Brantley Risk and Insurance Center Director's Note | | |
The job market for our graduates remains strong, with 100% of the most recent class successfully placed!
One of the questions we hear most often is how to recruit and evaluate students effectively. Our top recommendation is to visit campus and consider offering internships. While the idea of creating an internship program can feel overwhelming—wondering where to start, how to structure it, and what expectations to set—Dillon Waschenbach and I are here to guide you through every step and help encourage students to apply. Recently, the IIABA Invest Program launched a series on internships, and you can view Part 1 of their video below. This video answers many of the questions we hear from recruiters.
David C. Marlett
Managing Director
Brantley Risk and Insurance Center
marlettdc@appstate.edu
| If your company is looking to build an internship program or are looking to hire interns or entry level full-time hires, please click the button below to reach out to the Brantley Center! We are happy to meet with you and discuss best practices, trends we are seeing, or to get you in touch with prospective hires! | | |
Internship Champion- Magnolia Grove
A few years back, Justin Crawford of Magnolia Grove contacted the Brantley Center to learn more about the RMI program at App State and to discuss their internship program. The following fall, they hired their first App State intern. Since then, they have hired 1-2 interns each year and have converted many of those interns into full time employees.
What makes the Magnolia Grove internship program successful is a mixture of the interns working in live accounts, working closely with full-time underwriters, and participating in business travel. Being a smaller MGA, the interns are able to build strong relationships and experience one-on-one interaction with the staff. This one-on-one interaction creates a network of support from professionals with years of experience in the excess and surplus market. Being in a supportive and open environment has allowed interns to ask questions, share ideas, and learn on a deeper level. In speaking with Anna Ruth, Operations Director at Magnolia Grove, she likes hiring App State students because they are hard workers, curious, and professional. We look forward to working with Magnolia Grove for years to come!
| | |
David Cybuahiro- Jumping at Internship Opportunities
Students like David Cyubahiro do not come around every day. As a Freshman, David got involved with Gamma Iota Sigma and the Brantley Center. Through this engagement, David was able to connect with Penn National, where he was able to intern in their claims department. The following year, he earned the opportunity to spend a summer in New York City, interning with Amwins Access. This led him to spending another summer with Amwins but in their Chicago office, where he gained experience in underwriting. Having 3 internships during a college career is an outstanding achievement and has helped David be a great candidate in his full-time job search. He recently accepted a role as a Technical Assistant with Amwins Brokerage in Charlotte.
| | |
Interning at an Independent Agency-Ashleigh Larson 26'
Each semester a new group of students take Principles of Risk Management & Insurance and discover a new interest they had not thought about before. Ashleigh Larson is one of those students. Last Fall, Ashleigh took Dr. Marlett's Principles of Risk Management and dove right into all things RMI, and Gamma Iota Sigma. By the spring semester, she had accepted an internship with Granite Insurance, and proposed a new role for the GIS leadership team, Director of Recruitment. As an active member of GIS, she saw an opportunity to adjust processes that would help new students get involved and feel supported. Since making these adjustments, 60+ students have expressed interest in GIS and the RMI program!
Over the summer, she completed an internship with Granite Insurance, where she was able to experience the daily life of working with an independent insurance agency. At the end of her internship experience, she accepted a full-time role with Granite and has been working while completing her final year of school. Ashleigh's can-do attitude and positive mindset have made her a great addition to GIS and Granite Insurance!
| | |
Brantley Center Board Highlight: Jarred Chappell- NCRB
The Brantley Center is fortunate to have an active and engaged Board of Advisors. One of these Board Members, Jarred Chappell, COO of the North Carolina Rate Bureau (NCRB), has been a regular face on App State's campus for many years. Jarred regularly attends career fairs, makes class visits, and hires App State students for NCRB's internship program. Recently, Jarred hosted students at NCRB's annual conference in Raleigh.
Students who have interned with Jarred and the NCRB team, have said their internship was informative and interesting, they also mention that the staff was supportive and collaborative. The team at NCRB has made a well-structured internship program where students learn about rate changes, and data analytics. Students are given a unique opportunity to see how the industry works from "behind the scenes", which creates many networking opportunities throughout the summer and prepares them for a variety of roles within the industry. Additionally, at the end of the program, students present on a topic of their choice based on what they have experienced over the summer. Below is a photo of Carolyn Coffey 27', presenting on the workers' compensation rate filing process.
| | Brantley Center and Student Accomplishments | | |
Top Golf Fundraiser- August 7th, 2025
The Brantley Risk & Insurance Center successfully hosted its Annual Fundraiser at Topgolf in Charlotte early August.
The event’s success was made possible by our generous sponsors — Peak Sponsor: Amwins; Gold Sponsors: RT Specialty and Builders Mutual; Black Sponsors: Key Risk (a Berkley Company), Wholesure, CRC Group and Markel; and Bay Sponsors: Magnolia Grove Insurance Services and Risk Placement Services, Inc.
Proceeds from this event support the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center’s mission to provide scholarships, fund professional development opportunities, and recruit and prepare the next generation of insurance leaders.
A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors and participants for making this event a success!
| | |
RMI Students Showcased Research Projects
Sponsored by the Walker College of Business Dean’s Club and the Office for Advanced Studies in Business, Walker College faculty and students showcased their research projects last week during the Business Research Poster Session. RMI student Wilson Puckett presented his Bermuda Study Abroad experience, while Tina Lin shared insights from her internship with IMA.
| | |
Athletic Recruitment Events Supported by The Spencer Foundation
In an new initiative to recruit from a different population of students, the Brantley Center recieved a grant from the Spencer Foundation to host App State athletic teams and have a former student athlete discuss careers in insurance and the RMI program at App State. This semester, alumni and faculty presented to the Women's Basketball team, Men's and Women's Track and Cross Country teams, and the Men's Club Lacrosse team. Through collaboration with coaches, team leaders, and former student athletes, the Brantley Center was able to meet over 80 student athletes and highlight all the RMI program and insurance industry has to offer! A special thank you to Summer Schloss, Mike Mitchell, and Joe Hutelmyer for meeting with these students and sharing their stories as students and professionals!
| | |
Gamma Iota Sigma- Rho Chapter Awarded Distinguished Chapter
16 Appalachian State students attended the 54th Gamma Iota Sigma Annual Conference in Hartford, CT in late September. Over the two-day event, students participated in a career fair featuring more than 80 companies and attended sessions on a wide range of current topics and trends in the Risk Management and Insurance industry.
App State's Gamma Iota Sigma -Rho Chapter was once again honored with the “Distinguished Chapter” Award, recognizing the top 12 chapters out of more than 120 nationwide for outstanding performance in 2024–2025. In addition, the chapter received a Chapter Achievement Award in Community Service.
| | |
Marlett Named the Outstanding Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Leader
We’re proud to celebrate David Marlett, PhD, CPCU, professor in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance and managing director of the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center, for being named the Outstanding Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Leader at the Walker College of Business Global Good Conference.
Dr. Marlett was honored for more than a decade of leadership in immersive insurance markets programs in London and Bermuda. Through his integration of sustainability into course content and his success in securing donor support, he has expanded access to transformative global learning opportunities for hundreds of students.
Students consistently praise Dr. Marlett’s meticulous preparation, unwavering encouragement, and genuine care. By coordinating every detail and designing opportunities for students to network with professionals abroad.
This recognition was part of a broader celebration of seven exceptional individuals who exemplify the values of sustainability, equity, and global citizenship across the Walker College community.
| |
Brantley Center welcomes New Strategic Partner
David Marlett, PhD, CPCU and Dillon Waschenbach visited the newly renovated office of one of our newest partners, Rich Lyon State Farm. We're excited to work with Rich on some projects on-campus! We also got to meet Jake from State Farm (the cardboard version at least).
| | Speakers and Professional Development Events | | |
Walker Fall Business Connection another Success!
In early October, the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center and Business Career Services Walker Business Connections career fair. This fair saw 108 total companies, 41 were insurance specific in attendance, and about 1200 students looking for jobs and internships. Due to the cancellation of the Fall 2024 Walker Business Connections career fair, it was great to have employers back on campus to meet with students!
If you are interested in attending the Spring 2026, Walker Spring Connect career fair, please email Dillon Waschenbach (waschenbachd@appstate.edu) for more details! Registration is open now!
| |
GIS Brings in Speakers from Across the Country
This spring saw speakers come to campus from across the country. First,Tanner Grail, Caroline Reeder, Avery Fink, Summer Schloss and Breelin Motte of Markel, spoke to students about the relationship between brokers and underwriters. Next, Taylor Manning and Gavin Little of USI spoke to students about their various lines of business and shared insights about their job application process. Gil Ramirez and Garrett Droege of IMA shared insights about IMA, their career paths and how advancements in technology are transforming the insurance industry. Finally, a panel of professionals from Markel and Jackson Sumner & Associates spoke about the underwriter/broker relationship to round out the semester.
We want to thank all the speakers for taking time out of their busy schedules to come to Boone and speak with our students.
| |
Students Hear From a Variety of Speakers in Classes
Throughout the semester, RMI Faculty invite many speakers to join their classes to speak with students about their careers, their areas of expertise, and the companies they work for. This allows students to hear from different perspectives and learn more in-depth about areas of focus within the RMI industry! We want to thank the follow partners for stopping by and meeting with our students:
| |
CPCU I-Day Allows Students to Learn about Trends in the Insurance Industry
Dillon Waschenbach accompanied 5 students traveled to Charlotte to participate in the CPCU Shadow Day hosted by the Charlotte CPCU Chapter. App State RMI students had the opportunity to shadow partners such Risk Placement Services, Inc., Sompo, IMA Financial Group, Inc.., Travelers, and RT Specialty. A special thank you to App State alums Madie Kiser, CPCU, CIC and Vance Langdon, CPCU, AU-M, AIDA, ARM for organizing this event!
| Students Conference Travel | |
3 RMI Students Awarded NCAMIC Scholarship
App State RMI students Zach Needles, Jack Cuddy, and Tina Lin were honored as scholarship recipients at the 2025 NCAMIC Annual Conference in September. The rigorous selection process highlighted the outstanding qualities and potential each of them brings to the field.
NCAMIC, the North Carolina Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, is dedicated to serving the best interests of both small and large mutual insurers across the state.
We are grateful to NCAMIC for their continued support of the App State RMI program and their investment in developing the next generation of insurance professionals.
| |
NC PRIMA
Each year, 2 App State students are awarded scholarships to attend the NC Prima conference in Wrightsville Beach. This year, seniors Jack Cuddy and David Cyubahiro attend the conference with Wendy Deng, where they learned more about risk management and insurance at the city, county, and state level of municipal services.
| |
Carolina RIMS
Ayla Solomon, Austin Knowles, and Colton Taylor attended the Carolina RIMS Conference in Charlotte, NC. This one-day conference was jam-packed with helpful speakers and sessions such as the political and economic landscape and how it effects the Risk Management industry, companies creating captives, and tips for preventing claims in transportation, to name a few. Students were able to interact with speakers and industry professionals throughout the event!
| |
ISCEBS
Jake Hartsell and Anthony Lenardi both recieved a scholarship from the International Society of Certifed Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) to attend their annual conference in Minneapolis, MN this past September. During this conference, they were able to build strong relationships with employee benefit professionals and learn about trends within the employee benefit industry. The ISCEBS provides industry mentors to create a supportive environment for the students attending the conference. When Anthony and Jake returned, they had great things to say about the conference and all that they learned! Thank you to the ISCEBS for inviting these students!
| |
Students Attended IIANC InsurEXPO and Young Agents Development Conference
5 Appalachian State students attended the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, Inc. (IIANC) InsurEXPO and 4 attended Young Agents Development this fall. They had the opportunity to hear from innovative speakers and network with agents and company representatives from across the state. Thank you for supporting our students as they continue to learn and grow in the insurance industry.
Special thanks to Professor Austin Eggers for accompanying our students.
| |
Students Attended IIABSC Annual Convention
Dillon Waschenbach and four RMI students Hayes Sheridan, Aaron Anchell, Gareth Hicks and Andrew Thomas attended the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of South Carolina (IIABSC) Annual Convention in Hilton Head mid October. Students enjoyed the opportunity to network with a variety of business professionals, and we appreciate Dillon being included in the agenda to share about the Brantley Center and our work. A special shoutout to IIABSC for hosting our students—the future of insurance!
| |
AppState Students and Faculty Attended Fintech and Insurtech Conference
Lori Medders and Ni Okine brought a group of students to Fayetteville State University for their first annual Fintech and Insurtech Conference! Additionally, David Marlett, PhD, CPCU served as one of the panelists discussing how data and technology are transforming on-demand insurance models and careers. Our students and faculty truly enjoyed learning more about the rapidly evolving world of finance and technology.
| |
CPCU In2Risk
Student Jack Cuddy recieved the CPCU In2Risk scholarship to attend this year's CPCU In2Risk conference in New Orleans. In2Risk is the largest CPCU event of the year, and includes many learning and networking opportunities for those who attend. Topics of conversation included: AI in the workplace, market trends, and building relationships with brokers/underwriters. Thank you to the CPCU for providing scholarships for students, like Jack!
| |
RMI Students Attended WSIA Conference
Late October, Dillon Waschenbach accompanied 8 students to the WSIA (Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association) Extreme Risk Takers conference in Atlanta. Students were able to interact with professionals in the Excess and Surplus industry while learning about topics such as liquor liability, distribution and unusual risks from a panel of current underwriters and brokers! We are thankful for the WSIA for hosting such a great conference each year!
| Gamma Iota Sigma- Rho Chapter Highlights | |
Gamma Iota Sigma Fall Open House a Success
GIS hosted its Fall 2025 Open House last night. Oliver Fogle, Jack Cuddy and Cecelia Cagle gave an overview of the GIS organization, what it stands for, and what our chapter offers.
Ashleigh Larson, Zach Needles and Charles Fairchild shared their summer internship experiences. They discussed how they secured their internships, arranged housing, and what their day-to-day responsibilities looked like.
100 students were in attendance, and many shared that they found the event both informative and helpful.
| |
GIS Works with Local Organizations to Manage Campus Fundraisers
GIS partnered with several local organizations to give back to people throughout the Boone Community. This semester, they donated toys to support Operation Christmas Child and worked with Hunger and Health Coalition to pack boxes of food for those in need!
|
| | | |
