MOMENTUM MOVING FORWARD. TOGETHER
STATE OF THE SCHOOL REPORT 2025-2026
The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance
A Message From Our Leadership The 2025-2026 academic year has been an exciting and eventful time for The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance. While growth and trajectory still describe the school, it is the notion of momentum - the strength or force gained by motion or a series of events- that really highlights our journey over this past academic year. RANDY DUMM, PH.D. Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Director The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management & Insurance
It is apparent in all of our important metrics: the number of students taking risk management and insurance courses; the number of students majoring or minoring in risk management and insurance; the number of students engaging in our award-winning student professional organization, the Delta Beta Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS); the introduction of a new minor in actuarial science for business and non-business students; the expansion of local, regional, national and international experiential learning opportunities for our students; expanded industry engagements, including the GIS Spotlight Speaker Series, classroom visits, and the inaugural FSLSO Symposium; new key initiatives like our mentoring program; the expansion of our financial structure through the ongoing generous support of our industry partners; and key expansion of the human capital of the school, which included the hire of an experienced administrator and two new faculty members.
Strong momentum needs fuel and in our case that comes from multiple sources.
With the support of Dean Blackwell and the administration, our team continues to grow to scale with a productive and engaged group of faculty. They are successfully attracting not only an increasing number of students to the school, but talented students as well.
With the support of highly engaged faculty advisors and the efforts of the leadership and members of our student professional organization, students deciding to “Put Risk in their Futures” have a dynamic and vibrant community to call home.
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With an industry that trusts our vision and believes in our future, we have built out the school and its financial structure. This commitment to the school and passion that industry professionals have for their profession provide a strong signal to our students of the wisdom of being part of the next generation of risk professionals. Their financial support through scholarships, experiential learning funding, and operational funds that the school relies on to support its growth is making an enormous difference in how we operate as a school and the “product” that we bring to the market - our students!
With the support and guidance from our Risk Advisory Council, we work towards being a leading program in risk management and insurance. Whether it is through classroom visits, internships, placements, broader experiential learning opportunities, and mentoring, they play an important role in the development of our students and of course, the school.
With the vision of our naming partner and their ongoing efforts to support the growth and development of an RMI program that serves the Tampa Bay region and beyond, we not only have a solid financial foundation that will stand the test of time, but one that supports our efforts to be a leading program in risk management and insurance.
The 2025-2026 academic year has been one of strong momentum. The story certainly does not end here. Stay tuned for the next chapter of The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance!
Regards,
Randy Dumm, Ph.D. Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Director The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance
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A Message From Our Leadership At the University of South Florida Muma College of Business, we are committed to powering dreams by opening doors that transform lives and careers. The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance reflects that promise through the difference it makes for DAVID BLACKWELL, PH.D.
students, the profession and the industry partners who help make its
Lynn Pippenger Dean
success possible.
of the Muma College of Business
One of the school's greatest strengths is the way it prepares students for their careers through real-world experiences. From opportunities in our local community to national competitions and international experiences, students learn by doing, building the skills, confidence and professional networks that help them succeed.
The school's continued growth and strong performance are a testament to the dedication of its faculty, staff, students, alumni and industry partners. Together, the program’s influence is expanding not only at USF, but across the risk management and insurance profession.
I am especially grateful for The Baldwin Group’s partnership, as their engagement extends far beyond the company’s financial investment. Through service on the Risk Advisory Council, mentorship of students, classroom engagement and countless other contributions, leaders from The Baldwin Group create learning experiences that make this school exceptional.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to the success of The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance. Your commitment is helping us empower students, strengthen the industry, and advance the practice of risk management.
Regards,
David W. Blackwell, Ph.D. Lynn Pippenger Dean University of South Florida Muma College of Business
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Table of Contents
Our Forward Direction...................................06
Driving Academic Impact..............................08
Building Beyond the Classroom.....................13
Building Momentum Through Mentorship.......20
Investing in RMI..........................................27
Elevating our Brand.....................................30
Building What’s Next...................................33
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OUR FORWARD DIRECTION
Purpose Momentum is more than growth or numbers. We talk in terms of “Educating Future Generations of Risk Professionals” and “Putting Risk in their (students) Futures”, regardless of discipline. These are not just statements. They represent the school's reason for being. They reflect our core belief that understanding and managing risk creates stronger individuals, businesses, and communities.
Vision
We seek to be a leading program of risk management and insurance, recognized for excellence across all facets of our mission through: A forward-looking curriculum and transformative experiential learning opportunities, preparing and launching future generations of risk professionals. Top-quality research, advancing the discipline and contributing to the Muma College of Business' aspirations to become a Top 25 business school. Meaningful engagement with industry and other stakeholders, expanding the school's resources, reach, and impact. In all that we do, we strive to educate, inform, inspire, and serve the communities with which we interact.
Mission The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance advances the future of risk management and insurance through excellence in education, research, and industry engagement. We prepare the next generation of risk professionals, produce impactful scholarship that informs industry practice and public policy, and foster innovation that strengthens businesses, communities, and society.
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DRIVING ACADEMIC IMPACT
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The People Behind the Progress Faculty & Staff
Randy Dumm, Ph.D.
Dalton Crabtree, DBA
Florida Surplus Lines
Assistant Professor of
Insurance Director and
Instruction
Professor
Steven Miller, Ph.D.
Alexander Schwartz, MBA
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor of
Yuan (Sabrina) Du, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Instruction
Boheng Su, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
Instruction
Po-Lin Wang, Ph.D.
Heather King, BSBA
Lauren Gonçalves
Assistant Professor
Academic Services
Marketing &
Administrator
Communications Student Assistant 9
Momentum Through Research & Scholarly Impact Faculty Research
Research momentum is reflected in the expanded research efforts of the faculty, the quality and breadth of the journals where research faculty publish, and the span of research topics that the faculty examine.
In terms of the top academic journals in risk management and insurance and real estate, the faculty have historically published in Journal of Risk and Insurance, Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, North American Actuarial Journal, Insurance: Math and Economics, Geneva Papers- Risk and Insurance Review, Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, and the Journal of Real Estate Research. Noteworthy for the 2025-2026 academic year are Po-Lin Wang’s multiple publications in the North American Actuarial Journal.
The span of research reflects a faculty actively engaged in examining a broad range of important topics:
Randy Dumm’s research focuses on catastrophic risk - modeling, mitigation, and its effect on asset (home) prices and consumer preferences, insurer capital structure and distribution channels, residual insurance markets, insurance demand, and insurance product performance.
Steve Miller’s research focuses on developing text-based measures of corporate risk management and evaluating whether enterprise risk management (ERM) enhances the quality of strategic decision-making, particularly in the context of mergers and acquisitions.
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Momentum Through Research & Scholarly Impact Faculty Research Continued
Boheng Su’s research investigates the effects of regulatory disclosure requirements on institutional investment behavior, including the impact of climate-related disclosure initiatives. He also studies insurance and annuity pricing dynamics, with particular attention to market behavior during periods of financial uncertainty
Po-Lin Wang’s research examines how patterns in human longevity influence financial and retirement planning decisions. His work also explores methods for measuring insurer innovation and identifying the organizational characteristics and outcomes associated with innovative insurers.
The instructional faculty are also engaged in research. Sabrina Du has published in the Risk Management and Insurance Review and is currently engaged in research related to corporate governance. Dalton Crabtree has authored publications in both practitioner and academic journals, and his current research interests center on cyber risk.
In another signal of research momentum, faculty continue to build the research reputation of the school by conducting research with scholars from top tier risk management and insurance program such as the University of Alabama, University of Georgia, University of Iowa, Florida State University, and the University of Wisconsin, along with researchers from Illinois State University, University of North Texas, University of Texas El Paso, Troy University, Lemoyne University, University of Akron, University of Connecticut, College of Charleston, Xidan Univeristy, Université Internationale de Rabat, Morocco, and the Center for Insurance Policy and Research (CIPR) at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
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Momentum Through Academic Engagement
Research-related momentum is also reflected in the active engagement of the school’s research faculty at regional, national, and international academic conferences. Highlights from the past academic year include:
Professors Steve Miller, Po-Lin Wang, and Boheng Su presented at the World Risk and Insurance Economics Congress in Calgary, Canada. This conference is held every five years and brings together the leading risk management and insurance academic associations from Europe and Asia.
Professor Po-Lin Wang had the opportunity to present his mortality-based research at the International Longevity Risk and Capital Markets Solutions Conference in Singapore.
Professors Su and Dumm participated in the annual meeting of the Risk Theory Society, a group whose membership includes the top researchers in risk management and insurance.
The school was also represented at industry conferences where Dalton Crabtree shared research on cyber risk at several conferences including The Institutes' In2Risk and the Southeast Decision Sciences Institute.
Congratulations to Dr. Dalton Crabtree on completing his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) this year, with a dissertation titled "What’s a Computer?" Exploring Agents' Role in Small Business Cyber Insurance Transactions.
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BUILDING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 13
Moments that Move us Forward Experiential Learning - Regional
AdventHeath Visit
Wholesure Company Tour
Tampa International Airport
The Baldwin Group Day
Mariners Club - Ft. Lauderdale
Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies
“Being a part of the RMI student community has influenced my college experience tremendously because it allowed me to connect with like-minded students who had similar interests and ambitions as me.” Benjamin Harris, Officer of Gamma Iota Sigma Delta Beta Chapter and RMI Undergraduate
Experiential Learning - National
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New York Insurance Market
GIS Regional Conference - Atlanta
GIS Annual Conference - Connecticut
Risk World 2026 - Philadelphia
Moments that Move us Forward Experiential Learning - International London Insurance Market Thanks to the generous support of Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO), eleven students traveled into the heart of the London insurance market for a three-day experiential journey spanning specialty insurance, reinsurance, brokerage, and underwriting. Students had the opportunity to visit Decus Insurance Brokers, Convex Insurance, Guy Carpenter, Markel, Swiss Re, and LIG Marine, where they explored career pathways and experienced the market firsthand. The experience culminated with students sitting alongside underwriters in the Lloyd’s of London boxes and touring the historic building.
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Moments that Move us Forward
International Exchange Programs Munich Risk and Insurance Center - Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) - Munich, Germany Students participating in the Munich Risk and Insurance Center’s (LMU) Case Studies and Enterprise Risk Seminar got much more than a classroom experience in Enterprise Risk Management. The program brought together students from 10 countries and combined classroom instruction with extensive experiential learning through visits to Alliance, Munich Re, Swiss Re, Siemens, BMW Fiancial, PwC, Statdwerke Muenche, Scalable Capital, HypoVerien Bank, and Traton.
The Institute for Insurance Studies - TH Köln - Cologne, Germany Students participating in the Insurtech Product Development Seminar worked with their Cologne University of Applied Science counterparts under the direction of Professor Torsten Oletzky to develop innovative insurance technology solutions and present their concepts to a friendly shark tank group of investors.
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Moments that Move us Forward
Hosting International Students and Faculty TH Köln Exchange Students This past year saw the continued expansion of USF’s exchange programs with TH Koeln (Cologne) and the LMU (Munich) where a record number of school students participated in seminars at both German universities. This past year saw another important milestone as the first students from TH Köln spent the spring semester at USF. Besides their classes, the TH Koeln students actively engaged in Gamma Iota Sigma activities like the Spotlight Speaker Series and their volunteer event, Feeding Tampa Bay, gaining valuable academic, professional, and cultural experiences.
Global Faculty Collaboration
“The exchange program between USF and TH Köln is a wonderful opportunity for students at both universities. It thrives on the fact that both universities offer outstanding programs in the field of risk management and insurance. The exchange provides students with a wealth of valuable insights, both academically and personally—and I really enjoy teaching the joint student groups.” Prof. Torsten Oletzky, PhD. Institut für Versicherungswesen Through faculty exchanges and international teaching opportunities, USF and its German partner institutions provide students with unique access to diverse academic perspectives and global expertise.
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This past academic year saw the growth and expansion of the Delta Beta Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS). GIS is the international professional fraternity dedicated to preparing students for careers in insurance, risk management, and actuarial science. A big moment for GIS came last September when the Delta Beta Chapter won the Edson L. Bowers award as the top GIS program in the country- a remarkable achievement for a chapter that had only been in existence for 3 years. What follows highlights why this is a dynamic and successful chapter!
Professional Development The professional development initiatives help students prepare for success through Spotlight Speaker Series events, resume workshops, LinkedIn and personal branding sessions, and salary negotiation workshops. Students gain practical tools to put their best foot forward in the risk management and insurance industry.
Community Service with Industry Giving back is another cornerstone of GIS, providing students with opportunities to support the Tampa Bay community that has so generously supported them. Through service projects with Feeding Tampa Bay, the Humane Society, and local lake cleanups, students give back while building meaningful connections with industry professionals.
Socials GIS builds community through social events like Gamma Games, speed networking, and an end of year picnic, giving students opportunities to connect, have fun, and strengthen the relationships that make the
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chapter feel like a community.
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Big/Little - Peer Mentorship This year, GIS launched its first Big/Little Mentorship Program, pairing upperclassmen with younger students to provide guidance through activities such as resume reviews and interview preparation.
Awards Accomplishments
Youngest chapter to be
Past President, Evan Fueyo,
Distinguished Chapter
named #1
was awarded chapter
Status
in the nation
president of the year
Graduates Congratulations to our largest graduating class yet, a remarkable milestone that reflects the continued growth and momentum of the school and GIS!
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BUILDING MOMENTUM THROUGH MENTORSHIP
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Mentorship Program Under the leadership of Risk Advisory Council Chair Elizabeth Krystyn, the school’s Risk Management and Insurance Mentoring Program was successfully launched this past year.
It connects
students one on one with industry professionals whose experience and career paths align with their interests and goals through a tailored matching process. Guided by a structured Mentoring
Tonya Rivera - Mentor
Playbook, the program creates meaningful opportunities for career guidance and
“Mentoring USF students has been a
professional development, covering
great experience! The best risk
everything from networking, resumes, and
professionals I know had someone
interviewing to internships, career paths,
early on who believed in them;
and the realities of working in insurance.
mentorship is how we pay that forward, build a pipeline of talent and build a stronger, more thoughtful industry.”
The Impact 60%+ growth in mentor interest for Fall 2026 The pool of industry professionals volunteering to mentor has grown mostly by word-of-mouth referrals from current mentors. Continued support for the next generation The vast majority of participating mentors said they'd be willing to mentor again — with several describing the relationship as mutually beneficial.
Sebastian Rodriguez - Mentee “My mentors have had a profound impact on me and my future by helping me discover new career paths while also connecting me with their networks and giving me valuable exposure.”
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Meet the Employer This signature event, reimagines the traditional career fair, replacing brief booth interactions with deeper conversations that build professional connections and open doors to internships and careers.
During the academic year, the school hosted two Meet the Employer events and in an effort to further serve students and employers, we now include a second day of interviews as part of the event. Meet the Employer proved popular to both students and employers where the combined numbers were as follows: 46 companies 60+ recruiters 225+ students
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Where Industry Meets Education
Guest Speakers and Panels Bringing in guest speakers and Q&A-style industry panels gives students something a textbook cannot: direct exposure to how risk management and insurance concepts are applied in the real world. Through conversations with professionals representing a wide range of sectors, students gain firsthand insight into emerging risks, industry trends, and diverse career paths. These interactions demonstrate that risk management touches nearly every aspect of business, from finance and healthcare to technology, construction, sports, and public policy. By engaging with industry leaders, alumni, and practitioners, students are able to connect classroom concepts to real-world challenges, build professional networks, and better understand the critical role risk professionals play in helping organizations navigate uncertainty and create opportunities for growth.
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FSLSO Inaugural Symposium
The Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance partnered with the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) to host the inaugural FSLSO Symposium in 2025, providing students with a unique look into the world of Excess and Surplus (E&S) insurance. Through real-world examples ranging from space debris and dinosaur dung to high-profile thefts, industry leaders showcased the complexity and creativity involved in insuring unconventional and emerging risks.
The symposium connected students directly with E&S professionals who shared career insights, emphasized the importance of internships and networking, and highlighted the wide range of opportunities available within this growing specialty market. The event strengthened industry engagement while helping students better understand the vital role risk management and insurance professionals play in addressing some of the world's most unique challenges.
“Our industry is built on people, and its future depends on the next generation stepping into leadership roles. Supporting students today is one of the best ways we can ensure a strong and innovative industry tomorrow.”
Mark Shealy, President of FSLSO
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Risk Advisory Council (RAC)
The school’s Risk Advisory Council is a unique strength, bringing together dedicated industry professionals who actively help shape curriculum, student recruitment, events, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. Their continued partnership keeps the school closely connected to the industry and creates the relationships and opportunities that keep our momentum moving forward.
2025 - 2026 Risk Advisory Council
John Barfield | Braishfield Associates Dave DeMott | Gridiron Insurance Underwriters Michael Franzese | RT Specialty, LLC Stephanie Horne | First Watch Restaurants Elizabeth Krystyn | The Baldwin Group Jessica Markun | FCCI Matt Ostrander | Ostrander Risk Partners Benson Porter | United Healthcare Chris Reyes | Tampa Airport Authority Tonya Rivera | Johnson & Johnson Marc Salm | Publix Mark Shealy | Florida Surplus Lines Service Office Tim Wenzel | Zenith Insurance Company
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Risk Advisory Council (RAC)
New RAC Members 2025-2026
Jessica Markun
Chris Reyes Tampa Airport Authority
FCCI Insurance Group
Marc Salm Publix
Mark Shealy
Florida Surplus Lines Service Office
“My hope is that industry’s involvement in the school exposes students to the vast opportunities within the RMI industry...and ultimately inspires them to pursue careers they may never have otherwise considered." Elizabeth Krystyn, Founding Partner
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of The Baldwin Group
INVESTING IN STUDENTS
Strengthening the Profession Donor generosity helps transform student potential into professional success. Through scholarships, experiential learning, and industry engagement, philanthropic investments strengthen both the student experience and the future of the profession.
Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) FSLSO expanded its support through a named directorship and continued investment in educational and experiential learning opportunities. Together, these commitments strengthen academic leadership and student engagement with the excess and surplus lines marketplace and prepare graduates for successful careers.
Herdfunder USF Giving Through USF’s annual Giving Week campaign, more than 80 alumni, industry partners, students, faculty, staff, and friends raised $25,000 for experiential learning opportunities. The campaign was championed by Elizabeth Krystyn and The Baldwin Group, demonstrating the RMI community’s shared commitment to student success.
Insurance Agents of Tampa Bay (IATB) Through a generous two-year commitment, Insurance Agents of Tampa Bay is advancing risk management and insurance education while supporting strategic priorities across the school. This investment strengthens student programs, industry engagement, and professional development opportunities that define the RMI Advantage.
“Florida Surplus Lines Service Office has been a valued partner in creating opportunities for our students to learn directly from mentors and gain exposure to the many career paths available in the insurance marketplace. This gift strengthens our ability to provide real-world experiences and ensure our students stand out in a high-growth field." David Blackwell, Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business
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Investing in Students YRP of Tampa + Spencer Foundation
Through their continued partnership with the school, YRP of Tampa in partnership with the Spencer Foundation provided scholarship support through their annual golf tournament. The event brings industry leaders together to invest in student success and the future of the profession.
Scholarships are one of the most direct ways donors invest in student success and the future of the profession.
SCHOLARSHIPS 13
Total of School Scholarships
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Total of Scholarship Recipients
$46,600
Total of Scholarship Dollars Disbursed
To Our Donors: Thank You for Your Generous Support! “The scholarship [SLB Insurance Group Risk Management and Insurance Fund] made a big difference for me by providing financial relief and allowing me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities.”
“As a junior majoring in Risk Management and Insurance, this scholarship had a tremendous impact on both my academic and professional development. Thank you to Amerisure for investing in students like me and supporting the next generation of insurance professionals!”
Riti Ammanabrolu, USF RMI Alumna Property Casualty Marketing Assistant at Brown & Brown
Aniruddha Das, UACIC, AINS University of South Florida ‘27
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ELEVATING OUR BRAND
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Our Digital Footprint August 2025 - August 2026
School LinkedIn
212K + Impressions
32% Increase in Followers
GIS LinkedIn
71K +
26%
Impressions
Increase in Followers
GIS Instagram
170K +
83%
Views
Increase in Followers
“Social media has really helped me stay connected with the RMI community by highlighting events I want to attend, celebrating achievements from peers entering the industry, and exposing me to new opportunities I can pursue.” Ryleigh Lewis Undergraduate Student
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Our Tangible Reach
Put Risk In Your Future
State of the School
Put Actuarial Science In Your Future
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BUILDING WHAT’S NEXT
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“Our momentum is measured by how well we prepare students to navigate uncertainty, embrace innovation, and turn risk into opportunity.”
Randy Dumm, Ph.D. Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Director and Professor
Actuarial Science
Claim the Future
New Benefits Course
New Faculty Members
This 2027
This course will give
The school continues its
transformational two-
students insight into
growth with the addition of
day event will bring
benefit program
two new faculty members,
together industry
design, group
Woongchae Yoo, PhD, ASA
leaders, educators,
insurance, and
and James Jones, MBA,
military, high school,
employer sponsored
CPCU, ARM, AIC, AIS
community college, and
benefits through a
expanding our expertise
university students for a
real world consulting
and strengthening the
collaborative experience
project.
academic opportunities
Minor The new Actuarial Science minor will offer a pathway to develop in-demand analytical and risk skills while preparing for professional actuarial careers.
focused on shaping the future of risk
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management and insurance.
available to our students.
Momentum Starts with Risk With a 360-degree view of risk that connects with any business discipline, the school is building awareness of the many opportunities available to students who choose to “Put Risk in Your Future,” whether by pursuing the RMI major or minor or by adding risk management and insurance knowledge to their chosen field of study.
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#PUTRISKINYOURFUTURE
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