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Directors Report: Dr. David Marlett, Brantley Center Managing Director
Our most recent graduates have officially left campus and are beginning the next chapter of their lives and careers. This exceptional group of students, especially those on the Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) leadership team, achieved remarkable success during their time here. They earned national recognition at the GIS Annual Meeting, including the prestigious Superior Chapter designation, awarded to only eight chapters nationwide. Most recently, they were named Student Organization of the Year at Appalachian State University's Black and Gold Awards.
Beyond awards, their commitment to service stood out. Especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, when they mobilized to help those in need. In this newsletter, you'll read more about their accomplishments and the impact they made.
It has been a true honor for the faculty and staff to teach, mentor, and travel with these students. We are proud of them and excited to see where their journeys take them next.
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Speakers and Professional Development Events | |
Boyles Lecture- Alum Todd Campbell- Builders Insurance
Each year the Walker College of Business invites an alum back to campus to speak to the next generation of students. This year, we have the privilege of having Todd Campbell, CEO of Builders Insurance speak to students. Todd spoke about different stops along his career, the challenges he experienced, the chances he took professionally and personally and how those things shaped his career. Todd's speaking approach was engaging and inspiring for students as he challenged them to simply say "yes" to experiences they may have otherwise rejected.
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Boyles Lecture Luncheon Speaker- Adrian Everett
In addition to Todd Campbell speaking at the Boyles Lecture, our own Adrian Everett spoke at the annual Boyles Lecture Luncheon. Adrian spoke about his family and the values they instilled in him. These values led him to excel in his college education.
Adrian has been a fixture in the Brantley Center for several years, and upon graduation, will be moving to Cincinnati to work with Core Specialty!
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Students Present on Landslide Coverage at NCSLA Conference
David Marlett, PhD and Dillon Waschenbach accompanied 12 RMI students to the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association’s Annual Meeting in Greensboro, NC. This event provided an 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 market.
Riley English, Adrian Everett, Zack Middleton, and Hrisha Bhatty presented on landslide risks, policy wording challenges, and potential E&S market solutions.
We want to thank the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association, Steve Allen, CPCU and Geoff Allen for this invaluable opportunity and for your continued support of Appalachian State University and the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center!
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Walker Spring Connect another Success!
In late February, the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center and Business Career Services hosted another successful Walker Spring Connect career fair. This fair saw 90 total companies, 27 were insurance specific in attendance, and 900 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 Fall 2025, Walker Business Connections career fair, please email Dillon Waschenbach (waschenbachd@appstate.edu) for more details! Registration will open in early June!
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GIS Brings in Speakers from Across the Country
This spring saw speakers come to campus from across the country. First, Howard Beckwith of Travelers and George Luther of American Global, spoke to students about the relationship between brokers and underwriters. Next, Vladimir Bessarabov, of the East Bay Municipal Utility District in Oakland, CA, spoke to students about being a risk manager of a municipal company. Finally, Theresa Haddock of Nautilus Insurance in Scottsdale, AZ visited to discuss her career in Claims for an E&S company and some of the complex claims she has managed.
We want to thank Howard, George, Vladimir, and Theresa for taking time out of their busy schedules to come to Boone and speak with our students.
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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:
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Brantley Brunches provided by Local Businesses
Jackson Sumner and Associates, and Granite Insurance hosted Brantley Brunches this semester and were able to meet with students as they traveled to and from classes. Students were able to grab snacks and drinks while learning about both of these local organizations! Thank you both for hosting!
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Wholesure Hosts Students in Boone Office
Wholesure hosted RMI students in early February for a fun team building event! Students were able to mingle with current Wholesure employees and learn about the daily work they are doing in the Boone Office! A special thanks to Robb Williams, Jaimee Williams-Caldwell, Mary Groome and Lauren Broadway for organizing this event!
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Top Golf Fundraiser- August 7th, 2025
Do you want to support professional development opportunities like the above events or student scholarships? If so, check out our Top Golf Fundraiser in August! Each year we host 200+ participants at Top Golf for a great afternoon of networking and fun. All of the money raised from the event goes back to students in the Risk Management and Insurance program at App State! Click the button below to learn more and register!
| Gamma Iota Sigma- Rho Chapter Highlights | |
Gamma Iota Sigma- Rho Chapter Awarded Club of the Year
We are honored to share that the Gamma Iota Sigma -Rho Chapter has been awarded Student Organization of the Year at Appalachian State University’s Black and Gold Awards, recognized for their Hurricane Helene relief efforts earlier this year.
In just three days, students raised over $12,000, which went towards helping organizations like the Hunger and Health Coalition, American Red Cross, Humane Society, F.A.R.M. Cafe, and several local churches across Boone. This effort was only possible because of the strong support from the insurance industry and Gamma Iota Sigma -Rho Chapter members. Thank you to all of those who support our students and the High Country!
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RPS Joins GIS for Open House
Each semester, our GIS students hold an Open House to provide an overview of the opportunities within Gamma Iota Sigma, from professional development to unparalleled networking and industry engagement.
Follow this discussion, Mike Mitchell, Jackson Stamey, and Teo Piper from RPS hosted a panel entitled, "Going Pro with RPS" . They captivated the audience with their career journeys, industry insights, and actionable advice for aspiring professionals.
Thank you to our panelists for their invaluable contributions and to all who joined us for making the evening a resounding success!
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GIS Partners with Letters of Love
Appalachian State Gamma Iota Sigma partnered with Pi Sigma Epsilon - Gamma Xi and the App State Black Student Association for a Letters of Love event.
Letters of Love Global is an organization that creates hand-crafted cards to provide emotional support for children battling serious and terminal illnesses. They aim to build a community of love and kindness, empowering young people to change the world one card at a time.
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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 canned food to support Hunger and Health Coalition's Food is Medicine program, clothes for Oasis, which supports those impacted by domestic abuse, and a diaper drive for the Children's Council of Watuaga County.
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Jackson Sumner & Associates Supports GIS Diaper Drive
GIS partnered with Jackson Sumner & Associates in an effort to supply diapers and wipes to local families in need. This drive, held in honor of Women’s History Month, helps support the Children's Council of Watuaga County.
Thank you to Jackson Sumner and Associates for your support on this diaper drive!
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Ashe County Schools Welcome GIS Leaders to Learn more about RMI Education
This semester, Mea Picone and Riley English had the opportunity to spread the word about Appalachian State’s Risk Management and Insurance Program in Ashe County High School’s CTE Business Class. They taught the students some of the basics of insurance, as well as shared some cool facts, like how famous athletes, musicians and race car drivers all need insurance.
GIS has worked hard to educate others in the community about the benefits of an education and career in the insurance industry!
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Students Engage with Companies and Culture in London
This Spring Break we were fortunate to have a sunny London Experience! Students were able to meet with companies such as Markel International, Acrisure Re, Amwins Global Risks, and Beazley.
In addition to the company visits, we were able to connect with other industry partners and alums!
Todd Campbell helped arrange a visit to Aventum Group and provided some quick history lessons to students about the City. He also hosted an incredible dinner and wine tasting. It was a unique experience rich with history and camaraderie.
The second was meeting with former students who are now working in London Brandon Wilkerson Cecilia Yanez Sarah LaWall, MBA, Cert CII.
We want to extend a thank you to Dixita P., Steven O'Connell, Annie March, Brandon Wilkerson, and Todd Campbell for helping us organize such memorable visits for this years trip to London!
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New York City has Much to Offer Students Interested in RMI Careers
The Building Insurance Talent (BIT) cohort is a group of 10 diverse students from various backgrounds and majors who come together to explore opportunities in the insurance sector. The cohort traveled to New York City to visit three companies: Acrisure Re, Munich Re and Travelers. Each organization warmly welcomed the students and hosted insightful panel discussions featuring professionals who shared their career journeys and highlighted the wide range of opportunities within the industry. These conversations helped students better understand how their unique skills and interests could align with careers in insurance.
We are deeply grateful to our generous hosts in New York for their hospitality and time. Special thanks to Susann Rivera, Nancy Degree, and Stanley C. Raynor for facilitating our visit—we truly appreciate your support.
Beyond professional development, students also had the chance to experience the city, exploring Times Square, Chinatown, and even attending a Broadway show. Thank you to all of the Brantley Center supporters who helped make this unforgettable experience possible!
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Students are Looking Forward to Visiting Bermuda
Soon, 13 students will be leaving Boone to travel to Bermuda, where they will meet with brokers, reinsurers, insurers and climate scientists! These students will take time to learn why Bermuda is a hub of insurance as well as the history of Bermuda and what makes it unique. We look forward to hearing more about the trip, upon their return!
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Riskworld Provides Students a Wide Ranging View of RMI Across the World
Five students, accompanied by Professors Lori Medders and David Marlett, attended the RIMS RISKWORLD Conference in Chicago, gaining firsthand exposure to the global risk management and insurance industry. In addition to numerous concurrent educational sessions, they attended invitation-only gatherings sponsored by:
These exclusive events provided valuable opportunities to engage with industry professionals and fellow students from across the globe, offering deeper insight into the collaborative and evolving landscape of risk management.
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Carolina RIMS Hosts Students for Shadow Day in Charlotte
Carolina RIMS hosted a group of sophomore and junior students in Charlotte to shadow employees at Sompo, ECM Solutions., WTW, and Sealed Air Corporation. This was a valuable experience for students to see the day-to-day experiences of brokers, account managers, risk managers, and more! A special thank you to Marie Baird and Martha Basco, ARM of RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.) for setting up this event and supporting our App State students!
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CPCU I-Day Allows Students to Learn about Trends in the Insurance Industry
5 students attended the CPCU I-Day event in Charlotte. At this event, students were able to network with Charlotte area risk professionals (and many App State Alums, pictured below), hear about topics and trends that can impact the insurance market. With many alums having careers in Charlotte, it was great to see current and former students interact and connect!
Thank you to the Charlotte CPCU Chapter for supporting the Risk Management and Insurance program at App State, our students benefit greatly from experiences like these and being able to include CPCU courses in their coursework!
| Alumni and Student Profiles | |
Alum Profile: Mike Mitchell '07- Risk Placement Services
Active alumni of the Risk Management and Insurance program at Appalachian State allow the Brantley Center to function at a high level. A great example of this is Mike Mitchell, of Risk Placement Services, who has been a staple in the Brantley Center since he was a student. Each semester, Mike and his team of App State alums, come to campus to speak in classes, meet with GIS, and recruit interns and full-time employees. With his warm personality, and expert knowledge of transportation coverage in the excess and surplus space. Mike provides real-world examples when guest lecturing, which helps students see how the concepts they are learning apply to their future careers.
Mike has been active on the Brantley Risk and Insurance Board of Advisors, which has led him to being nominated as the next Brantley Board Chair. We are excited to see his work continue with the Brantley Board!
Finally, we want to congratulate Mike on his recent promotion to Vice President of the Southeast Region at Risk Placement Services!
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Student Spotlight: Oliver Fogle '27- Gamma Iota Sigma President
As seen throughout this newsletter, the Gamma Iota Sigma- Rho Chapter (GIS) is incredibly active at Appalachian State. There have been many great leaders through the years, so choosing a new president is difficult because the bar is set high. This year, Oliver Fogle, a sophmore from Huntersville, NC, was elected the GIS president due to his can-do attitude, dedication to the organization, and welcoming personaility.
Oliver took responsibility early on this year in developing a robust community service outreach plan with his co-leader of community service, Riley English. In addition to being active in community service, Oliver was vocal in adjustments he saw needed in GIS and helped bring new members into the organization. In additon to his active leadership in the Rho chapter, Oliver has also been elected to the Student Advisory Council with the National Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma. Outside of GIS, Oliver will be starting an internship with Main Street Insurance Group in Charlotte, NC. We are excited to continue to watch Oliver grow, and see all of the great work he will do during his time with App State!
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