How University Faculty Use the UA Program to Bridge Classroom Learning and Industry Expectations
This article is part of a series sponsored by the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance.
For decades, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance has supported professional development throughout the insurance and risk management industry, bringing respected names and helping professionals connect education to real-world practice.
But did you know that the Alliance also works with nearly 50 colleges and universities across the country through its use University Associate (UA) program.? Through this program, the Alliance partners with faculty to integrate industry-relevant curriculum, professional designations, and exam waivers into college classrooms, helping students build confidence, credibility, and momentum early as they prepare to enter the workforce.
In honor of Insurance Careers Month, we invited several of our university faculty colleagues to reflect on their experiences with the UA Program, the importance of academic-industry collaboration, and why early certification is important for students pursuing careers in insurance and financial services.
Faculty and their universities are listed below.
Contributing Faculty:
Jill Bisco, Ph.D., CIC, CRM, CPRM, CSRM, Assistant Professor of Risk Management and Insurance, Illinois State University
Fred “Rick” Bondurant, CIC, CRM, Associate Professor of Practice, Texas Tech University
Natalie Borneo, MBA, ARM, Distinguished Lecturer, Fisk University
Juan Zhang, Ph.D., ASA, Assistant Professor of Insurance, Ball State University
How UA program Supports Industry Aligned Curriculum in the Classroom
Universities are increasingly looking for industry partners who can help ensure that academic programs remain relevant, robust, and in line with professional development expectations. A key component of the UA Program is providing faculty and students with accessible, classroom-ready learning resources that reflect current industry practices. Through this program, students receive free digital books that match the content of expert appointments, while faculty are supported with ready-to-use presentation materials and teaching aids that integrate seamlessly into the existing syllabus. Reduced exam fees lower financial barriers for students and encourage early engagement with professional credentials.
How does partnering with the Alliance help you bring real-world, industry-relevant education to the classroom?
RickBondurant, Texas Tech University:
Texas Tech’s Corporate Risk Management & Insurance is a new certificate programfrom the beginning. The Alliance understandswhere the industry is going and what professionals need to stay ahead. Course material includes real-world examples,ready-to-use frameworks,and presentation materials.I can spend a lot of time compiling supplemental materials from my 45 years of experience in the industry.
What makes the UA Program a True Academic-Industry Partnership
Effective university-industry partnerships extend beyond curriculum outreach. The UA program emphasizes ongoing collaboration and shared commitment to education, positioning the Alliance as a long-term academic partner rather than a passive content provider.
What makes Mumbanoo feel like a true partner in education?
Jill Bisco, Illinois State University:
Certain jobs – including risk management and insurance – require continuing education due to the ever-changing nature of the industry. Students must understand that if they work in this field, education does not end with graduation. Giving students the opportunity to start working by appointment while still at school will demonstrate the importance of this. It will also allow them to demonstrate to potential employers that they value lifelong learning.
Juan Zhang, Ball State University:
Professional nominations are an important part of preparing students for careers in insurance or financial services because they add solid value to a student’s CV and demonstrate early commitment to the profession. By earning or working toward a designation, students can better identify their interests, plan their career paths more effectively, and enter the workforce with a competitive advantage and greater confidence.
NatalieBorneo, Fisk University
The story is developed in society and industry so it showsaccuratesuch informationnot the same assome of the things offered by other industry education organizations.
How has working with the Alliance strengthened the credibility of your curriculum?
JuanZhang, Ball State University:
Partnering with the Alliance strengthens the credibility of our program by directly aligning our curriculum with the Alliance’s designation exams. By providing tuition waivers for these professional appointments, we increase the practical value of our academic work and clarityshowits relevance to students’ future careers. Students benefit by being better prepared for careers in the field and by reducing the time required to complete designation requirements.
JillBisco, Illinois State University:
Our UA program is still availablerather new. We are now asking students to come to faculty and ask how they can make the most of the opportunities the Alliance provides. This is good news as it shows that students understand the value of symbols. Students began to spread the word about themexperienceagainthey are increasingstudents look at the opportunities offered by the Alliance.This not only helps students but also shows the interest of the university system in preparing students for their future careers.
Why Professional Appointments Are Important in Risk Management and Insurance Education
Risk management and insurance is a profession defined by constant change in regulation and risk exposure. Introducing students to professional career paths during college reinforces expectations for lifelong learning and professional development early in their academic careers.
Why is professional placement an important part of preparing students for careers in insurance and financial services?
JillBisco, Illinois State University:
Certain occupations – including risk management and insurance – require continuing education due to the ever-changing nature of the industry. Students must understand that if they work in this field, educationthis is not the caseend with graduation.To supplystudents the opportunity to start working by appointment while still in school will show the importance of this. It will allow them againshowto potential employers they valuefor lifereading.
JuanZhang, Ball State University:
Professional appointments are an important part of preparing students for careers in insurance or financial services because they add solid value to a student’s CV andshowearly commitment to work.By earning or working toward a nomination, students can do betterpoint outtheir interests, plan their career paths more effectively, and enter the workforce with a competitive advantage and greater confidence.
What benefits do students get from startingappointmentlessons whilethere areare you still in college?
RickBondurant, Texas Tech University:
Pursuing a professional designation while in college shows early appreciationtechnologyto future employers, peers,and customers. A student who gets a name during college tooshowsearly orientation towards professionalism.
JuanZhang, Ball State University:
At this stage, students are already in a strong learning mindset and are immersed in an educational environment that supports learning and skill development. Feedback from past students shows that they study more effectively in college and often spend less time preparing for each exam than after entering the workforce, when work demands and family responsibilities can make studying challenging.
How Pre-Accreditation Helps Students Stand Out With Employers
Early certification gives a clear signal to employers and internship programs in a wide and diverse industry. By pursuing a professional designation in college, students demonstrate focus, commitment, and emerging expertise.
How does early confirmation help students differentiate themselves from employers or internship programs?
Natalie Borneo, Fisk University
Early confirmation is a win-win for both the employer,industryand the student. The industry receives athe best suited candidate, both in terms of their education and qualifications and skill setwhat is neededaccording to the entry levelpositions. On the part of the students, it gives them more confidence in their ability to master the work they will present. With less technical knowledge to learn, they can focus on increasing their performance and performance 100%.
Supporting Faculty and Strengthening Student Outcomes
The University Associate Program is designed to support faculty who want to deliver a relevant, industry-relevant education while helping students enter the workforce with confidence and early momentum. In partnership with the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance, universities gain access to curricular resources, professional designations, exam waivers, and a national network committed to developing the next generation of insurance and risk management professionals.
Faculty and academic leaders interested in strengthening their programs, improving student outcomes, and connecting classroom learning to real-world practice are encouraged to explore the University’s Alliance Program and learn how the Alliance can support their teaching and the career readiness of their students.
Learn more about risk and insurance plans in these articles:
To learn more about the University Associate (UA) program, please contact us at academy@riskeducation.org.
Media Contact:
Noelle Codispoti, CPCU
Head of The Risk & Insurance Research Academy
Ncodispoti@riskeducation.org
512-349-3324
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