Insurance and risk management programs across Minnesota colleges and universities continue to show positive momentum, with steady enrollment, growing industry involvement, and new opportunities for students.
At the University of St. Thomas, the Risk Management & Insurance program enrolled 142 students last year, highlighting strong interest in the field. The program is gaining additional industry expertise with the recent addition of Wes Griffiths from Travelers, who has joined on a part‑time basis to work alongside Dan Riley. Together, they are focused on advancing the program, including the planned introduction of a new health insurance course starting next fall.
The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota is spotlighting insurance careers through its upcoming Opportunity Forum on Insurance and Risk Management, scheduled for March 24. The event will include an insurance jobs promotion and offers organizations a chance to connect directly with students interested in the field. Dr. Andy Whitman is the point of contact for those wishing to participate.
At St. Cloud State University, enrollment appears to be stabilizing as the business school merges with the engineering school to form the new College of Business and Technology. While longtime faculty member Dr. Joe Haley will retire at the end of the semester, insurance coursework will continue under Dr. Lee Zang, who plans to teach Principles of Insurance as well as Property & Casualty and Life & Health courses.
The University of Minnesota Duluth is also seeing encouraging developments. Praveen Aggarwal has been named permanent dean of the Labovitz School of Business, reinforcing strong institutional support for the insurance industry. Currently, 69 students are enrolled across three in‑person insurance courses taught by Hugo Hietapelto. Students have participated in carrier and broker visits in the Twin Cities, and the program is seeking funding to support attendance at national industry events, including the upcoming WSIA conference in Chicago.
The Big I MN will be at Minnesota State University, Mankato and the University of Minnesota Center for Sales Leadership and Education for career fairs this spring. Staff has also been in touch with Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College about opportunities to collaborate and promote insurance as a career path. Contact Michelle at mherr@bigimn.org if you are interested in learning how to participate at upcoming career fairs or to get more involved with student initiatives.