The Markel Specialty leadership group recently established a $5,000 scholarship at Appalachian State that is geared toward increasing Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, announced Dr. David Marlett, Brantley Risk & Insurance Center Managing Director and Risk Management Professor.
“All of us at Appalachian are grateful for the financial investments that our strategic partners at Markel have made by establishing their first diversity and inclusion (D&I) scholarship in support of our talented students,” said Dr. Marlett. He added that the scholarship will be offered to rising seniors at Appalachian who are Risk Management & Insurance (RMI) majors from underrepresented groups who have demonstrated a D&I commitment.
This initiative was spearheaded by Markel Regional President, Steve Girard, who also serves on the App State Brantley Risk & Insurance Center’s Board of Advisors: https://insurance.appstate.edu/about/board-advisors-2020.
“It was important to select a school that believes in creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We believe that with this scholarship Markel will do its part to facilitate increased diversity among underrepresented groups within the specialty insurance industry,” said Girard. “This scholarship supports our belief that diversity equates to greater innovation and creativity which drives an engaged and productive workforce to success.”
About the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center
The Brantley Risk & 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 the design and delivery of continuing education programs, and helps educate the public about the insurance industry. Learn more at https://insurance.appstate.edu.
Appalachian's Risk Management & Insurance Program is the sixth-largest in the country according to Business Insurance magazine. The college's Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, founded in 1988 with support from the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, supports research and faculty development, assists the insurance industry in the design and delivery of training and continuing education programs, and facilitates interaction between students, faculty and the professionals in the insurance industry. Appalachian is designated a Global Center of Insurance Excellence by the International Insurance Society. For more information about the Center, visit www.insurance.appstate.edu.
