Our mission is to support the insurance program in the Walker College of Business by increasing the level of student involvement with the insurance industry. The center supports the teaching function for the insurance major, supports and encourages research on insurance topics, and provides a vehicle for on-going interaction with the insurance industry through continuing education programs, executive-in-residence appointments, internships and placement of graduates in the industry.

On October 18, 1988, the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, Inc., its association and membership honored Mr. Richard S. Brantley for his 36 years of unselfish and devoted leadership by establishing the Richard S. Brantley Risk and Insurance Center.

Dick Brantley was a cornerstone of the North Carolina Insurance industry for over forty years, including a 36-year career with the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina and service with the North Carolina Department of Insurance as Chief Deputy Commissioner.

He joined the North Carolina Association of Insurance Agents as Assistant Secretary in 1952 and was named Executive Vice President in 1960, a post he held until September 1988. During his career with the IIANC, he received three citations for exceptional achievements. Brantley attended Mars Hill College and North Carolina State University and built an admirable career in the United States Air Corps. A decorated World War II hero, he piloted 35 missions over France and Germany and later became a Retired Reserve Captain.

During much of the same time, Brantley was furthering his college career. He graduated from the business school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, did graduate work in math and statistics, and taught economic statistics for two years at the university.