App State offers first university-administered risk management designation for water and wastewater professionals

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University and the American Association of Water Distribution & Management (AAWD&M) have announced the nation’s first university-administered risk management designation for water and wastewater professionals.

The Certified Public Risk Officer – Water & Wastewater (CPRO-W2) designation will be managed through the university’s Office of Sponsored Programs with consultation from the Walker College of Business. 

“This new programming is one example of how App State continues to expand opportunities for professionals to grow in their education and career,” said Walker College of Business Dean Sandra Vannoy. 

The CPRO-W2 designation indicates a practical understanding of technical water and wastewater operations as well as the role of risk management in the industry.

Dr. Lorilee Medder, App State’s Joseph F. Freeman Distinguished Professor of Insurance, will coordinate the CPRO-W2 program.

“We’re thrilled to offer a substantive and innovative course of study for a dynamic industry that is experiencing complex and emerging issues — from water quality and cybersecurity to forever chemicals (PFAS) and insurance market constraints,” said Medders. “Program designees will gain valuable strategic and tactical perspectives that can be meaningfully deployed across all spectrums of their enterprise.”

Enrollees will interact with App State faculty experts as well as professionals from industries including insurance, legal, finance, accounting and engineering. 

“This collaboration between App State’s Walker College of Business and AAWD&M provides an important professional development bridge to the water industry,” said Paul Fuller, AAWD&M Director and Executive Officer. “The Walker College of Business has earned a well-deserved reputation for its risk management and sustainability initiatives, and the CPRO-W2 designation program is another example of the college and university’s active commitment to educate ‘globally minded, responsible members of society who engage with and actively contribute to their communities.’” 

Admission requirements and information will be released in early 2023.

For more information, contact Dr. Lorilee Medders at meddersla@appstate.edu or (828) 262-6234.

About the American Association of Water Distribution & Management

The American Association of Water Distribution & Management (AAWD&M) is an Internal Revenue Service sanctioned public charity with the express mission of providing educational support to water-related entities throughout the United States. AAWD&M regularly publishes white papers, video presentations, and audio briefs on areas of interest, salience and prevalence. Learn more at https://aawdm.org.

About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact our community, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling approximately 3,000 undergraduates in 10 majors and 175 graduate students in three master's programs, the Walker College is accredited by AACSB International – the premier global accrediting body for schools of business. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 20,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. Learn more at https://appstate.edu.

App State offers first university-administered risk management designation for water and wastewater professionals
Published: Dec 20, 2022 11:51am

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