Alliance Data Systems, a leading provider of transaction services, credit services and marketing services, has been named The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) School of Management’s sixth Strategic Partner.

“We are excited that Alliance Data Systems is joining our team as a Strategic Partner,” said UTD School of Management (SOM) Dean Dr. Hasan Pirkul. “We envision a synergy that will be gained for both organizations based on the strengths of both.”

UTD School of Management Strategic Partners make a financial commitment to the school as well as pledge to support its efforts through involvement on the School’s Advisory Council and the University’s Development Board. In return, Alliance Data Systems will receive “value back” in terms of priority in hiring and opportunities to utilize SOM centers, as well as classes for real-world problem solving. The school will provide Alliance Data Systems several seminars per year based on identified needs.

“It is a win-win for both organizations,” said Dwayne Tucker, executive vice president of Alliance Data Systems. “We are pleased to have the resources of UTD as one of the tools available to us as we strive to be an ‘employer of choice’ in our industry.”

Anthony Good, vice president of corporate communications for Alliance Data Systems, has been designated as the SOM Advisory Council representative. Good has spent the last two decades helping organizations become more effective in their communications with internal and external stakeholders. He has developed comprehensive communications strategies for the launch of new products, long-range corporate planning and short-term issues.

“The UTD School of Management has emerged as one of the country’s fastest growing organizations for business learning,” said Good. “We’re proud to be a neighbor of UTD and look forward to a strong relationship with The School of Management.”

The School of Management’s other Strategic Partners are Alcatel USA, AT&T, Fujitsu, Haynes & Boone LLP and Nortel Networks.