BOONE, N.C. — Shelby Weatherman ’18 works as a risk analyst in Charlotte for SCOR, a top-tier global reinsurer and the largest individual life reinsurer in the U.S.

Initially, Weatherman was unsure of her career path. As she explored the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center early in her sophomore year at Appalachian State University, however, she realized she found a major — risk management and insurance (RMI) — that went beyond the classroom.

“The Brantley Center offers professional development, off-campus experiential learning, and has encouraging faculty and staff to guide students who are finding their career path,” said Weatherman, who is originally from Advance.

As an RMI major in Appalachian’s Walker College of Business, Weatherman found the academic program and its supporting center provided an abundance of travel opportunities for students.

She visited Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and cities in Ohio and Texas for industry and Gamma Iota Sigma conferences, and traveled to London and Bermuda as part of an International Insurance Markets course. In Washington, D.C., she shadowed members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), met members of Congress and lobbied on Capitol Hill for the National Flood Insurance Program bill.

Much of her domestic travel was made possible by scholarships through the Brantley Center.

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center and the RMI program for all of the opportunities they provided me,” Weatherman said. “These opportunities shaped me into the professional I am today.”

Another pivotal experience for her, Weatherman said, was her involvement with Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), the risk management and actuarial society.

“Serving as the executive vice president of App State’s GIS chapter was a fantastic opportunity to enhance my leadership and professional skills, build my personal and professional network, and donate my time to volunteering activities,” she said.

Since graduating, she has joined the Brantley Center’s Board of Advisors.

“Continuing my involvement with the program as the alumni representative has been an incredible opportunity so far. I am excited to continue to give back to the program that provided me with an unmatched educational experience during my time at Appalachian,” she said.

Would she recommend the RMI major to prospective students? Yes, she said.

“The program has an incredible group of faculty, staff and Board of Advisors that work hard to ensure all students have a well-rounded college experience on and off campus. Every year the program adds more and more activities to engage the students and prepare them for their careers upon graduation.”

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Risk Management and Insurance (BSBA)

This degree prepares students for a variety of professions within the risk and insurance field, including claims, underwriting, actuarial science, brokerage, sales, customer services, human resources and information technology systems.

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First Destination Success

Appalachian tracks where its graduates go, notes high success rate

Whether graduates seek immediate employment or an advanced degree, their experience at Appalachian State University gets them where they want to go at a high rate of success.

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About the Brantley Risk and 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. Appalachian is designated a Global Center of Insurance Excellence by the International Insurance Society. Learn more at https://insurance.appstate.edu.

About the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance

The Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance develops leaders for business, government and education by offering a Bachelor of Science in business administration in two specializations: finance and banking, and risk management and insurance. Learn more at https://finance.appstate.edu.

About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling nearly 5,000 students, including more than 4,500 undergraduates across 11 majors, the Walker College of Business has the highest full-time undergraduate enrollment in the University of North Carolina System. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.