GRAND RAPIDS – Davenport University has introduced a new Risk Management and Insurance specialty within its Bachelor of Business Administration in Management program beginning in the fall of 2012.

Farmers Insurance, which worked with Davenport to develop the curriculum, has also made a generous commitment to provide $10,000 for the next three years toward student scholarships in Davenport?s Insurance Education Specialty.

With forecasts indicating growth in insurance industry employment opportunities, Davenport will begin delivery of in-seat insurance education courses at campus locations in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Livonia in the fall of 2012, with an online program launching in 2013. Davenport will be the only university in Michigan to offer this specialty focus with a bachelor of business administration degree program.

?The insurance sector is important to the continued growth of the Michigan economy and Davenport is proud to help support that growth, with the support of insurance agencies and organizations,” said Dr. Richard Pappas, President of Davenport University. “This special focus on insurance within an existing degree program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to help students get where the world is going in business, technology and health professions. We are especially grateful for the generous contribution from Farmers Insurance that will help students in this new specialty receive adequate financial support.?

“Our award winning University of Farmers played a key role in the creation of this program,? said Steve Boshoven, President of Farmers Specialty Insurance. ?Farmers Insurance is proud and pleased to have extended our partnership with Davenport. Many of our employees are already seeking degrees from Davenport and enjoying a tuition discount. Our employees can now complete a degree in the industry in which they are already pursuing careers.?

?At Farmers Insurance, we view education and development as crucial for the success of our business and for the success of our employees and agents,? said Steve Mulder, Director of Employee Development for Farmers. ?As a recognized leader in training and learning, we, at the University of Farmers, are thrilled to have worked with Davenport on this new specialization and feel it will provide greater opportunities for current and future insurance professionals.?

The curriculum within the specialty will focus on the property-casualty segment of the insurance industry and is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in insurance agencies and companies, leading to management positions. This new program was developed in collaboration with Farmers Insurance and several other industry professionals. Davenport faculty members who teach management, finance, math and marketing were also involved in the development of this new program.

In addition to the exclusive new Davenport Insurance Scholarship sponsored by Farmers Insurance, numerous other scholarships offered by insurance and risk management companies, associations and foundations will be available to full-time students enrolled in the risk management and insurance specialty. A four-year degree completion program also is available, and up to 90 credits may be transferred from other fully accredited colleges or universities, the Insurance Institute of America and the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.

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