Members of App State’s Rho Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma with App State alumnus Todd Campbell ’87, president and CEO of Builders Insurance Group, center, in App State’s Holmes Convocation Center on March 21, 2025, after his Boyles Lecture titled “Risk and Reward: The Transformative Power of YES in Business and Life.” Under Campbell’s leadership, Builders Insurance Group has made a $500,000 commitment to App State’s Walker College of Business, to support the modernization of the college’s Brantley Risk and Insurance Center — part of the broader work underway for the Peacock Hall addition and renovation project on the Boone campus. Also pictured are staff of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center: Dr. David Marlett, far left, Dillon Waschenbach, far right, Wendy Deng, second from right, and family members of Campbell's, second and third from left. Photo submitted
BOONE, N.C. — Builders Insurance Group, under the leadership of Appalachian State University alumnus Todd Campbell ’87, has committed $500,000 to App State’s Walker College of Business. The funds will support the modernization of the college’s Brantley Risk and Insurance Center — part of the broader building improvements and expansion currently underway at Peacock Hall.
“Our students benefit tremendously from strong alumni engagement and industry partnerships,” said Walker College Dean Sandra Vannoy. “We are grateful to Builders Insurance Group for this significant investment to enhance the student experience in Peacock Hall — as well as the professional connections and career opportunities they provide our students.”
A new home for a long-standing center
Since opening in 1988, the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center — which is funded entirely through private support — has served as an important hub for students, faculty and community partners of the risk management and insurance program in the Walker College of Business.
The center supports industry-relevant research and fosters professional connections by offering continuing education programs, facilitating internships and hosting executives-in-residence. It also offers numerous services to students — including professional development workshops, career counseling, practice interviews and resume coaching — aimed at preparing them to be competitive in the job market after graduation.
Pictured in January, Warren Huntsman, project manager for App State’s Peacock Hall addition and renovation project, center, gives Walker College of Business students a guided tour of the construction work taking place for the addition on App State’s Boone campus. A $500,000 commitment to the college from App State alumnus Todd Campbell ’87, president and CEO of Builders Insurance Group, supports the modernization and relocation of Walker College's Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. Photo by Chase Reynolds
As part of the renovation, the center will be relocated to a more visible and easily accessible location, prominently positioned near the Howard Street entrance of Peacock Hall.
The new space will be designed to prioritize student interaction with peers and industry partners and will include a large group meeting area, as well as a separate area where students can meet with recruiters and visitors.
“Relationships are critical to success in the insurance industry, and the redesigned Brantley Center will provide an inviting, highly visible space where students can build those connections,” said Dr. David Marlett, App State’s Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina Distinguished Insurance Professor and managing director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. “The center has always served as a bridge between students and the profession, and this investment will strengthen that role for years to come.”
App State alumnus Todd Campbell ’87, president and CEO of Builders Insurance Group, sixth from right, is pictured in London with App State risk management and insurance students during their spring 2026 study abroad experience — a required component of the Walker College of Business’ International Insurance Markets course. Leveraging his industry connections, Campbell helps arrange company visits and hosts the App State group. Also pictured, second from right, is Wendy Deng, university program specialist in the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. Photo submitted
A growing partnership and a dedicated alumnus
Campbell, who graduated from App State in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in history, became president and CEO of Builders Insurance Group in 2021. Since assuming leadership of the company, Campbell has played a vital role in establishing a partnership with the Walker College of Business to invest in student success.
“As an Appalachian State graduate, I find it especially meaningful to give back to a university that has been such an important part of my life,” said Campbell. “Both personally and on behalf of Builders Insurance Group, I look forward to seeing App State students, the risk management and insurance program and our industry benefit from this partnership for years to come.”
Each spring, Campbell meets with students in the International Insurance Markets course (FIN 4800) before and during their study abroad experience in London — a required component of the course. Leveraging his industry connections, he helps arrange company visits and hosts the App State group.
Campbell and his wife, Laurie, have personally made significant contributions to the college and to the Brantley Center. In 2009, the couple established the Campbell Family Scholarship for the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center to provide flexible financial assistance for students, and in 2024 they established the Laurie and Todd Campbell Fund for Academic Excellence, which helps ensure the Brantley Center has the financial resources to recruit and retain high-quality faculty.
Campbell served as the 2025 Boyles Distinguished Lecture speaker. Held annually in the spring, the Boyles Distinguished Lecture Series features keynote addresses from business leaders and is open to the public.
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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 about App State’s Walker College of Business at https://business.appstate.edu.
About University Advancement
Appalachian State University’s Division of University Advancement supports and encourages the university’s mission by engaging alumni, friends and the greater community. University Advancement staff help connect these constituents with App State through one-on-one contact and special programming, thereby securing the resources necessary to create the best possible learning environment for App State students and to positively impact the community, region and state. The division incorporates the offices of Alumni Engagement, Development and the Appalachian State University Foundation Inc. Learn more about App State University Advancement at http://give.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.
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