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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