Five Alcorn State University School of Business students have completed the Certificate in Risk Management through a partnership with the University of Mississippi’s Center for Insurance Transformation, marking the third successful cohort of the program.
The students will receive their certificates March 18–19 during the University of Mississippi’s two-day Insurance Symposium, where they will engage with insurance and business industry executives.
The students receiving their certificates are Nekiah Arrington, a sophomore accounting major from Memphis, Tenn.; Amelia Daniels, a sophomore accounting major from Cleveland, Miss.; Xavier Freeman, a sophomore accounting major from Yazoo City, Miss.; Nayana Triplett, a sophomore accounting major from Gulfport, Miss.; and Bailey Upshaw, a sophomore accounting major from La Porte, Texas.
“As we celebrate our third cohort, this program exemplifies the enduring strength of our partnership with the University of Mississippi’s Center for Insurance Transformation,” said Dr. Antwon Woods, dean of the School of Business. “Year after year, we’ve consistently provided exceptional students with the dual advantage of earning their Certificate in Risk Management while securing guaranteed internships with industry leaders like Gallagher, Brown & Riding, Ross & Yerger, and McGriff. This consistency demonstrates our unwavering commitment to creating sustainable pathways for student success.”
The program is led by Dr. Andre Liebenberg, founder and director of the Center for Insurance Transformation, Robertson Chair of Insurance, and professor of finance at the University of Mississippi.
Liebenberg developed the certificate and internship program in partnership with the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB). The initiative is supported by four founding industry partners—Brown and Riding, Gallagher, McGriff, and Ross and Yerger—who fund the program and provide internships and mentorship to participating students.
“The certificate program was an answer to prayer – about how to help students from HBCUs that don’t have insurance courses to be prepared for internships with insurance brokerages,” said Liebenberg. “It combines critical institutional background and real-world application of principles. We visit with industry experts over Zoom and discuss the educational concepts as well as their careers and advice for success.”
Woods noted that the caliber of participating firms demonstrates the program’s value and its long-term return on investment.
“The caliber of firms investing in our students speaks volumes about the quality of education we provide at the Alcorn State University School of Business,” said Woods. “When nationally recognized organizations consistently recruit our students for internships—many of which convert to full-time employment—it validates both the rigor of our curriculum and the exceptional return on investment our students and partner firms receive.”
Launched during the 2023–2024 academic year, the initiative has grown steadily.
“We appreciate the strong support we have received from Dean Antwon Woods,” said Liebenberg. “He has welcomed us into the business school and has been critical in our success recruiting Alcorn students.”
