President Karen Petersen’s expertise to serve broader
higher ed landscape
CONWAY, Ark. (November 19, 2024) — Hendrix
College President Karen Petersen has been named to a term on the board of
directors for Educational & Institutional Insurance
Administrators, Inc. (EIIA), a nonprofit
provider of insurance and risk management services for small liberal arts
institutions of higher education.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Petersen to the
EIIA board,” said Dave Dietz, president and CEO of EIIA. “Her experience as an
educator and leader will be a tremendous asset to EIIA as we navigate the
challenging environment in higher education, insurance, and risk management.”
EIIA was formed in the 1960s by the Methodist
Church to assist historically Black colleges and universities in getting access
to the insurance market. Over the decades, it has helped many of its member
institutions recover from catastrophic losses. Today, EIIA continues to serve
as a leading provider of specialized insurance and risk management solutions
for private, faith-inspired colleges, universities, preparatory schools, and
seminaries.
The EIIA board of directors meets twice each
year and includes college presidents, business officers, and two independent
directors. In addition to the board’s leadership, a 30-member advisory council
of college chief financial officers provides guidance on specific insurance
needs of higher education institutions.
Hendrix is among more than 140 private
institutions across multiple religious affiliations with insurance protection
through EIIA. The organization offers a Property and Casualty Program, an
Employee Benefit Program, and a Student Insurance Program.
About EIIA
Based in Chicago, Illinois, EIIA provides
insurance and risk management services to its member colleges, universities,
and seminaries. With its unique history, EIIA has extensive knowledge and
experience to provide its members with innovative programs to meet their
insurance and risk management needs. EIIA was founded in the 1960s for the
purpose of serving Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
affiliated with the United Methodist Church at a time when prejudice placed
quality insurance out of their reach. In 1976, it was formally incorporated as
a not‐for‐profit
organization to provide innovative insurance programs, combined with group purchasing
and risk management services. Today, EIIA serves its more than 140 independent
members with the same mission‐minded tenacity and a commitment to equity and
justice. To learn more, visit www.eiia.org.
About Hendrix College
Founded in
1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools
That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the
country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning
opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The
Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has
been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through
engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to
diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable
living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of
accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College Statement of Purpose