On September 26th-28th, Dr. Jamie Parson traveled with four Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) students to the National African-American Insurance Association (NAAIA) conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
NAAIA is a network of African-American industry professionals coming together to talk about emerging issues in the industry as well as provide professional development for members and students looking to enter into the field.
While in Atlanta, William Chisholm, Walter Lowe, TaQavea Searcy, and Leah Thomas were able to connect with a few recent RMI alumni at Beazley and Willis Towers Watson, as well as former African American Alumni Association president, Alicia Farrer (‘85).
The students also had the chance to meet the opening plenary speaker, Kimberly Davis who is the Executive Vice-President at the National Hockey League.
“One of the biggest takeaways from the conference is the importance of helping each other through the industry. Everyone can benefit from one another”, said Junior RMI and Apparel Design double major, William Chisholm.
About the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center
The Brantley Risk and Insurance Center in Appalachian State University's Walker College of Business enhances the academic experience by providing space and staff to assist risk management and insurance majors with networking, job placement preparation and contact with faculty members outside the classroom. It provides students opportunities to participate in professional designation and licensing programs, and invites industry leaders to participate in classes and speak to student organizations. It also fosters research and faculty development, assists the insurance industry in the design and delivery of continuing education programs and helps educate the public about the insurance industry. The Brantley Center Learn more at https://insurance.appstate.edu
Appalachian's Risk Management and Insurance Program is the seventh largest in the country. The college's Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, founded in 1988 with support from the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, supports research and faculty development, assists the insurance industry in the design and delivery of training and continuing education programs, and facilitates interaction between students, faculty and the professionals in the insurance industry. Appalachian is designated a Global Center of Insurance Excellence by the International Insurance Society. For more information about the center, visit insurance.appstate.edu.
