Twenty-nine Appalachian State University students are the first to receive a new Summit Certification offered through the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center in the Walker College of Business.
The students, risk management and insurance (RMI) majors, actuarial science majors and employee benefits minors, received the certificates during the Brantley Center's fall board of advisors meeting, held on Appalachian's campus Nov. 7.
Summit Certification requires participants to complete the existing "Core 4" requirements for all Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) members, plus four additional requirements. The Core 4 requirements are:
- Joining Appalachian's Rho chapter of GIS
- Attending three GIS guest speaker events
- Participating in on-campus or off-campus industry-related networking/travel event
- Completing a formal interview, or a mock interview through Business Career Services in the BB&T Student Leadership Center.
Student who wish to earn Summit Certification must select at least four of nine additional opportunities, including serving in a GIS leadership role, participating in the AppRISE research team or completing a paid industry internship. The complete list is online, insurance.appstate.edu/students/summit-certification.
"This new program was developed by our board members, who well understand industry needs for new talent," said Brantley Center Director and IIANC Distinguished Professor David Marlett. "This certification will help our students quantify their extra-curricular activities, which are already designed to prepare them for success post-graduation."
The Brantley Center board's skills committee spearheaded the effort, and committee members reviewed the candidates and conducted student interviews before affirming the certifications.
Mike Mitchell, North Carolina area president for RPS Charlotte chaired the committee. “We were excited to bring the Summit Certification to the program this semester as we felt it would encourage students to get more experiential learning and also provide them with talking points when interviewing or networking,” he said.
"We’re very proud of this first group of students who earned the Summit Certification," added Marlett. "We look forward to following their successful career progression as they become leaders in the industry post-graduation."
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.
Appalachian's Risk Management and Insurance Program is the sixth largest in the country according to Business Insurance magazine. 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.
Inaugural class of Summit Certified students
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