Welcome

Objectives

The primary objective of the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance is to develop leaders for the business, government, and educational communities and to assist them in making contributions to society. This objective is obtained in two ways.

First, students are provided with the theoretical concepts needed to understand and dissect business problems. Second, the faculty provide students with practical applications needed for financial analysis in their given areas of study.

The Department of Finance Banking and Insurance offers two majors which lead to the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree: 1) Finance & Banking, and 2) Risk Management & Insurance.

In addition to practical applications in the classroom, we encourage students to intern off-campus. Internships allow students to gain valuable practical business experience while still in college.

The Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance houses the North Carolina Bankers Association Professor, the Alfred T. Adams Distinguished Chair of Banking, the Richard S. Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, the Joseph F. Freeman Distinguished Professorship of Insurance, the David A. Thompson Professor of Applied Investments, the IIANC Distinguished Professor and the L. M. (Bud) Baker, Jr. Professor.

Diversity Statement

The Walker College of Business is committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all Appalachian business faculty, staff and students to enhance their cross-cultural and community leadership and engagement. We foster a culture that values diversity and we intentionally include people and perspectives from diverse cultures, worldviews, backgrounds, traditions and ways of life. We know that diversity takes many forms, including, but not limited to, diversity of Age, (Dis)ability, Cultural Background, Educational Background, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Geographical Region, National Origin, Neurodiversity, Race and Ethnicity, Religion, Sexual Orientation/Sexuality, Socioeconomic Status/Social Class and Veteran Status. We believe organizations that value people from a multitude of backgrounds have a competitive advantage in global industry and that business can empower change on a grand scale when guided by just, inclusive and equitable principles. We aspire to provide a welcoming and empowering home for every business student, faculty and staff member, where all 1) value diverse perspectives, 2) acknowledge societal injustices toward marginalized groups, 3) recognize and overcome our own biases and 4) use our talents and skills to create a more inclusive and just society. Learn more at business.appstate.edu/diversity.

Latest News

Alumna, finance professor to serve as Macebearer for May 11 Commencement Ceremony

Dr. Brandy Hadley — Associate Professor of Finance, David A. Thompson Distinguished Scholar of Applied Investments and 2023 Sywassink Awardee for Te...

In the News: Moving to Florida? Budget More for Home Insurance Than Expected

Home insurance rates in Florida have soared in recent years, making it the most expensive state to insure a house. Financial and environmental experts...

Interim chancellor named for Appalachian State University

Provost and executive vice chancellor Heather Norris assumes the role of interim chancellor...

Organizations and Clubs

The Department houses four student organizations:

Internships

A variety of internship opportunities are available to students enrolled in the Walker College of Business. Interning can be very beneficial to your career. Students are responsible for contacting employers and securing the internship, with advisement from faculty.

More information can be found on our  Careers and Internships page.