Retired NMSU professor inducted into Rocky Mountain RIMS Hall of Fame

Long before New Mexico State University students were traveling to national risk management conferences and networking with industry leaders, retired College of Business professor J. Tim Query was building the partnerships that made those opportunities possible. His dedication to student success and risk management recently earned him induction into the Rocky Mountain Risk and Insurance Management Society Chapter Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. 
 
Query, who joined NMSU in 2006, played a pivotal role in establishing and growing the university's Risk Management and Insurance Studies program while building lasting partnerships with organizations that continue to benefit Aggie students. 
 
“It was a complete surprise and an honor to be inducted into the Rocky Mountain Hall of Fame,” Query said. “This chapter has won several national and international awards, so to be associated with them in this way was humbling. Seeing students succeed in the areas of risk management and insurance after graduating from New Mexico State University is especially gratifying to me, as was this recognition.” 
 
Bryan Ashenbaum, dean of the College of Business, said the Hall of Fame recognition reflects Query's lasting impact on both the university and the profession. 
 
"Tim's commitment to building a nationally respected risk management program transformed opportunities for our students," Ashenbaum said. "His ability to connect the classroom with industry partners created pathways that continue to shape careers today. This Hall of Fame honor is a testament not only to his professional accomplishments, but to the countless students whose lives and futures were changed because of his dedication." 
 
That impact began shortly after Query arrived at NMSU in 2006. He quickly sought opportunities to connect the university's emerging program with professional organizations throughout the Southwest. While New Mexico did not have an active RIMS chapter, the Rocky Mountain RIMS Chapter, based in Denver, welcomed the partnership and became a key supporter of NMSU's students and faculty. 
 
At the time, NMSU was the only university in New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming with a dedicated risk management studies program, creating an opportunity for the Rocky Mountain chapter to invest in the next generation of professionals. 
 
Over the years, the chapter has provided financial support that has enabled more than 125 NMSU students to attend RISKWORLD, the premier annual conference of the Risk and Insurance Management Society, as well as the Western Regional RIMS Conference. The organization also established an endowed scholarship for NMSU risk management students. 
 
Those conferences expose students to career opportunities while connecting them with professionals from organizations including the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Red Robin, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Sage Hospitality Group and Stonebridge. 
 
“Risk management is not a commonly understood business major like accounting, marketing or economics,” Query said. “Providing students the opportunity to attend RISKWORLD opens their eyes to the possibilities of this dynamic career path. The profession recognizes that student attendees are the future and provides tremendous encouragement and networking opportunities.” 
 
Throughout his career at NMSU, Query emphasized creating meaningful connections between students and industry leaders. He regularly invited risk management professionals to speak in his classes and arranged job-shadowing experiences to help students better understand the profession. 
 
“I encourage students to be open-minded to the many areas of study available through the College of Business," Query said. “If you don’t know what a risk manager does, start by talking to RMI faculty. I’ve also arranged job shadowing opportunities where a student observes a typical day in the life of an RMI professional. Also take advantage of chances to attend conferences such as RISKWORLD. Joining organizations such as Gamma Iota Sigma is another great way to build connections and prepare for a successful career.” 
 
Query retired as a professor emeritus from NMSU after nearly two decades of teaching, leaving a legacy of expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in risk management and insurance.