Last year, President Tuminez and Dean Wright stood on stage with WCF Insurance and Buckner leadership to accept a $1.5 million donation for the Risk Management and Insurance program in the WSB. Layne Kertamus, professional-in-residence, was hired for his expertise and to teach courses in the program.

“My role as a professional in Risk Management and Insurance is to focus on three areas,” said Layne. “First, my mission is to provide the best possible learning experience in the classroom informed by 30 years of experience in many aspects of the risk business. It is a great time to enter the insurance industry in part because the world is more complex and volatile than in times past, so there are important risk challenges to be solved. As students begin to see the tremendous opportunities available, they can better pursue those roles that are most interesting and rewarding to them. Oftentimes, industry stars are born early in their careers.

Next, I am engaging with current and future industry partners to specifically understand what skill sets they are looking for in new employees. We are building a talent pipeline, and I see our program mirroring and even anticipating the needs of industry players. 

Also, an initial and ongoing focus of mine is to recruit students of all majors to take at least one of our risk management and insurance courses. As students explore this industry, they will be able to connect with their UVU peers and students nationwide who are in similar programs. Oftentimes, this happens during campus events, competitions, internships, and industry conferences. 

A background in risk management and insurance is somewhat uncommon and is incredibly useful because it helps a person view risk issues, strategic management, and business opportunities in new and unique ways. Students with this background can be involved in many roles and industries. For example, a graduate might handle medical malpractice claims, underwrite unusual exposures like physical damage on Indy 500 cars, use a CPCU and accounting background to manage offshore captive companies, be a broker who matches a client’s corporate insurance needs with the right market, or be a risk analyst evaluating workers compensation trends for competitive advantage. Innovation is happening in every area of insurance and the list of career possibilities is endless. 

Nothing happens in business until someone buys an insurance policy. Risk and insurance solutions are needed in all businesses. Every boardroom in America is the site of robust conversations about how well risk is being managed. The industry is rapidly evolving and the timing to enter the business is perfect.

Our program is focused on helping students meet many of the requirements for the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation that is offered by the Institutes. This top-tier designation provides specific industry credibility that compliments the already excellent education that students get at UVU. Together, a student can prove to employers that they are well educated and qualified to accelerate their employer’s business results.

Woodbury School students in any major can acquire a specific skill set that builds on what they are already doing. All majors are welcome. Students can get some national CPCU exams waived as they complete our courses. How great is that?! At present, students can receive scholarships for doing this minor, which are made possible by our industry partners. We are fortunate to be able to offer scholarships in the early days of a new program.

Our corporate partners are a large part of our success. UVU and Utah will become a destination in the West for excellence in risk management and insurance. Today’s students will become part of an extensive network of alumni in responsible positions nationwide. I see our program maturing into a separate major and perhaps a graduate program. We have the elements in place to make this happen, but it starts with students.

If you’re interested in this program, come talk to me.  I’m delighted to talk to anyone about this new program. Students can reach me at [email protected] or by calling 801-863-8427.”