The Risk & Insurance Education Alliance is proud to announce the recipient of the 2026 James “Jim” T. Lawrence, CIC Memorial Scholarship: Shelby Siddons Minyard, CISR, PLCS, of Hill County Insurance Agency in Hillsboro, Texas.
This memorial scholarship, founded in memory of the esteemed James “Jim” T. Lawrence, CIC, continues his legacy of investing in the next generation of insurance professionals by providing educational opportunities that support career development and industry leadership.
Jim Lawrence, founder of Alliance Insurance Services LLC and a highly respected educator within the insurance industry, dedicated his career to advancing professional excellence through education. A distinguished faculty member of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance for more than 30 years, Jim served on the CIC Board of Governors and taught the CIC Agency Management course to thousands of insurance professionals. He was known not only for his expertise but also for his unwavering commitment to mentoring others and elevating the profession.
Jim believed education was about more than knowledge alone. He understood its power to transform careers, strengthen communities, and inspire future leaders. That belief remains at the heart of the scholarship program and aligns closely with the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance mission of helping professionals “Own Your Potential.”
The scholarship awards a young Texas insurance professional who has not yet completed the CIC Agency Management course with the opportunity to continue their journey toward earning the prestigious CIC designation. This year’s recipient, Shelby Siddons Minyard, embodies the values of service, dedication, and professional growth that Jim Lawrence championed throughout his career.
A fourth-generation insurance professional, Shelby proudly serves at Hill County Insurance Agency, a family-owned independent agency that has provided trusted insurance guidance to Texans since 1912. The Siddons family has owned and operated the agency since 1921, building a reputation for integrity, long-term relationships, and community leadership.
Growing up, Shelby witnessed firsthand the impact her family made through both the insurance industry and civic service. Inspired by generations of family members who dedicated their lives to serving clients and strengthening their hometown of Hillsboro, she developed a deep appreciation for hard work, service, and putting people first.
Although insurance was always part of her family’s story, Shelby initially pursued a different career path. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, she began working with the 12th Man Foundation as Manager of Events and Travel while pursuing a master’s degree in the sport industry. The challenges and changes brought by 2020 ultimately led her back to her roots. Following the loss of her grandfather, Bill Siddons Jr., Shelby felt called to continue the family legacy. While still living in College Station, she earned her Texas Property and Casualty insurance license before returning to Hillsboro with her husband, Taylor, and officially joining Hill County Insurance Agency.
What began as an opportunity to help her family, quickly grew into a profession she genuinely loves. Through her work, Shelby enjoys helping families and business owners protect what matters most, guiding clients through difficult situations, and building meaningful relationships throughout the community. Her passion for continued learning has already led her to earn both the CISR and PLCS designations while pursuing additional professional development opportunities.
One of the most meaningful aspects of Shelby’s career has been the opportunity to work alongside her father each day. Learning from someone who has dedicated his life to both the insurance profession and the local community has reinforced her commitment to carrying the family’s legacy forward for future generations.
Outside the agency, Shelby remains deeply connected to the communities she serves. Alongside raising her three-year-old daughter, Holland, with her husband, she also operates Hounds & Bound, a mobile bookstore housed in a restored Japanese mini truck. Through this unique venture, Shelby brings books and community events to small towns across Texas, helping expand access to reading and creating meaningful opportunities for connection.
The Alliance is honored to support Shelby Siddons Minyard as she continues her professional development and advances toward achieving her educational goals. Through recipients like Shelby, Jim Lawrence’s legacy of mentorship, service, and commitment to excellence continues to inspire the next generation of insurance professionals.
