The University of Iowa Henry B. Tippie College of Business’ innovative risk management and insurance program is the recipient of a generous financial donation, thanks to a partnership with Des Moines-based health insurer Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
The college’s Vaughan Institute for Risk Management and Insurance prepares the next generation of insurance leaders to sustain and grow the industry in Iowa. In the fall of 2023, the institution launched a new undergraduate major for risk management and insurance. With Wellmark’s contribution, the program will have the ability to build a strong pipeline to talent, create experiential learning opportunities, enable research that will keep the industry on the cutting edge, and support innovative leadership.
“We are deeply committed to helping prepare the next generation of leaders within our industry,” said Cory Harris, Wellmark’s president and CEO. “Through this contribution and the strength of our continued partnership, Wellmark and the University of Iowa are working to ensure a bright future for the institute and our industry, while improving the health and well-being of those we serve.”
According to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the risk management and insurance industry makes up 11% of the state’s gross domestic product, second only to agriculture, and employs more than 60,000 Iowans, according to the Iowa Insurance Division. Wellmark’s financial contribution will benefit the institute and also strengthen Iowa’s economy, said Amy Kristof-Brown, Henry B. Tippie Dean.
“Our university has a rich history in risk management and insurance, and so does Wellmark, which has been a driving economic force in Iowa for the last 85 years,” said Ms. Kristof-Brown. “This is an incredible opportunity to forge even stronger connections between our college and a longtime industry leader.”
Nationwide, there are fewer than 60 universities that have insurance and risk management programs such as Tippie’s. The institute is named for trailblazing insurance educator Emmett J. Vaughan, and offers certificate degrees for undergraduate and MBA students, along with its new undergraduate major. The Vaughan Institute also provides student scholarships, recruiting and networking initiatives, mentoring, and professional-development opportunities.
