News Release from Northwestern Michigan College 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City MI 49686 Contact: Paul Heaton, 231 995-1019, email: pheaton@nmc.edu Date: March 25, 2008 News & Events

NMC adds new program for Insurance studies

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – In response to requests from area employers, Northwestern Michigan College will add a program in Insurance studies this fall.

The NMC Board of Trustees unanimously approved the new program Monday evening.

The new Business program will offer three Certificates, each with a concentration in these areas:

• Personal Insurance
• Life and Health Insurance
• Commercial Insurance

“The insurance industry has had a shortage of high quality younger employees to fill gaps created by changes in the way the industry operates over the last 10-15 years,” said Mark Priskorn of the Fawcett Dopke Agency. “Careers in the insurance industry offer competitive entry-level positions that will reward people who aspire to positions with almost unlimited earning potential.”

The three Certificates are designed to build on one another. The Level I Certificate, in addition to a course in Personal Insurance, includes Accounting Principles, Introduction to Business, Computers in Business, and English Composition.

The program also is designed so it can be an area of concentration for those seeking an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

“This was an industry-led, industry-supported initiative, and I’m pleased to see NMC responding promptly and appropriately,” Trustee Elaine Wood said at the meeting.

Several area insurance agencies worked with Business faculty member Mary Ann Linsell to develop the curriculum. They also have committed more than $4,500 in scholarships to assist students entering the program. 

Course schedules are now online at www.nmc.edu/schedules. Online registration begins April 14, 2008. For Admissions information, call 231-995-1054.

For details about the new Insurance program, contact NMC’s Business Academic Area at 231-995-1169 or visit www.nmc.edu/business.