Leading Internationalist Named to Bickley Teaching Chair of Insurance, Financial Services at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. William H. Rabel, who has been recognized globally for his work in risk and insurance education, has been appointed to the John and Mary Louise Loftis Bickley Endowed Teaching Chair in Insurance and Financial Services at The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce.

Bickley, himself a legendary figure on campus and in the insurance field, said Rabel “is a great teacher with wonderful leadership abilities and research capabilities. He will provide a true international perspective to our insurance program, and his contacts in the industry will lend an important ‘real world’ dimension to the curriculum.”

“A sound insurance industry is a prerequisite for a sound economy,” said Dr. Billy Helms, head of the department of economics, finance and legal studies. “Dr. Rabel’s appointment will enhance our ability to produce graduates who understand the role of insurance and risk management in society. They will learn how to manage their business and personal risks effectively and many of them will find jobs in this important field.”

Rabel is a Fellow of the Life Management Institute and a Certified Life Underwriter. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University, where he was a Munnerlyn Scholar, and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was an S.S. Huebner Foundation Fellow.

Prior to joining UA, Rabel was active in writing and consulting as head of his own firm. He started his business after retiring early from LOMA, an international education and research association that has financial services company members in some 60 countries. Under his leadership, LOMA’s education programs became the largest in the world; they are offered in seven languages. He was also responsible for LOMA’s professional movement comprised of 40,000+ individuals around the globe.

Rabel started his career on the business faculty at Syracuse University and later was dean at The American College. He also served as economic affairs officer with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Geneva, Switzerland.

His current or recent board memberships include The American Risk & Insurance Association, the Asia Pacific Risk & Insurance Association, and the Wharton School’s Huebner Foundation. Rabel has been appointed as Fellow Professor by Peking and Renmin Universities, both of Beijing, China, and as a member of the Council of Senior Advisors, China Center for Insurance and Social Security Research.

Rabel has provided technical assistance to many institutions, businesses and regulatory bodies worldwide. He is the author of numerous publications on business and economic security and a frequent speaker.

He and Judi, his wife of 38 years, come to UA from Atlanta. They have three grown children.