AMC/Fairmont has pledged $100,000 to become the lead donor and strategic partner in the advancement of the Insurance and Risk Management program by creating the Dr. John Bratton Endowed Professorship at the University of Central Arkansas.
The growth and strength of the curriculum of UCA’s program is directly attributable to the leadership of Dr. John Bratton, stated Stephen L. Strange, president of AMC/Fairmont, formerly American Management Corporation (AMC). American Management Corporation was acquired in 2011 by Fairfax Financial Holdings and became part of their Crum & Forster division under the name AMC/Fairmont.
“Dr. Bratton is a dynamic, unfaltering advocate for these programs. It was his vision that led to UCA having the only accredited program in Arkansas,” said Strange.
The number of majors has grown from six in 2002 to 87 in 2011. In 2011, Bratton championed the regulatory change allowing UCA graduates to take the claims adjusters license exam without the one year experience or direct supervision requirement.
Bratton, a professor of insurance & risk management, also was instrumental in bringing the University Associate Certified Insurance Counselor (UACIC) designation program to UCA. The program was created to give college students pursuing an insurance and risk management undergraduate degree the opportunity to attain a new level of professionalism through advanced practical education while in college.
“UCA’s Insurance and Risk Management program leads the way in leveraging partnerships such as this,” stated Shelley Mehl, vice president for UCA Advancement. “Privately supported endowments assure the growth of the faculty, services and programs and address the increasing demand to hire our students.”
This gift provides ongoing financial support for the academic program in Insurance and Risk Management at UCA, said Bratton. The earnings from this endowment will be used to provide resources and opportunities for faculty and students that would not otherwise be accessible.
“I am deeply grateful and humbled and by this recognition from Mr. Strange and AMC/Fairmont,” said Bratton. “Mr. Strange and AMC/Fairmont have been huge supporters of the insurance and risk management program at UCA from its beginning. I think this gift validates that the program is moving in the right direction.”
For more information about the Insurance and Risk Management program at UCA’s College of Business, visit uca.edu/efirm.
