Diauntae Morrow is a nationally recognized insurance professional, an award-winning leader, and a dedicated faculty member in Kent State’s in100% online Bachelor of Science in Insurance Studies program. Recently honored with the 2025 Emerging Leader Award from the National African American
Insurance Association (NAAIA), Morrow represents a new generation of leadership in the insurance and risk management field—bringing industry experience, mentorship, and innovation directly into the online classroom.
As both an industry executive and educator, Morrow is deeply committed to helping students build not just technical knowledge, but the strategic mindset and professional connections they need to succeed.
Faculty Q&A: Diauntae Morrow, B.S. in Insurance Studies
Faculty & Background
Could you share a brief overview of your background in insurance and risk management, and what specific courses you teach in Kent State’s online B.S. in Insurance Studies program?
“I bring over 8 years of experience in the insurance industry, with a strong focus on risk management, agency operations, and client solutions. My career began in insurance sales at Progressive and client consulting for athletes and entertainers, and evolved into entrepreneurial leadership roles where I managed large books of business and developed strategic marketing initiatives.”
Industry Integration & Leadership
How do your roles as an industry leader (including the Emerging Leader Award and NAAIA Presidency) and the Gamma Iota Sigma advisor directly translate into real-world insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities for your online students?
“My leadership roles in the insurance industry allow me to bring real-world insights directly into the classroom. As an Emerging Leader Award recipient and President of the Cleveland Chapter of NAAIA, I stay deeply engaged with industry trends, diversity initiatives, and strategic decision-making. This experience enables me to share practical case studies, regulatory updates, and best practices that go beyond textbook learning. Students gain a clear understanding of how leadership and innovation drive agency growth, compliance, and client success, skills that are critical for their future careers.”
“As a Gamma Iota Sigma faculty advisor, my role is to create meaningful networking and mentorship opportunities for students. Through virtual events, guest speakers, and internship pipelines, I connect learners to a global network of insurance professionals and organizations. These initiatives provide students with direct exposure to career pathways, professional certifications, and industry leaders. By combining academic rigor with hands-on mentorship and networking, I ensure that students graduate with both the knowledge and the connections needed to thrive in the insurance and risk management field.”
Program Audience & Differentiation
Who is the 100% online Insurance Studies program designed for? What distinguishes Kent State’s program from others, and why is the online format particularly beneficial for preparing students for the industry?
“The 100% online B.S. in Insurance Studies program at Kent State is designed for both working professionals seeking career advancement and students seeking entry into a dynamic field with strong job prospects and unlimited opportunities. The curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in property and casualty, life and health insurance, risk management, and insurance operations, complemented by core business and communication courses.”
“What sets Kent State apart is its flexibility and depth—students can major or minor in Insurance Studies, allowing them to tailor their education to their career goals. A minor in insurance is an excellent complement to majors such as Accounting, Finance, Business, Actuarial Science, Public Health, and Cybersecurity Engineering, because it adds risk management expertise that is highly valued across these fields.”
“Kent State’s fully online Insurance Studies program offers unmatched flexibility, allowing students to balance coursework with professional and personal commitments while still engaging in networking, mentorship, and certification opportunities. The program integrates academic rigor with real-world application through partnerships with industry organizations, guest lectures, and internship pipelines. Students benefit from connections to groups like Gamma Iota Sigma and The Institutes Collegiate Studies Program, which provides CPCU exam waivers.”
Critical Skills & Future Trends
What is the single most critical skill you aim to instill in your students? What key trends should graduates be prepared for?
“The single most critical skill I aim to instill in my students is strategic risk management thinking—the ability to analyze exposures, evaluate solutions, and make informed decisions that protect both individuals and organizations.”
“Looking ahead, new graduates must be prepared for key trends shaping the future of insurance. Technology integration, such as AI-driven underwriting and predictive analytics, is transforming how insurers assess risk and serve clients. Cybersecurity and data privacy are critical growth areas as digital threats escalate. Additionally, diversity and inclusion initiatives are reshaping workforce dynamics and client engagement strategies. Finally, climate-related risks and global regulatory changes demand innovative approaches to sustainability and resilience.”
Personal Insight
“At the start, many students approach insurance concepts with uncertainty… Over time, I see them begin to use industry terminology confidently—talking about underwriting, loss ratios, and risk transfer—and, more importantly, thinking like risk managers.”
“That evolution is powerful because it reflects the core mission of the program: turning theory into practical application.”
Next Steps for Students
“I’m one call away. I welcome students to contact me directly via email or LinkedIn for questions about the curriculum, career opportunities, or industry insights.”
“If you’re considering enrolling, my advice is simple: take the leap… This program doesn’t just teach insurance; it prepares you to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.”
About Kent State’s Online Bachelor of Science in Insurance Studies
Kent State’s 100% online Bachelor of Science in Insurance Studies prepares students for careers in underwriting, claims, risk management, compliance, agency leadership, and emerging areas like cyber liability and climate risk. With strong industry partnerships, professional certification pathways, and built-in networking through organizations like Gamma Iota Sigma and The Institutes, the program combines academic rigor with real-world career preparation.
