Since its introduction, TROY’s risk management insurance focus has been committed to setting students up for future success. 

While demanding academic coursework is important, much of that success is predicated on the personal involvement of expert faculty members who mentor each RMI student.

“It was a very friendly, welcoming staff and environment,” said Evan Legassey, an RMI graduate and associate broker at XS Brokers. “They really invested in all of the students that were in our program.”

Legassey was a place kicker on the Troy Trojans football team while in school, among other things. He recognized the importance of not only having a relationship between teacher and student, but also the networking opportunities presented by professors.

“Dr. Baggett and Dr. Pappanastos have the opportunity to put us in areas to be successful such as attending various events,” said Legassey. “For example, they sent a few students over to an insurance networking event in Birmingham.” 

Certification is one of the most pivotal things that enables RMI students at TROY to excel in the workplace.

“In order to pass certain classes within the RMI program, you had to complete your licensing exams,” said Dane Lunsford, an underwriter for RT Specialty. “RT doesn’t hire too many college kids, but they hired maybe 20 or so students from my graduating class.”

“Probably 90 percent of those students weren’t licensed, so when I got into my position I was already licensed and ready to roll,” said Lunsford.

Lunsford, an ATO Walk Hard veteran, said the RMI faculty are constantly looking to help students and provide connections for them, which is one of the things that sets TROY apart from other programs.

“There was once a time when Dr. Pappanastos called me at 8 a.m. to come and interview with a company on campus that he recommended me to,” said Lunsford. 

Aside from connections provided through professors, there are plenty of connections among peers. TROY has a pedigree of student success, allowing for alumni to connect with each other.

“It’s not often I go a week or two without finding someone new within the insurance industry from TROY,” said Lunsford. “We work with agents and insurance carriers all day long and it’s not often you walk into one and not have someone from TROY insurance around there.”

“It’s very cool to be associated with TROY RMI,” added Lunsford.

Both Legassey and Lunsford mentioned the dedication of RMI faculty to provide opportunities in college and beyond. 

“We had career fairs once or maybe even twice a semester, putting us in front of companies looking to hire out of college,” said Legassey. “Dr. Baggett constantly networked herself with all of the industry jobs, and it’s very apparent that she went above and beyond.”  

For more information on TROY’s RMI program, visit the program page.