The Vaughan Institute

of Risk

Management

May 2025 Update

Working together to inspire and equip the next generation of Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) leaders to make the world safer, smarter, and more secure.

As the semester ends, we’re celebrating the Vaughan Institute’s newest graduates—an inspiring group ready to make their mark. From exciting job offers to bold new ventures, they’re stepping into the future with purpose and confidence.

Join us in congratulating the Class of 2025 and get a glimpse of what’s ahead for these outstanding students.

Key Performance Indicators

As of May 27, 2025

464 students enrolled in the RMI program
398 students enrolled in the RMI major
46 students enrolled in the RMI certificate
19 students enrolled in the University of Iowa's MBA program with an RMI focus
1 student enrolled in the RMI PhD program
105 RMI graduates (undergrad), 8 MBA grads with RMI focus

New records

Congratulations to Our 2025 Graduates

We recently surveyed the largest graduating class in Vaughan Institute history to learn more about their post-graduation plans. Nearly half of the class responded—and the results are in: 92% of our Risk Management and Insurance graduates had secured employment or were headed to graduate school before even crossing the stage. This group was able to surpass last year's incredible placement rate of 88%.

Hear directly from our newest alumni and discover how their Vaughan experience helped shape their next steps.

Collaborative Industry Innovation

with Employer Partners

An essential aspect of the Vaughan Institute is providing our students with real-world experiences to become future-ready. This past semester were among some of the best projects and student presentations.

ACORD

Analyzed key market trends in the global insurance industry, with a focus on identifying country-specific differences. Highlighted the metrics that best explain the growth of property & casualty and life insurance premiums across selected countries or regions.

Learn more about ACORD.

Aflac

Researched best practices and cross-industry innovations in AI and insurtech solutions to enhance the customer experience throughout the open enrollment journey—before, during, and after—with the goal of increasing adoption and retention.

Learn more about Aflac.

Cottingham & Butler

Conducted a cyber risk analysis of a selected industry sector (manufacturing, retail, or banking) to assess key exposures and evaluate how cyber underwriters are leveraging AI in their underwriting processes.

Learn more about Cottingham & Butler.

FM

Evaluated a sample insurance policy with a focus on one assigned risk area—flood, water damage, or fire/wildfires—and recommended how AI and insurtech solutions could be applied to better predict and prevent related losses.

Learn more about FM.

Lightship Neuroscience

Utilized Lightship technology to assess individual driver distractibility risk and designed targeted safety interventions to increase awareness and reduce incidents of distracted driving in conjunction with Nationwide and TrueNorth Companies.

Learn more about Lightship Neuroscience.

Learn more about Nationwide.

Learn more about TrueNorth Companies.

Lockton

Investigated how AI best practices and insurtech solutions can be leveraged to enhance operational performance across key areas of the business.

Learn more about Lockton.

Lotus Fertility

Explored how Lotus Fertility can address emerging health and voluntary benefits challenges by evolving its offerings to meet the changing needs of employers and employees, helping organizations remain competitive in a dynamic benefits landscape.

Learn more about Lotus Fertility.

Congratulations to RMI Faculty Member Cameron Ellis

Please join us in congratulating the Vaughan Institute’s own Cameron Ellis on receiving the Tippie College of Business Early Career Faculty Research Award at this year’s awards ceremony. Congratulations, Cameron!

Help Us Find the Next Generation of RMI Leaders

We’re excited to share the next chapter in our campaign to spark curiosity and inspire action. Designed for high school students and college freshmen, this ad dives deeper into the real-world impact and unexpected opportunities a career in Risk Management and Insurance can offer. Whether they’re problem solvers, future leaders, or just starting to explore what’s next—we’re here to show them a path they might not have considered, but won’t want to miss.

Share the video below with your co-workers, family, and friends.