Our programs:

About Our Program

The VCU Risk Management and Insurance Program is home to a nationally recognized program that prepares students for high-demand careers in risk management, financial services and other areas of the insurance industry.

Our students have access to:

  • Networking — Attending VCU RMI events and career-enhancing meetings and conferences exposes students to networking opportunities with industry leaders and professionals.
  • Scholarships — Through ongoing industry support, the RMI Program is able to offer significant scholarship funding each academic year.
  • Internships — Paid and for-credit internships with industry employers are available to students to provide real world experience AND bolster resumes.
  • Employment — Risk management insurance is a high-demand industry with 500,000 new jobs projected in the next five years.

Get involved

Davis Radcliffe Insurance Award

Given annually to the student who exhibits strong character, scholastic achievement in insurance courses, and demonstrates an interest in a career in the insurance industry. This award is named for the late Davis Ratcliffe, a former insurance industry executive who established the insurance program at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1969.

Davis Radcliffe Insurance Award: John Eshler

Five years ago, John Eshler opened his own business; a mobile coffee company called GroundUp, while attending Reynolds Community College full-time. After earning his associate's degree, John chose to continue his education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He made the difficult decision to close GroundUp coffee to focus on his bachelor’s coursework.

Two momentous events occurred during his first semester— John became a father, and the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Around the same time, John accepted a remote underwriter technician position with Kinsale Insurance which later led to a full-time position. In December 2021 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in finance degree with a concentration in risk management and insurance. When asked about his experience at VCU he says, “My time here has been great, but it's been a bit of a challenge due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, I was able to overcome those difficulties while maintaining a high GPA and being involved in organizations that I’m passionate about.” John is the immediate past president of Gamma Iota Sigma fraternity, and he currently works for Kinsale as an associate underwriter in the commercial property division.

Industry Connections

Thanks to our corporate partners for generously providing scholarships, internships, jobs, and also their time participating in student enrichment events.

Berkley Mid-Atlantic Group logo

Continental Underwriters logo

CPCU logo

Erie Insurance logo

FCCI logo

Geico logo

James River Insurance logo

Kinsale Insurance logo

Markel logo

Marsh logo

Marsh & McLennan Agency logo

Nothern Neck Virginia Insurance logo

Scott Insurance logo

Hanover Insurance Group logo

USI logo

Virtue Risk Partners logo

Willis Towers Watson logo

Becoming a part of the RMI program was one of the best decisions I have made.
-Alan Castillo, Associate Underwriter with James River Insurance Company, Class of 2016

Insurance is the backbone of the American economy. It is the key tool of risk management that helps to facilitate commerce.
-Kyle Samuel, CIC, Managing Director at USI Insurance Services

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