Illinois State University’s Katie School of Insurance has been awarded the Global Center of Insurance Excellence (GCIE) designation by the International Insurance Society. Illinois State’s superb insurance program is among nearly 1,000 GCIE designees across the globe.

“For two decades, the Katie School has worked to increase its global recognition,” said James Jones, director of the Katie School of Insurance. “We actively recruited graduate students from Europe, Africa, and Asia to work with faculty in conducting insurance industry research, and more recently began hosting interns from abroad to introduce them to the American insurance market. We are thrilled that this recognition now transcends our own borders and is recognized by the industry globally.”

The GCIE certification program recognizes universities and colleges with exceptional risk management and insurance curriculums. It acknowledges universities that play an elemental role in improving insurance knowledge and is awarded to universities that meet the rigorous criteria regarding available courses, industry employment ratings, and professional involvement. These awards are determined by an evaluation committee represented by members of global insurance academic centers as well as senior executives of international insurers.

Illinois State enrolls about 200 students within its Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management. The University’s undergraduate program was ranked 11th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report for 2017, and is the fourth largest insurance program in the country.