, and wealth management services. For more information, visit plantemoran.com/wealthmanagement.

About Plante Moran

Plante Moran is among the nation's largest accounting, tax and consulting firms and provides a full line of services to organizations in industries including manufacturing and distribution, financial institutions, service, health care, private equity, public sector and real estate and construction. Plante Moran has a staff of more than 3,000 professionals throughout Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio with international offices in Shanghai, China; Monterrey, Mexico; Mumbai, India; and Tokyo, Japan. Plante Moran has been recognized by a number of organizations, including FORTUNE magazine, as one of the country's best places to work. For more information, visit plantemoran.com.

About Charles Schwab

At Charles Schwab we believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow. We have a history of challenging the status quo in our industry, innovating in ways that benefit investors and the advisors and employers who serve them, and championing our clients’ goals with passion and integrity. More information is available at www.aboutschwab.com. Follow us on TwitterFacebookYouTube, and LinkedIn.

About Charles Schwab Foundation

Charles Schwab Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization funded by The Charles Schwab Corporation. Its mission is to create positive change through financial education, philanthropy, and volunteerism. More information is available at www.aboutschwab.com/community. The Charles Schwab Foundation is classified by the IRS as a charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is neither a part of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. nor its parent company, The Charles Schwab Corporation. Charles Schwab Foundation, Plante Moran, and Michigan State University are independent of each other and are not affiliated entities.


To learn more about the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program, visit the Broad College of Business’ website.

To learn more about supporting the Eli Broad College of Business, contact Senior Director of Development Vivian Leung at leung@broad.msu.edu, or by calling 517-355-8504.