The University of Central Arkansas has been designated a Global Center of Insurance Excellence by the International Insurance Society.
UCA’s designation was earned for its Insurance and Risk Management program in the College of Business. For consideration, universities and colleges have to meet criteria in student qualifications, course offerings, graduate and industry employment rates and professional involvement. Prospective schools must also exhibit students learn from academically qualified, full-time faculty with research expertise.
The UCA College of Business’ Insurance and Risk Management program is the only four-year program of its kind in Arkansas. The program offers a personal financial planning emphasis and an opportunity for students to earn their University Associate Certified Insurance Counselor designation. Cynthia L. Burleson is the director of the college’s Center for Insurance and Risk Management.
“UCA’s Insurance and Risk Management program plays a significant role for insurance and financial services companies in the state and region, because of its uniqueness,” said Michael B. Hargis, Ph.D., dean of the UCA College of Business. “We’re proud of Cynthia’s leadership of our program and thrilled to see it recognized globally.”
UCA and three other 2019 designees were officially recognized in June at the International Insurance Society Forum in Singapore.
“The GCIE designation signals the industry as to where the top talent is being cultivated and in doing so, builds the prominence of the world’s leading insurance programs, which are effectively serving as the top-tier talent pipeline,” said Michael J. Morrissey, president and CEO of the International Insurance Society.
The Insurance and Risk Management program is housed in the college’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Insurance and Risk Management. It is one of only three programs offered fully online. It currently has 60 majors.
The International Insurance Society, founded in 1965, is a global forum of insurance stakeholders with members from more than 90 countries, including brokers, regulators, public policymakers and insurance scholars. It promotes the innovation and development of the industry, as well as its relevance in the global economy.
Since the certification was created in 2017, it has designated 34 universities in 11 countries, including the University of Alabama, Florida State University, University of Georgia, University of Iowa, University of Mississippi, St. John’s University, Temple University, Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Wisconsin.
The UCA College of Business is the fastest-growing college at the University of Central Arkansas with more than 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers 13 baccalaureate degrees, two master’s and one graduate certificate across four academic departments and houses the state’s only insurance and risk management program. The UCA College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Visit uca.edu/business for more.