Alfa Insurance and Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business are teaming up to expand educational capabilities through the creation of the Alfa Insurance Business Innovation Lab in John Robert Lewis Hall.

Supported by a generous gift from Alfa Insurance, the Lab will serve as a hub where students, faculty and industry partners can work together to turn ideas into practical solutions.

“Developing the future workforce and equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed is a priority for Alfa Insurance,” said Alfa President and CEO Jimmy Parnell. “Troy University and the Sorrell College of Business are doing important work in preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. We are excited to partner with TROY in this mission through the Alfa Insurance Business Innovation Lab. This space will support the advancement of the College’s educational focus on creativity, entrepreneurship, and applied innovation, serving as a place of inspiration and learning for a countless number of TROY students.”

Developing TROY students to meet critical needs in Alabama’s workforce and beyond is a priority set by Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

“I applaud leaders such as Jimmy Parnell for their vision and commitment to ensuring our state has a pipeline of job-ready business leaders for the next generation. Alfa Insurance’s gift speaks directly to the impact higher education can have on our students and graduates, and on the companies that power and drive Alabama and beyond,” he said. “The Alfa Insurance Business Innovation Laboratory in the Sorrell College of Business will be a shining example of what the boardroom and the classroom can accomplish together to shape a great future for students.”

Sorrell College Dean Dr. Judson Edwards said the Lab will serve as an integral part of its revised business core curriculum to better prepare all business students in the application of AI and analytics, development of their creative problem-solving skills, and increasing their capacity to readily adapt to change in the workplace.

“We are deeply grateful to Alfa Insurance for this generous investment in our students and our state. This gift strengthens our ability to develop not only technically strong, but confident, innovative leaders ready to serve Alabama’s businesses and communities. Alfa’s partnership helps advance our primary mission of preparing job-ready graduates that stay in Alabama to work and live,” he said.

Edwards said he plans for the lab to be open for students in Fall Semester 2026.