OXFORD, Miss. — A professor in the School of Business Administration at the
University of Mississippi has been elected to the Southern Risk and Insurance
Association board of directors.
Andre P. Liebenberg, assistant professor of finance and holder of the
Liberto/King Professorship of Insurance, was chosen for the honor during SRIA’s
recent annual conference.
The meeting brings together students and professors from around the country
to present papers and projects, allowing for feedback and interaction.
“Because our area (of study) is relatively small, with most risk management
and insurance programs having only one, two or three faculty, the feedback that
you get from colleagues at such a conference is invaluable,” said Larry Cox,
Robertson Chair of Insurance and former SRIA president.
The SRIA not only offers a networking community and job market, it can also
lead to life-changing opportunities.
“It is a very special organization for me personally, because I first
attended the 1998 meeting in Williamsburg, Va.,” said Liebenberg, who joined UM
in 2005. “At that time, I was teaching insurance in South Africa and wanted to
explore the idea of coming to the U.S. to pursue a doctorate. I met faculty and
Ph.D. students from several universities and was most impressed with the
University of Georgia. The following year, I applied to the program and
eventually moved to Athens.”
Liebenberg will serve a three-year term on the board. Four candidates were
nominated, and a ballot was sent to every member. The two with the highest
number of votes were elected.
“I think that my election is further evidence of the widespread respect that
the Ole Miss program has garnered both regionally and nationally,” Liebenberg
said. “While the meeting is held in the southern part of the country, the
membership is by no means limited to this area. There are many members from the
northern and western states, as well as Canada and other countries.” For more
information on the SRIA, visit
For more information about the School of Business Administration, visit