UA Senior Attends National Association of Health Underwriters Meeting

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Edward Patton, a senior from Tuscaloosa majoring in economics and finance, became the third University of Alabama student to attend the National Association of Health Underwriters annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

The NAHU is a national trade association representing the health insurance industry. The annual meeting features well known speakers and social events, and it gives students a chance to visit Congress to meet with elected representatives and discuss policy issues.

The Alabama Association of Health Underwriters pays most of the student’s expenses, and the Culverhouse of Commerce insurance program pays for lodging.

According to Dr. William H. Rabel, Bickley Teaching Professor of Insurance and Financial Services, the trip is a significant experience for an insurance student.

“Not only did Mr. Patton attend a meeting in the nation’s capital that is international in scope, complete with outstanding speakers and exciting interaction, but he also had an opportunity to meet our congressional leaders and hear first-hand discussions about issues related to providing and financing healthcare in the United States,” Rabel said.

“The Alabama delegation consists of highly knowledgeable and respected professionals and, through them, Mr. Patton was able to network with some of the thought leaders in the field,” he said.

Patton is Student Government Association vice president for financial affairs and director of the SGA budget. He also has served the SGA as treasurer and senator. He has served as a mentor at Hillcrest Middle School.

He is a member of the Jasons, the senior men’s honor society as well as other honor societies.

He also was the SGA’s NCAA Intercollegiate Athletics Director, serving as a liaison between students and the athletic department.