Students to benefit from 35+ years of industry experience
Paul Anderson, CPCU, ARM, has been named The University of Olivet’s new director of its nationally recognized undergraduate Insurance and Risk Management program. Students in the program will benefit from Anderson’s more than 35 years of distinguished industry experience, gaining direct access to the insights, connections, and real-world expertise. Anderson’s extensive background positions him to bridge the gap between classroom learning and career success, ensuring students graduate ready to excel from day one.
“With more than 35 years of experience in underwriting, risk management, agency leadership, and industry education, Paul brings an exceptional depth of expertise to our nationally renowned Insurance and Risk Management program. His proven leadership, spanning major underwriting operations, regional growth initiatives, and the mentoring of emerging professionals, positions him perfectly to guide and strengthen one of Olivet’s signature academic programs,” said Provost KayDee Perry, Ed.D. “We look forward to the vision, energy, and industry insight he will bring to our students and to the future of the program.”
Industry Veteran Brings Decades of Leadership Experience
Anderson’s career spans leadership positions at some of the industry’s most respected organizations, including Tokio Marine, Acrisure, Hanover Insurance, Harleysville Insurance, AON Services, and Willis. Most recently, he served as Senior Commercial Specialist at OneSource Insurance Agency.
Throughout his career, Anderson has demonstrated exceptional skill in building high-performing teams, driving revenue growth, and maintaining strong relationships with agency partners and clients. As Regional Vice President at Acrisure from 2019 to 2020, he managed 60 agencies across eight Midwest states. Earlier, as Branch Vice President at Hanover Insurance, he managed a $70 million book.
“After spending decades on the business side of insurance, I’m energized by the opportunity to shape how the next generation enters this field,” said Anderson. “The students at Olivet aren’t just learning theory—they’re building the judgment, relationships, and practical skills that will set them apart when they walk into their first agency or underwriting role.”
A Commitment to Education and Mentorship
Anderson’s credentials include the prestigious Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, which he earned in 1989, as well as the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University. Beyond his professional achievements, Anderson has demonstrated a deep commitment to education, having served as a CPCU instructor for the Insurance Institute of America from 1993 to 2019.
His industry leadership extends to board service, including his current role as a Board Member of the Westran Insurance Foundation since 2013 and his previous service on the Board of the Compensation Advisory Organization of Michigan from 2016 to 2019.
Preparing Students for Industry Success
The University of Olivet’s Insurance and Risk Management program combines core business principles with specialized industry knowledge, preparing students for successful careers in underwriting, claims adjustment, risk analysis, and agency operations. The program maintains strong ties to Michigan’s robust insurance industry and emphasizes hands-on learning, with every student completing an internship before graduation.
Under Anderson’s leadership, the program will continue to offer students industry-relevant coursework that prepares them for professional certification exams, including the AINS, ARM, and AAI designations. Students also benefit from membership in the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, a national award-winning student organization focused on insurance, risk management, and financial planning.
Anderson will assume his new role on December 18, working closely with faculty, students, and industry partners to enhance curriculum, expand internship opportunities, and strengthen the program’s already impressive connections throughout Michigan’s insurance community.