In this episode of URMIA Matters, guest host Caitlin Cai from the University of Tennessee is joined by Lavern Miles and Kathy Peeling from the University of Maryland, College Park, and Melanie Bennett from United Educators for a focused, practical conversation on Enterprise Risk Management for those just starting out. The episode presents ERM as a shared, ongoing process for identifying, prioritizing, and managing institution‑wide risks, with strong emphasis on leadership support, clear communication, and campus engagement. Using real‑world experience from the higher‑ed community, our guests discuss how ERM can move beyond compliance to support better decision‑making by connecting risk to strategy, using data and monitoring to guide action, and leveraging peer networks and professional resources to build programs that grow and adapt over time. Whether you are brand new to ERM or looking to strengthen an existing approach, this episode offers clear insights and relatable examples to help you get started with confidence.

Show Notes

• Join URMIA’s Higher Ed ERM Roundtable Community
• URMIA’s Risk Inventory
• UE - Enterprise Risk Management Resource Collection
• ISO 31000

Guests

• Lavern Miles, Director of Enterprise Risk Management - University of Maryland, College Park
• Kathy Peeling, Assistant Director for Risk Management - University of Maryland, College Park
• Melanie Bennett, Senior Risk Management Counsel - United Educators

Guest Host

• Caitlin Cai, Risk and Insurance Program Manager - University of Tennessee System

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In this third and final episode of our mini‑series honoring the 2025 Distinguished Risk Manager Award recipients, guest host Miguel Delgado, Carnegie Mellon University, sits down with award‑winner David Parker, Pima Community College, to explore his remarkable and unconventional path into risk management. From early days as a school‑bus mechanic to accident reconstruction with law enforcement and ultimately leadership across Arizona’s public sector and higher education, David reflects on how curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to rethink traditional approaches have shaped his more than 30‑year career. He discusses the evolution from traditional to enterprise risk management, the importance of viewing challenges through multiple lenses, and the pivotal role URMIA’s community has played in his professional growth. Beyond his career, David shares stories of civic service, disaster‑relief volunteering, and what he envisions for life after retirement—all of which illuminate why he was honored at URMIA’s Annual Conference in Las Vegas this past October.

Show Notes

David Parker, Executive Director, ERM, Ethics & Compliance, Title IX Coordinator - Pima Community College

URMIA’s Distinguished Risk Manager Award

Three Honored as Distinguished Risk Managers at URMIA Annual Conference

Guest

David Parker, Executive Director, ERM, Ethics & Compliance, Title IX Coordinator - Pima Community College

Guest Host

Miguel Delgado, Associate Vice President and Chief Risk Officer – Carnegie Mellon University

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In the second installment of our three‑part mini‑series celebrating the 2025 Distinguished Risk Manager Award recipients, URMIA Matters turns the microphone toward one of its own: longtime host and newly honored DRM, Julie Groves of Wake Forest University. In this insightful conversation, Julie reflects on her unexpected path into risk management—from an English major to having three insurance folders dropped onto her desk, a moment that ultimately led her career in risk management. She shares how mentors, colleagues, and particularly the URMIA community shaped her professional journey; why collaboration and connection are essential for risk managers; and how involvement in URMIA helped elevate both her work and recognition within her institution. Julie discusses what the award means to her, the evolution of higher ed risk management, and the importance of being a steadfast, behind‑the‑scenes protector of campus communities. It’s a warm, reflective episode that highlights Julie’s impact, leadership, and enduring commitment to helping others succeed in the field.

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