University of Baltimore Builds Specialization in Risk Management and Insurance to Close Talent Gap

BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 11 -- The University of Baltimore issued the following news release:

The University of Baltimore's Merrick School of Business has added risk management and insurance courses to its portfolio of specializations in its B.S. in Business Administration program. The specialization--the program's 13th and a prime example of the school's emphasis on a real-world, career-focused approach to business education--will offer industry-specific courses spawned from robust conversations with industry insiders, including Maryland Insurance Commissioner, Al Redmer. According to Redmer and others, there is a clear "talent gap" for Maryland-based insurance companies: As the new specialization gears up for a fall 2019 launch, experts are saying that nationwide, there could be up to 200,000 new jobs in the insurance industry by 2022, with careers ranging from IT, business analysts, and claim adjusters, to underwriters, sale agents, and more.

"Commissioner Redmer made a very compelling case that there were jobs in this industry and firms were going out of state to recruit their talent," said Murray Dalziel, dean of the Merrick School of Business. "At the Merrick School, we are in the business of launching professional and entrepreneurial careers--so we took up the challenge. This is a great opportunity for our students and we are proud to support the industry and cultivate home-grown talent."

As with UB's other business administration majors, the student pursuing risk management will receive coursework in accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, marketing and statistics. But the new specialization will offer 18 additional credits that dive deeper into the specifics of risk management and insurance, including tracks in corporate or healthcare risk management. Applications to enroll are being accepted now and will start officially in August.

The development of the new specialization came with input from enthusiastic and engaged professionals, who believe UB was the right fit, at the right time, for the industry.

"This new program provides Baltimore's students with an incredible opportunity to gain access to a growing industry with significant career opportunities, and opens the doors for scholarships and internships," said Brett Lininger, J.D '05, counsel at Nemphos Braue and chair of the Merrick School's Risk Management and Insurance Advisory Board. "It is my hope that we can engage industry partners to support the program as it grows."

Learn more about Risk Management and Insurance at the University of Baltimore.

Members of the newly launched board include:

* Carmine D'Alessandro, chief legal officer, CEIWC

* Rona Finkelstein, J.D. '83, chief compliance officer, Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company

* Michael Gabriel, director of business development and recruiting, Diversified Insurance Industries

* Anne Giambelluca, senior claims consultant, Willis Towers Watson

* Nancy Grodin, J.D. '90, MBA '83, deputy commissioner, Maryland Insurance Administration

* Patricia Hildt, second vice president, claim management, general liability, Travelers Insurance

* Curt Jordan, senior director, recruitment, benefits and HR systems, CareFirst

* Frank Kellner, vice president, Harford Mutual Insurance Company

* Beverly League, corporate college relations manager, CareFirst

* Brett Lininger, J.D. '05, counsel, Nemphos Braue (board chair)

* Mike Papa, senior vice president, Diversified Insurance Industries

* Al Redmer, commissioner, Maryland Insurance Administration (ex-officio)

* Jennifer Zlotnick, HR director, All Risks

The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the UB School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.