Brad Gronke Named Director of Insurance and Risk Management

[Michele McCauley]

The University of Olivet has named Brad Gronke, Ed.D., CPCU, as director of its Insurance and Risk Management program. Dr. Gronke also serves as an associate professor and advisor for the University’s Alpha Alpha Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, the international fraternity for students pursuing careers in insurance and risk management.

Dr. Gronke brings more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, with a career spanning claims management, workers’ compensation, leadership, training and organizational development. He has held leadership and operations positions with organizations including Gallagher and The Hartford and recently provided Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies with insurance training and strategy consulting services.

His industry experience is complemented by a strong background in higher education and professional education. He holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership from Governors State University and an MBA in Organizational Behavior from Lake Forest Graduate School. He also holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation along with numerous additional insurance and claims certifications.

Dr. Gronke has developed and taught courses in leadership, group dynamics, business and criminal justice, and has designed more than 20 training programs for insurance professionals. He has also presented workshops and keynote sessions to thousands of professionals on topics including claims strategy, leadership, workforce wellness, artificial intelligence and risk management.

At Olivet, that combination of classroom and industry experience gives students the opportunity to learn from someone who understands both the academic side of insurance and what the work looks like in practice.

As advisor to the University’s award-winning Alpha Alpha Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, Dr. Gronke is helping students build professional connections and gain experience that extends beyond the classroom.

“I’m incredibly excited to be part of The University of Olivet and to build on the strong foundation and national reputation of the Insurance and Risk Management program. After spending more than 20 years in the insurance industry, I know how important it is for students to see the connection between what they learn in the classroom and what they will experience in the profession. For me, this opportunity is about more than teaching insurance; it’s about creating opportunities, building meaningful relationships with the industry, and making sure our program is a place where every student feels welcomed, valued, and able to see a future for themselves in this profession. The insurance industry is stronger when we bring together people with different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and ideas, and I want our program to reflect that,” Dr. Gronke said. “Olivet has a long history of preparing outstanding insurance professionals, and I’m excited to build on that legacy while creating an inclusive environment where students can develop the knowledge, confidence, connections, and sense of belonging they need to become the next generation of leaders in our industry.”

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