Regions Financial Corp. has donated $200,000 to Brenau University, with one of its executives saying that women’s business education is central to the company’s charitable giving programs.

The money was donated with no strings attached.

"Brenau can do what it thinks best with the money," said Peter D. Miller, Regions’ regional chief executive.

"Hopefully, over time, it will become seed money for the development of programs that will improve business education for women," added Miller, who also serves as chairman of the university’s board of trustees.

Brenau has 552 students — 405 as undergraduates and 147 as graduates — enrolled in its business administration program.

Brenau President Ed Schrader said Regions stands a great chance of seeing its money grow "in supporting the efforts of the university to develop programs for women in finance."

"Regions and its predecessor institutions have always been vital partners for Brenau," he added.

They have provided financial capital for operations and growth and "human capital with brainpower and vision to help us develop programs that are the most beneficial to the communities we both serve," Schrader said. "We are very grateful for this gift, and we look forward to a strengthening relationship in the future."

In December, the university for the first time presented its Distinguished Service to Brenau award to Regions, rather than to an individual.