The Baker Chair of Insurance, the first endowed academic Chair at Missouri State, was activated with the appointment of the first chair holder, John E. Patton, associate professor of insurance, in 1997. The current chair holder is Dr. Stanley R. Adamson. The mission of the Baker Chair of Insurance is as follows:
- To perpetuate the operation of the Missouri State insurance education program
- To facilitate and promote high visibility for the Missouri State program
- To promote and conduct insurance research and education programs
- To contribute to raising additional funds for the Chair endowment
The Risk Management and Insurance academic program, including The Baker Chair of Insurance, owes a great deal to the late, William G. and Retha S. Baker. The Bakers made significant gifts to fund the Chair of Insurance. Additional financial support from individuals and risk management and insurance organizations enabled the chair to be activated in 1997. Earnings from the Baker Chair of Insurance Endowment are utilized to promote and enhance the program for students. Today, the program includes the Baker Chair Endowment, plus many scholarships dedicated to Risk Management and Insurance majors and minors.
Risk Management and InsuranceProgram
Bachelor of Science in Risk Management and Insurance
or Minor in Risk Management and Insurance
Missouri State University provides the only Risk Management and Insurance major in the state of Missouri and one of only 52 such programs in the country. Graduates of the program have wonderful opportunities in a wide variety of careers in the risk management and insurance industry. Currently there are over 2.3 million people working in the industry. Our graduates are working in cities as large as New York City and in communities as small as a few thousand people. This program is designed to provide a specialization to those interested in the insurance industry or the risk management field. The student also obtains a broad-based finance education in the process. If desired, the student may further specialize in the property and liability or life and health fields. For a list of courses, click here. There are a limited number of insurance internship opportunities available. There are many scholarships and awards specifically for students in this program. The Risk Management and Insurance program is fortunate to have an active professional fraternity, Gamma Iota Sigma, open to students involved in Risk Management, Insurance, or Actuarial Science. Upon graduation, entry level positions include actuary, adjuster, agent/ broker, claims examiner, employee benefit specialist, risk management associate, and underwriter. While great opportunities exist in sales, more than one-half of all jobs are in non-sales positions. For some examples of occupational employment rates and salaries, please visit the following links: Actuary, Insurance Underwriter, Insurance Sales Agent, and Insurance Appraisers.
Risk Management and InsuranceFaculty
Stanley R. Adamson, Ph.D., ARM, Baker Chair of Insurance and Associate Professor
Phone: 417-836-6686
Email: StanleyAdamson@Missouristate.edu
Ph.D., 1991, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Professional Certifications: ARM
At Missouri State Since: 1989
John E. Patton, CLU CPIM, Emeritus Associate Professor
Email: JohnPatton@Missouristate.edu
M.S. in Education, 1959, Northwest Missouri State University
Professional Certifications: CLU, CPIM
At Missouri State Since: 1960
James Simmerman, Ed.D, CFE
Phone: 517-836-4713
Email: JamesSimmerman@Missouristate.edu
Ed.D. in Education, ABD, University of Missouri
Professional Certifications: Design: CFE, ABD
At Missouri State Since: 2004