As communities across the country face growing challenges from climate change, regulatory shifts, and financial pressures, Appalachian State University is helping prepare water sector professionals to manage risks.
In collaboration with the American Association for Water Distribution and Management, App State’s Walker College of Business offers the Certified Public Risk Officer – Water and Wastewater (CPRO-W2) designation to strengthen enterprise risk management across the water sector.
An inaugural CPRO-W2 master leadership class began in August 2025, bringing together leaders from major utilities and water-focused Non-Governmental Organizations nationwide.
"Participants gain practical awareness of utility operations and learn how to implement enterprise risk management systems to enhance organizational performance and community resilience," said Dr. Lori Medders, who leads the initiative at App State. "They learn how to effectively communicate risk management strategies with regulators, stakeholders, and external financial partners."
Earn your CPRO-W2 Designation
As environmental uncertainties rise, the CPRO-W2 designation offers a timely resource for leaders navigating associated complexities. Learn more or indicate interest in a future course: business.appstate.edu/programs/waterrisk.
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 4,219 undergraduates in 11 majors, as well as 271 graduate students in three master's programs, the Walker College's full-time undergraduate enrollment is the highest in the UNC System. 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 campus flooded following Hurricane Helene
Photo by Chase Reynolds