This article is part of a sponsored series by Risk & Insurance Education Alliance.For decades, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance has supported professional development across the insurance and risk management industry, delivering respected designations and helping professionals connect education with real-world practice.But did you know that the Alliance also works with nearly 50 colleges and universities nationwide through its University Associate (UA) Program? Through this program, the Alliance partners with faculty to integrate industry-aligned curriculum, professional designation pathways, and exam waivers into college classrooms, helping students build confidence, credibility, and early momentum as they prepare to enter the workforce.

In recognition of Insurance Careers Month, we invited several university faculty partners to reflect on their experiences with the UA Program, the value of academic–industry collaboration, and why early credentialing matters for students pursuing careers in insurance and financial services.The faculty and their respective 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 the UA Program Supports Industry-Aligned Curriculum in the Classroom Universities increasingly seek industry partners who can help ensure academic programs remain relevant, rigorous, and aligned with evolving professional expectations.

A core component of the UA Program is providing faculty and students with accessible, classroom-ready instructional resources that reflect current industry practices.Through the program, students receive free digital textbooks aligned with professional designation content, while faculty are supported with ready-to-use presentation materials and teaching resources that integrate seamlessly into existing syllabi.Reduced exam fees lower financial barriers for students and encourage early engagement with professional credentials.

How does partnering with the Alliance help you deliver real-world, industry-aligned education in the classroom? RickBondurant, Texas Tech University: What Makes the UA Program a True Academic–Industry Partnership Effective university–industry partnerships extend beyond access to curriculum.The UA Program emphasizes ongoing collaboration and shared commitment to education, positioning the Alliance as a long-term academic partner rather than a transactional content provider.What makes the Alliance feel like a true partner in education? Jill Bisco, Illinois State University: Juan Zhang, Ball State University: NatalieBorneo, Fisk University How has working with the Alliance strengthened the credibility of your academic program? JuanZhang, Ball State University: JillBisco, Illinois State University: Why Professional Designations Matter in Risk Management and Insurance Education Risk management and insurance are professions defined by ongoing regulatory change and evolving risk exposure.

Introducing students to professional designation pathways during college reinforces expectations around lifelong learning and professional development early in their academic careers.Why are professional designations an important part of preparing students for careers in insurance and financial services? JillBisco, Illinois State University: JuanZhang, Ball State University: What advantages do students gain by beginningdesignationcoursework whilethey’restill in college? RickBondurant, Texas Tech University: JuanZhang, Ball State University: How Early Credentialing Helps Students Stand Out with Employers Early credentialing provides a clear signal for employers and internship programs in a broad and diverse industry.By pursuing professional designations in college, students demonstrate focus, commitment, and emerging expertise.

How does early credentialing help students differentiate themselves with employers or internship programs? Natalie Borneo, Fisk University Supporting Faculty and Strengthening Student Outcomes The University Associate Program is designed to support faculty who want to deliver relevant, industry-aligned education while helping students enter the workforce with confidence and early momentum.By partnering with the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance, universities gain access to curriculum resources, professional designation pathways, 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, enhancing student outcomes, and connecting classroom learning to real-world practice are encouraged to explore the University Associate Program and learn how the Alliance can support their teaching and their students’ career readiness.

Learn more about the risk and insurance programs featured in these articles: To learn more about the University Associate (UA) Program, please contact us at [email protected] Contact:Noelle Codispoti, CPCU Head of The Risk & Insurance Research [email protected] 512-349-3324 [inline-ad-1]