State Farm Insurance recently presented an $11,539 grant to the University of Central Arkansas for the development of an online property and casualty insurance study course.
This is the second gift from State Farm to UCA in the last three years. In 2004, State Farm Vice President Rendi Black presented UCA President Lu Hardin with a $75,000 grant for UCA?s Insurance and Risk Management Studies program.
Dr. John Bratton, Professor of Insurance and Risk Management at UCA, will coordinate the faculty development of the online study material which will be designed as a preparatory resource for those pursuing the CPCU (Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriting) designation through UCA?s Academic Outreach and Extended Studies Division. The course will also provide property and casualty study materials for UCA students pursuing a major in insurance and risk management.
Marcus Wallace, State Farm?s Agency Field Executive for Central Arkansas, explained the company’s motivation for making the gift.
“One responsibility of corporate citizenship is to give back to the communities where we do business,” he said. “We view institutions, such as the University of Central Arkansas, which are making noticeable and significant contributions in the education of our youth, as strategic partners in our efforts to build a better tomorrow. Insurance issues impact all of our lives. We are pleased to be able to have a part in providing the opportunity for enhanced insurance knowledge to UCA students, whether on campus, or long-distance learners.”
State Farm is the largest insurer of homes and autos in Arkansas and in the nation, according to company spokesman Gary Stephenson.