April 22, 2019
Rising RMI Senior Wins (Another) Scholarship
Rachel Pleasants
Rachel Pleasants continues to impress.
The Burlington native and rising risk management and insurance (RMI) senior just won a $5,000 scholarship from the Spencer Educational Foundation. According to its website, Spencer supports the education of tomorrow’s risk management and insurance leaders.
Based on Pleasants’ past recognition, she’s well on her way to becoming that leader.
Last year, Pleasants won a $4,000 scholarship from the AAA Carolinas. In the winter of 2018, it was announced that Pleasants was one of 10, nationally-selected students to participate in Munich Re’s Summer Leadership Program in 2019. The summer of 2018 also saw Pleasants interning at the SAS Institute in its Risk Management Department.
Pleasants with Kurt Fickling
Not surprisingly, Kurt Fickling with the College of Business’ RMI Department also knows that Pleasants is on her way to becoming a leader.
“Not only is Rachel a great student, but she is also a pleasure to be around,” said Fickling. “Her kind demeanor leads others to achieve greatness, and her willingness to get involved and volunteer for extracurricular activities shows her real leadership. She is an outstanding person in all regards and a true ambassador for ECU and the College of Business’ RMI Department.”
Pleasants has some words of advice for any underclassmen who would like to follow in her footsteps.
“Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone early by getting involved in organizations and building relationships with professors,” said Pleasants. “Take advantage of activities that occur in the College of Business, such as conferences and career fairs. Challenge yourself and work hard.”
Dr. Brenda Wells
“Rachel is the embodiment of the high-caliber student that industry can expect from our department,” said Dr. Brenda Wells, the College’s RMI director. “I’m confident she’ll make an impact in the RMI field, soon.”
One would have to forgive Wells for being proud. The RMI department is getting ready to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Its graduates find jobs nearly 100 percent of the time upon graduation. And, this past academic year, the RMI department awarded more than $38,000 in scholarships to 15 people, which represents ten percent of the current RMI class.
“We’re proud of this data, and we’re proud that industry leaders support us and turn to us for tomorrow’s leaders,” added Wells.
Pleasants plans to graduate in 2020 with a double concentration in RMI and management information systems. She’s currently part of the College’s Peer Mentor Program.