Twelve students from Appalachian State University's Walker College of Business traveled to Greensboro, NC to attend the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association (NCSLA) annual meeting March 19-21.
NCSLA is a strategic partner of the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center (BRIC), and the students are risk management and insurance majors in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance. Dr. David Marlett, BRIC managing director, and Dillon Waschenbach, BRIC associate director accompanied the students.
"This event provided a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect with industry leaders and risk management students from other universities while gaining deeper insights into the evolving E&S [Excess and Surplus] market," said Waschenbach.
During the meeting, four of the App State students—Riley English, Adrian Everett, Zack Middleton, and Hrisha (Aanshi) Bhatty—presented their work Cracks in the System: Addressing Coverage Gaps in Residential Property Insurance. They explored the impact of landslides in Western NC during Hurricane Helene, broader global landslide risks, confusing policy wording, and potential insurance solutions.
"This topic was deeply personal to me as my family has been at the forefront of Hurricane Helene’s recovery in North Cove, NC, through our nonprofit Heart of North Cove," said English.
Bhatty stands at the podium while fellow presenters look on.
In addition to the experience of presenting on relevant topics, the App State business students benefited by connecting with industry professionals, sharing insights, and discussing regulatory updates and market trends.
About the Brantley Risk and 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 allows students 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 designing and delivering continuing education programs, and helps educate the public about the insurance industry. Appalachian is designated a Global Center of Insurance Excellence by the International Insurance Society. Learn more at https://insurance.appstate.edu.
App State students at NCSLA meeting
App State students at NCSLA meeting