KID
TOPEKA — Two 2018 college graduates from Washburn University and Emporia State University are their schools’ first recipients of the Kansas Insurance Certificate, sponsored by the Kansas Insurance Education Foundation (KIEF), the Kansas Board of Regents and the Kansas Insurance Department.
Ariel Jones, who graduated from Washburn University, and Callie Zirkle, an Emporia State University graduate, received the certificates January 10 at a ceremony hosted by Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance.
The Kansas Insurance Certificate program began in 2016 through a collaboration among KIEF, the insurance department, and several Kansas higher learning institutions. The certificate gives college students the opportunity to gain a broad understanding about insurance and show prospective insurance industry employers the students’ knowledge of general insurance coursework.
The 12-hour certificate program, if completed, is designed to advance career opportunities for the student in the financial services industry, including insurance. Students can take classes through several institutions.
For the fall 2018 semester, 550 students were enrolled in certificate-eligible courses at Washburn University, Fort Hays State University, the University of Kansas-Edwards Campus, Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University and Kansas State University.
Commissioner Selzer said the program allows the participating schools to offer the focus-area courses online or through traditional classroom instruction. Students can take the courses they are most interested in, even if they originate at another school within the program.
“Getting the Kansas Insurance Certificate complemented my college degrees and became a distinctive touch on my academic resume,” said Ariel Jones. “Meanwhile, this certificate presents additional career opportunities and increases networking possibilities with others in the financial services and insurance industries throughout the United States.”
“I am honored that I was able to receive the Kansas Insurance Certificate,” said Callie Zirkle. “The certificate will be beneficial for my resume, along with opening up career opportunities.”
Each school also offers financial incentives for enrollment in the certificate-eligible courses. More about the program is available at www.ksinsurancecertificate.org.