When Zach Needles transferred from North Carolina State University to Appalachian State University, he didn’t know anyone, but he quickly found a family in the Walker College of Business. “The App State community and the Walker College of Business is the most welcoming group of people I have ever come into contact with,” Zach said.
Zach joined Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), the student association for insurance professionals, meeting friends and peers and becoming a leader in the organization along the way. With GIS, Zach traveled to Bermuda for the International Insurance Markets course and earned an insurance scholarship to ensure the fullest possible experience. He served as GIS's director of community service and became a connector for others.
Zach Needles, right, with fellow Gamma Iota Sigma members at a North Carolina Association of Mutual Insurance Companies event.
While transferring was a challenge, it taught Zach something important: “I have more capabilities to put myself out there than I realized,” he said.
Zach says his father inspired his work ethic and perseverance, and he’s grateful for professors who supported his success, too. “Every class I walked into in the Walker College had one theme: my professors love teaching, want to help me, and most of all want to see me succeed,” he said.
Zach added that marketing professor Charlie Ciaramita made a big impact on him, as did scholarship donors Greg and Heather Langdon. “They have made me feel at home here at App State.” The Langdons fund the Langdon Spirit Scholarship at the Walker College, and Greg retired from App State as associate director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, which houses GIS and fosters meaningful connections between students and industry.
Zach Needles, right, with his scholarship donor, Greg Langdon, and Yosef.
After graduation, Zach will begin his career in transportation insurance with Risk Placement Services in Charlotte. Zach is one of 399 December 2025 graduates of the Walker College of Business. Read more student stories: business.appstate.edu/news/students.
About the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center
The Brantley Risk and Insurance Center at 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 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.
Zach Needles '25
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