Advertise on podcast: URMIA Matters

In this first installment of a three‑part mini‑series honoring the 2025 Distinguished Risk Manager (DRM) Award recipients, URMIA Matters highlights the remarkable career and life of Fitzroy Smith, Assistant Vice President, Chief Risk Officer at Howard University, with guest host, Miguel Delgado, current URMIA president and Associate Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at Carnegie Mellon University, interviewing.  Fitzroy reflects on his early introduction to the insurance world through a high‑school program in Hartford, which set him on a lifelong path in risk management. With more than 25 years of experience across insurance, brokerage, captive management, local government, and over two decades in higher education, he shares the mentors, milestones, and leadership opportunities that shaped his professional journey, which culminated in the surprise of receiving the DRM Award at URMIA’s Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Fitzroy discusses his deep commitment to community service, including decades of involvement with the YMCA and ongoing humanitarian efforts in Jamaica following recent hurricane devastation. He also offers a glimpse into what’s ahead, from advancing risk management excellence at Howard University to continuing his lifelong passion for youth development and service.   Show Notes  URMIA’s Distinguished Risk Manager Award  Three Honored as Distinguished Risk Managers at URMIA Annual Conference  Guest  Fitzroy Smith, Assistant Vice President, Chief Risk Officer - Howard University  Guest Host  Miguel Delgado, Associate Vice President and Chief Risk Officer - Carnegie Mellon University  Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this episode of URMIA Matters, host Julie Groves is joined by Frank Cella and Matt Miller of Marsh to explore the evolving risk landscape in higher education. The discussion dives into demographic shifts, cybersecurity threats, regulatory changes, and the growing complexity of compliance. They also examine financial sustainability, employment practices, liability, the impact of AI on institutions, and the “role of the risk manager.” With insights on enterprise risk management, creative risk financing, and strategies for building resilience, this conversation offers practical guidance for risk managers navigating today’s “new normal.”   Show Notes  Marsh White Paper: “Higher Education: Navigating the New Normal”  Guests   Frank Cella, Managing Director, Education Industry Leader - Marsh Matt Miller, Senior Vice President, Placement Specialist Education Market - Marsh Host  Julie Groves, Director of Risk Services - Wake Forest University Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this episode of URMIA Matters, Michelle Smith, URMIA’s Executive Director, interviews Sue Liden, URMIA’s soon to be retired (again!) Education Manger. Join us for a heartfelt conversation as we honor Sue on the eve of her retirement! From her early days in the military to building a proactive risk management program at Pacific Lutheran University, Sue shares inspiring stories of resilience, reinvention, and leadership. Discover her top tips for solo risk managers, the power of networking through URMIA, and why telling your story matters in this profession. Plus, get a peek behind the curtain at URMIA’s inner workings and hear what’s next for Sue as she embarks on new adventures. This episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and a celebration of a career dedicated to higher education risk management—don’t miss it! Show Notes URMIA ScholarshipsVolunteer with URMIAGuest Sue Liden, Education Manager - URMIA Guest Host Michelle Smith, Executive Director - URMIA  Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this episode of URMIA Matters, Michelle Smith, URMIA’s Executive Director, sits down with scholarship winners Rowela Lascolette of Hood College and Michelle Powell of Florida Polytechnic University to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of being a solo risk manager in higher education. They share their career journeys, lessons learned from the URMIA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, and practical strategies like youth protection programs, risk committee engagement, and scenario planning. The conversation highlights the value of networking, education, and community support, while offering tips for applying to the Jenny Whittington Solo Risk Manager Scholarship and staying active in URMIA’s resources and events. If you’re a solo risk manager, you don’t want to miss this valuable episode!  Show Notes  URMIA Scholarships URMIA Annual Conference Scholarships - Jenny Whittington Solo Risk Manager Professional Scholarship Give to URMIA - Donate to support the future of higher education risk management Spencer Educational Foundation Guests   Rowela Lascolette, Hood College - Director of Business Services Michelle Powell, Risk Manager - Florida Polytechnic University Guest Host  Michelle Smith, Executive Director - URMIA  Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this special episode of URMIA Matters, all URMIA members are invited to listen in and hear the latest updates from the URMIA Executive Committee. Join us for a streamlined business meeting that will include a briefing on the Association by the president, a financial report by the treasurer, and other board officer updates. You will also hear about what the URMIA Office has been working on and what’s next for the URMIA community. Tune in to hear all the updates from the URMIA Board of Directors and what they are looking forward to in URMIA’s near future!  Show Notes  URMIA Specialty Communities Sign-Up URMIA Board Nominations and Elections URMIA Board of Directors About URMIA - Strategic Pillars URMIAmentors URMIAacademy URMIA Matters Podcast - Meet URMIA's Newest Staff URMIA Staff URMIA - GRAC URMIA's updated Risk Inventory URMIA's 56th Annual Conference in Las Vegas (October 12-16) Guests   Sandy Mitchell, Director, Office of Insurance - Massachusetts Institute of Technology  Miguel Delgado, Associate Vice President and Chief Risk Officer - Carnegie Mellon University  Flo Hoskinson, Risk Manager - Oregon Health & Science University  Craig McAllister, Assistant Vice President, Risk Management - University of Miami  Jim Mulholland, Director of Compensation and Risk Management - Grinnell College  Keesha Trim, Sr. Director, Risk Management & Insurance - University of Richmond  Guest Host  Michelle Smith, Executive Director - URMIA Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this episode of URMIA Matters, Julie Groves, Director of Risk Services at Wake Forest University, hosts an informative conversation with the chairs and co-chairs of the upcoming URMIA Annual Conference: Juan Azcarate, Susie Johnson, Michael Tabije, and Courtney Davis. URMIA’s 56th Annual Conference is taking place in beautiful Las Vegas from October 12–16 this year! Our guests share thoughtful insights into their roles and exciting details about the agenda, including a keynote by New York Times bestselling author Dan Heath. The conference offers a rich mix of learning opportunities, peer networking, and social events—from a lively opening reception at the Marquee nightclub to a stunning closing celebration overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. The episode wraps up with helpful travel tips for first-time attendees to make the most of their Vegas experience. URMIA Institutional Members only who listen to this episode can receive $200 off their registration using the code JoinAC2025 at time of registration!  Show Notes Register for URMIA’s Annual Conference 2025 in Vegas! URMIA's 56th Annual Conference Schedule Volunteer Opportunities at URMIA's 56th Annual Conference Guests Juan Azcarate, Senior Director, Risk Management - Dallas College Susie Johnson, Risk Management Director - Iowa State University  Michael Tabije, Risk Manager - University of Nevada, Las Vegas Courtney Davis, Executive Vice President, Global Education Practice Leader - Hub International Host Julie Groves, Director, Risk Services - Wake Forest University Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

Join guest host Michelle Smith, URMIA’s Executive Director, as she interviews Liebe Meier Swain from Cornell University and Phillip Arrington from HUB International, who discuss how access to healthcare, especially mental health services, is linked to higher graduation rates. They highlight legislative changes, including Medicaid cuts and Affordable Care Act revisions, which may disproportionately affect vulnerable student populations, particularly those in rural areas and on Medicaid. They emphasize the need for campus-wide collaboration, proactive planning, and financial literacy to support students amid rising healthcare costs and shifting policies. Explore the evolving landscape of student health insurance and its critical role in student success in this episode of URMIA Matters.   Show Notes ACHA - American College Health Association The JED Foundation US GAO Report: Students' Health Coverage Rates Have Improved, but Barriers to Coverage Remain for Some American Council on Education Healthcare Issue Landing Page AAU, Associations Raise Concerns on Proposed Medicaid Cuts Guests  Liebe Meier Swain, Director, Student Health Plan - Cornell University   Phillip Arrington, Vice President, Campus Health Solutions and SHIP Segment Leader - Hub International Guest Host  Michelle Smith, Executive Director - URMIA  Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

Join guest host Michelle Smith, URMIA’s Executive Director, as she interviews four of URMIA’s newest staff members: Carrie Burnett, Project Specialist; Bowen Murphy, IT Manager; Ruth Rauluk, Resource Manager; and Adam Sieracki, Marketing Specialist. Tune in as Michelle interviews URMIA’s four newest staffers about their journey with URMIA so far and what surprised them most about our association! Hear a little about their lives, how they came to work for URMIA, and their favorite thing about working for URMIA so far. Don’t miss out on meeting some of the newest staff who help make URMIA so great!  Show Notes URMIA Staff Guests Carrie Burnett Bowen Murphy Ruth Rauluk Adam Sieracki Guest Host Michelle Smith, Executive Director Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

Join guest host Jenny Whittington, former Executive Director of URMIA, on this episode of URMIA Matters as she welcomes two distinguished guests: Eno Oregbesan, Director of Risk Management at Rice University, and Kathy Hargis, Associate Vice President of Risk Management and Compliance at Lipscomb University. Both guests share their extensive involvement with URMIA, highlighting their roles in various committees and task forces since 2009 and 2005, respectively. Take a peek into the workings of the Honors Committee, which celebrates outstanding individuals and achievements in the higher education risk management community. Discover the prestigious awards presented at the annual URMIA conference and learn why your nominations matter! Tune in for an insightful discussion on recognizing excellence and fostering a culture of appreciation in higher education risk management.  Show Notes URMIA Honors and Awards – Nominate a Colleague or Yourself for an award by June 27!  URMIA Honors Committee   Guests  Kathy Hargis, Associate Vice President of Risk Management & Compliance - Lipscomb University  Eno Oregbesan, Director, Risk Management - Rice University     Guest Host  Jenny Whittington, Executive Director, Emerita - URMIA  Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this episode of URMIA Matters, host Julie Groves, Director of Risk Services at Wake Forest University, interviews Heather Banules, Director of Insurance and Claims Administration, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Bret Bush, EVP, Field Operations, Insight Risk Technologies, and Ted Way, Senior Vice President, Gallagher. Together, they tackle the crucial topic of water damage prevention on higher education campuses. They discuss the importance of regular risk assessments to pinpoint vulnerabilities in campus buildings, while highlighting the need for comprehensive prevention tools and equipment.  Meanwhile, they share preventive measures like routine plumbing maintenance, installation of water sensors, and thorough inspections during construction and maintenance projects. They stress the significance of having a robust emergency response plan, complete with clear communication protocols and designated response teams. This episode of URMIA Matters provides insights, offering proactive steps that higher education institutions can take to safeguard their campuses and ensure operational continuity.  Show Notes What College & University Risk Managers Need to Know About Water Damage Prevention & Response Plans Guests Heather Banules, Director of Insurance and Claims Administration - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Bret Bush, EVP Field Operations - Insight Risk Technologies LLC Ted Way, Senior Vice President - Gallagher Host Julie Groves, Director, Risk Services - Wake Forest University Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this special episode of URMIA Matters, guest host, Craig McAllister, Assistant Vice President, Risk Management, University of Miami, interviews guests Courtney Davis, Executive Vice President, Global Education Practice Leader at Hub International, and Luke Figora, Vice President for Operations at Northwestern University, about their journey into risk management. Courtney and Luke share their cherished times as URMIA past presidents and conference co-chairs. Also, they both delve into how their risk management career path began and how it has since evolved. Additionally, Courtney and Luke divulge their favorite URMIA resource and how the connections they have made at URMIA shaped their love of volunteerism and vocation. Tune in to hear all about these two Risk Management All Stars!  Show Notes (some links require a member login) My URMIA Network - Discussion Board Communities URMIA Core Competencies for Higher Education Risk Managers RIMS Risk Manager of the Year Award URMIA Annual Conference Get Involved with URMIA Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this episode of URMIA Matters, host Julie Groves, Director of Risk Services at Wake Forest University, interviews Stevan Veldkamp, Executive Director of the Piazza Center at Penn State, and Lori Hart, Director of Educational Initiatives for Holmes Murphy, about the recent Stop Campus Hazing Act and what needs to be accomplished before the implementation deadline. Stevan and Lori discuss the newly enacted Stop Campus Hazing Act, its implications, and actionable steps colleges and universities can take to eradicate hazing. They cover the impacts of hazing, how hazing has changed over the years, effective prevention programs, and the importance of creating a campus-wide culture of respect and safety throughout the entire student population. Learn about how a comprehensive and intersectional hazing prevention programs foster a safer college experience for everyone.  Show Notes Register for upcoming URMIA Webinar “Understanding the Stop Campus Hazing Act" Holmes Murphy Amnesty Policy TemplateGuests Stevan Veldkamp, Executive Director, Piazza Center - Penn StateLori Hart, Director of Educational Initiatives - Holmes MurphyHost Julie Groves, Director, Risk Services - Wake Forest UniversityConnect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

Tune into this episode of URMIA Matters to hear all about URMIA’s newest community, the YoPros! Host Julie Groves, Director of Risk Services at Wake Forest University, interviews the YoPro community leaders, Michelle Powell, Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, and Kate Miller, Risk Management Analyst at Christopher Newport University, about lessons learned and helpful resources into their new(ish) journey in higher education risk management. Kate and Michelle share their success stories, their learning experiences, and approaches for tackling challenges on campus. Whether you’re a young professional, new to the profession, or just young at heart, don’t miss this episode all about URMIA’s YoPros! Show Notes www.chronicle.com www.insidehighered.com URMIAs Specialized Communities Guests Kate Miller, Risk Management Analyst - Christopher Newport University Michelle Powell, Risk Manager - Florida Polytechnic University Host Julie Groves, Director, Risk Services - Wake Forest University Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this special episode of URMIA Matters, listen in to URMIA's annual business meeting that was presented virtually on September 12, 2024. URMIA leadership gave updates about membership, finances, program participation, progress made on strategic initiatives, and other important updates. Show Notes URMIA Bylaws URMIA Board of Directors 2025 Annual Conference 2025 Call for Sessions 2025 Regional Conferences Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!

In this episode of URMIA Matters, Julie Groves, Director of Risk Services at Wake Forest University, interviews Susie Johnson, Risk Management Director at Iowa State University and 2025 Programming Committee Chair, Sue Liden, URMIA’s Education Manager, and Michelle Smith, URMIA’s Executive Director, about URMIA’s upcoming Call for Sessions. Learn how you can submit your content proposal easily and quickly! Susie, Sue, and Michelle share their thoughts on what makes a great content submission and how the process of selecting annual conference submissions exactly works. Whether it’s for a conference presentation, webinar, podcast, or another form, there is a media style that works for your URMIA content suggestion. The deadline for 2025 Annual Conference submissions is January 24th, 2025, so don’t forget to mark your calendar and submit some fantastic content to URMIA!  Show Notes [member log-in required for some content] URMIA's 2025 Call for Sessions URMIA's Contribute Content Informational Page URMIA's Education Plan URMIA's Core Competencies Guests Susie Johnson, Risk Management Director - Iowa State University Sue Liden, Education Manager - URMIA Michelle Smith, Executive Director - URMIA Host Julie Groves, Director of Risk Services - Wake Forest University Connect with URMIA & URMIA with your network -Share /Tag in Social Media @urmianetwork -Not a member? Join ->www.urmia.org/join -Email | [email protected] Give URMIA Matters a boost: -Give the podcast a 5 star rating -Share the podcast - click that button! -Follow on your podcast platform - don't miss an episode! Thanks for listening to URMIA Matters!