About 3 million people work in insurance and related jobs in the United States, yet few enter the field with a degree focused on insurance. Graduates of Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) program gain a specialized education that helps them stand out, with a 100% job placement rate. Prepared for leadership roles, many begin their careers as underwriters, claims representatives, account managers, brokers and risk managers.
“EKU’s unique Risk Management and Insurance program is proof of our continual innovation and adaptation to offer academic programs that match industry needs,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “As the only university in Kentucky with a bachelor’s-level risk management and insurance degree, EKU leads the way in providing qualified graduates to propel Kentucky’s economy.”
For RMI students like Eric Teoyotl-Bartolo, the program provides a pathway to professional success, personal growth and community impact.
From Garrard County, Kentucky, Teoyotl-Bartolo knew he wanted to attend college, but wasn’t sure of his career path—until an EKU adviser recommended RMI. The program captured his interest, and he declared it as his major.
“No matter where you come from or what you have been through, there is always someone or something there to help you succeed or even help you make a solid decision about what you want your future to look like,” said Teoyotl-Bartolo. “The support behind the insurance industry is unimaginable and unmatched compared to other industries.”
Taking full advantage of the RMI community, Teoyotl-Bartolo joined Gamma Iota Sigma, a student professional organization focused on the insurance field. EKU’s Gamma Iota Sigma Psi Chapter was recognized as one of the top 6 chapters in the nation, out of 126.
Through Gamma Iota Sigma, students network, attend conferences, participate in community service projects and land internships. Connecting with various insurance companies at a conference in Connecticut, Teoyotl-Bartolo landed an internship in North Carolina for this upcoming summer.
“Without the Gamma community, I don’t think I would be where I am now,” said Teoyotl-Bartolo. “I’ve gained and grown more than I could ever imagine in just two years.”
EKU recently introduced a loss control minor within the RMI program, one of the few of its kind in the country. Students learn strategies to help policyholders reduce claims and insurance companies limit losses through safety and risk management information and services. With mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities, the minor equips students with expertise in risk management and occupational safety to enhance career success.
Guided by an advisory board of senior executives from across the insurance industry, EKU’s RMI program focuses on ensuring students enter the field ready to succeed. A new RMI course helps students obtain their Property & Casualty Insurance License, making them even more competitive in the job market.
With risk management and insurance representing a global industry, students in EKU RMI’s program have opportunities to study abroad in destinations such as London, Bermuda and Austria.
EKU’s RMI program earned the No. 1 spot for Top College Risk Management & Insurance Programs by AM Best Magazine. RMI is offered as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance, on campus and online, through EKU’s College of Business.
By Christina Rannells