Just 14 months after launching the Stumbaugh School of Risk Management and Insurance (RMI), Faulkner University proudly celebrates the graduation of its first two RMI students. Robert Bowler of Indianapolis, Ind., and Christa Minniefield of Birmingham, Ala., have not only completed a rigorous 12-month course of study, but have also helped shape the foundation for future students who will follow in their footsteps. Both are employees of AssuranceAmerica and graduated from the online Bachelor of Risk Management and Insurance program in December 2025.
Bowler first learned about Faulkner’s RMI program while studying economics at Florida State University. Although he was not particularly interested in economics, it was the closest available path to his interest in the insurance industry.
“When I learned about the opportunity to earn a degree directly aligned with the industry I was pursuing, I immediately took interest,” Bowler said. “At Faulkner, I was able to learn concepts that I could apply in real time to my career. For the first time, school became something I genuinely enjoyed because I was learning material that directly contributed to my professional growth.”
He noted that one of the standout aspects of the program was the strong support from faculty and staff.
“The professors were very supportive and understanding of students balancing full-time careers, which made a significant difference,” Bowler said, emphasizing the personalized attention and encouragement that contributed to his success.
Since graduating, Bowler serves as Territory Manager in Indiana for AssuranceAmerica.
“Earning my RMI degree has had a significant impact on my career. I gained valuable industry knowledge that I apply daily, and the program gave me insights I would not have developed through work experience alone,” he said.
As one of the program’s first graduates, the experience carries special significance.
“I’ll always be proud to have been among the first,” Bowler said. “It’s a privilege to have been part of something built from the ground up. The professors and staff deserve tremendous credit for creating such a strong program — I simply had the opportunity to benefit from their hard work.”
While Bowler’s experience highlights the program’s impact on early-career professionals, Minniefield’s journey reflects the determination of adult learners balancing multiple responsibilities.
Like many adult learners, Minniefield balanced the demands of school with her professional and personal responsibilities.
“Completing this program in just one year while working full time and balancing life as a mother and wife is something I am incredibly proud of,” Minniefield said.
Minniefield currently works as an adjuster handling injury claims for AssuranceAmerica and is exploring additional career opportunities within the industry. Prior to enrolling at Faulkner, she earned both her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees from Samford University and had already built a career in insurance.
“Having worked in the insurance field for many years, I decided to pursue this degree to build on my experience and further advance my career,” she said.
Reflecting on the accelerated program, Minniefield acknowledged the challenges of balancing coursework with career and family commitments but remained determined to succeed.
“There were moments of exhaustion and doubt, but I never gave up,” she said. “It allowed me to show my boys that there should never be limits placed on their dreams. I wanted them to see that with hard work, determination, and faith in Jesus, you can overcome any obstacle.”
As a nontraditional student, Minniefield hopes her journey will inspire others.
“I hope my story encourages others to believe that it is never too late to return to school, chase your goals, and create the future you want — for yourself and for your family.”
Building on the success of students like Bowler and Minniefield, the RMI program continues to grow. Currently, 27 students are enrolled in the online Bachelor of Risk Management and Insurance program, with an additional 10 students in the traditional four-year program.
As enrollment increases, Faulkner University is also focused on expanding and strengthening the program through partnership such as the one with Thompson Insurance, which provides scholarships and internship opportunities for RMI students. The program also hosts student-focused events that highlight academic pathways and career opportunities in the industry. This spring, the Harris College of Business and the Stumbaugh School of RMI partnered to host an “Eyes Up!” safe driving event for area high school students, as well as an Industry Spotlight event featuring insurance professionals for current college students.
Together, the achievements of Bowler and Minniefield reflect not only personal success but also the strong foundation of a program poised for continued growth.
Bowler offers this advice to prospective students:
“If you see yourself in the insurance industry at all, pursuing an RMI degree is a no-brainer. Even if you’re unsure, it’s still a strong choice. The insurance industry is stable, recession-resistant, and centered on helping others. The program provides valuable knowledge, career opportunities, and connections with professionals in the field.”
