College of Business new concentration

Directed by Brenda Wells, an insurance expert who holds a Ph.D. in risk management and insurance from the University of Georgia, ECU’s risk management and insurance concentration is a direct result of partnerships with industry professionals. More than 40 students have already enrolled.
“Risk management is a broad academic field, which can include traditional insurance-related risk management — earthquakes, hurricanes, fire, life, health, and retirement planning — as well as financial risk, such as interest, exchange rates, and credit,” Wells said.
“Not only do we teach our students the nuts and bolts of business at ECU, we also hone the skills essential for success in the business world. Our graduates will enjoy successful careers at companies large and small and are well prepared to enter all facets of the insurance industry.”
Officials also announced a collaboration between ECU and The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, which will allow students to earn the University Associate Certified Insurance Counselor designation through their coursework ‒ giving an important head start on earning the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor designation.
Students in the program also participate in industry-specific conferences throughout the year, including the annual conference of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina. Important decision makers in the industry visit campus throughout the year, such as North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance Wayne Goodwin, who spoke to the ECU Society of Risk Management and Insurance in 2010.
The kickoff celebration included a visit by national insurance executive Bob Restrepo, chairman, president and CEO of State Auto Insurance Companies. Restrepo welcomed students to the insurance industry at a presentation sponsored by the Beta Gamma Sigma Distinguished Lecture Series.