Six Appalachian RMI and Actuarial Science Majors, along with Faculty Advisor, Dr. Karen Epermanis traveled to Middle Tennessee State University January 25-26, 2019 for the newly created Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) Regional Conference platform. As a means of reducing travel time and cost, the Regional Conference provides a single access point for industry representatives to interact with multiple schools in a single setting. Tremendous opportunities exist to engage the next generation, and the conference allows students of various majors to develop professionally.
AppState Rho Chapter President, Avery Fink, reflects on the success of the conference. "The GIS Regional Conference was a valuable learning experience for both upperclassmen and underclassmen alike. The speakers had great stories to share about their time in the industry and gave great career advice. I'm grateful to have been able to attend, especially since this was the first one for our region. I imagine it will only get better in the years to come."
The conference included a career fair, educational and hot topic sessions, keynote addresses, and alumni panels. The Tennessee Regional Conference, hosted by Middle Tennessee State University, included students from Appalachian State University, Eastern Kentucky University, Mississippi State University, University of Alabama, and University of Mississippi.
[Pictured Left to Right: Graham Purcell, Joshua Johnson, Karen Epermanis Avery Fink, Lauren Coats, Spencer Daniels, and Jeb Phillips]
About the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center
The Brantley Risk and Insurance Center in 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 and 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 insurance.appstate.edu.
