TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State University College of Business is proud to announce the creation of a new distinguished award for faculty, the Waters Fellow in Risk Management and Insurance (RMI). This scholarly title was created in honor of the many generous donations made by the Waters family.

Mr. William "Bill" A. Waters, Jr. has been supporting the RMI program through student scholarships and resources for program development since his daughters graduated in 1976. His plentiful gifts have funded the Waters Family Endowed Scholarship that has allowed many students to pursue their education in the risk management and insurance field. Three students received the scholarship this past year.

"The Waters family has given so much back to the College of Business," said Caryn Beck-Dudley, dean of the college. "We are honored to be able to recognize their priceless contributions and support with the legacy of a distinguished faculty award."

The creation of the Waters Fellow is yet another step in advancing the RMI program, which is now ranked No. 4 among public institutions and No. 5 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. Waters' gifts have been essential in the advancement of the undergraduate program.

The Waters Fellow in Risk Management and Insurance has been awarded to Dr. Cassandra Cole, an associate professor in the Risk Management/Insurance program.

Cole's work furthering the undergraduate RMI program mirror those of the Waters family. Cole not only teaches graduate and undergraduate courses, but she also serves as the undergraduate RMI program director, exposing students to career options in the risk management field through guest speaking and presentations. Cole is also the faculty adviser to both the Insurance Society at FSU and the Minority Business Society.

About the FSU College of Business

Founded in 1950, the FSU College of Business is one of the nation's youngest business schools, yet it has become one of the 10 largest in the United States. It is the second largest academic unit on FSU's campus with an enrollment of 6,107 students and boasts a distinguished full-time faculty of 114, including one Francis Eppes professor, eight eminent scholar chairs, three university-named professorships and 30 endowed professorships. For more information, please visit www.cob.fsu.edu.