A gift of $250,000 has been given to the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center at Appalachian State University by the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC).
The money will be used to renovate the facilities within the Walker College of Business.
The CEO of IIANC, Aubie Knight, personally presented the check to the interim dean of the Walker College of Business, Dean Heather, earlier this month.
Knight exclaimed how the IIANC is proud to support the university’s program. He underlined how the students will “play a critical role in the future success of the insurance industry.”
The IIANC has long supported Appalachian’s program. Indeed, the IIANC is recognized by the center as its “Founding Strategic Partner.”
“We are very grateful to the IIANC for its 25-plus years of involvement with the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center in support of our students,” Norris stated. “This most recent financial investment by the IIANC will help us enhance and make more versatile the spaces where our risk management and insurance students collaborate, learn and grow to become the next generation of successful insurance industry leaders.”
Appalachian State University’s risk management and insurance (RMI) program is one of the “10 Largest Risk and Insurance Schools,” as ranked by Risk Management magazine. The program seeks to prepare graduates for insurance-related careers by providing opportunities for scholars to interact with professionals in the industry.
“Our long-standing partnership with the IIANC and its member companies has been the cornerstone of the risk management and insurance program at Appalachian,” said Karen Epermanis, Bradley Center director and RMI professor. “This gift allows us to embark upon a much-needed modernization effort within the Brantley Center so that our students can capitalize on the educational opportunities afforded them. Beginning this fall, we will remove walls and reconfigure the floor plan, which will double the usable physical space to facilitate improved networking, study and research between students, faculty and community members.”
