Celebrating 90 years 1934-2024 Thanks to Our Members

Stop by your local branch on Wednesday, November 20 to help us celebrate this big milestone!

This year, TTCU Federal Credit Union is celebrating both its rich history and its bright future.

TTCU had humble beginnings. It was founded in 1934 during the depths of the Great Depression. A group of local teachers came together to support their peers with much-needed loans. These loans often went toward essentials, like professional clothing for new jobs and air conditioners for their homes. The founder, Linnie B. Wilson, kept the first $1,600 in deposits tucked inside a desk drawer in her classroom at Tulsa’s Central High School. Deposits and withdrawals could be made during her planning period. 

In 1937, however, the credit union had outgrown her desk drawer. TTCU moved into a room in the Masonic Temple Building in Tulsa, until further growth necessitated the purchase of the credit union’s first building at 907 S. Guthrie. After TTCU hit the milestone of 5,000 members in 1960, the space began to feel a bit tight. TTCU purchased real estate in midtown Tulsa in 1965, which still houses a branch today.

Now, 90 years later, TTCU Federal Credit Union has grown into a $2.6 billion institution with 21 branches serving 153,000 members. A far cry from the cigar box Wilson kept in her desk drawer, yet the spirit of helping others remains at the core of TTCU’s mission.

We are still very proud of our heritage of serving our local educators. At TTCU, you will be much more than an account. We exist to help make our members’ financial lives better. We’re here to do what’s best for you.

– Shelby Beil, President and CEO

Milestones

1934
TTCU is established by a cooperative of teachers, including Linnie B. Wilson. The credit union is, in fact a cigar box in Miss Wilson’s desk. She is a teacher at Central High School, located at 6th & Cincinnati.

1956
TTCU moves to their recently constructed office, located at 907 S. Guthrie

1967
TTCU relocates once again. Moving to 31st & New Haven, it’s the first time since inception that TTCU does not have an office in downtown Tulsa.

1985
Construction begins on expanding the 31st street location. A new, 3 story addition is planned to meet the growing needs of TTCU.

1992
TTCU opens its first branch. Located in a small strip mall in Tahlequah, OK, the branch is a success. In 2002, a dedicated branch building is opened.

1993
Branch expansion continues with the opening of TTCU – Eastland, located at 21st & 145th. TTCU becomes smoke free.

1998
TTCU’s third branch, Southeast opens.

2002
The Owasso location opens for business.

2004
TTCU opens North Pointe, located at 140 E. Pine in Tulsa.

2006 – 2009
TTCU branch expansion continues with the opening of Jenks (2006), Broken Arrow (2007), Muskogee (2008), Claremore (2009). In 2009, our asset size reaches $900 million dollars. TTCU employs 255 people.

2008
TTCU introduces School Pride Visa Debit Cards. With each “swipe”, card holders can earn funds for their school. Beginning with just 20 schools, the program has grown to include 67 schools. Since its inception, TTCU has given back more than $2.5 million dollars to area schools, through the program.

2011
Total assets surpass $1 billion dollars. We open our 13th branch location – Riverside.

2016
The new corporate building is opened, allowing employees to better serve our members.

2020
TTCU expands into the Oklahoma City area, with branches in Quail Springs, Edmond (2021) and Crown Heights (2022). Assets reach $1.8 billion dollars.

2024
Shelby Beil becomes TTCU’s 8th President and CEO.