The Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS) Grand Chapter recently hosted its virtual awards ceremony as part of the 49th Annual GIS Conference. The event celebrated the achievements and impact of the 90-plus chapters located at colleges and universities across the country. GIS is an international professional fraternity organized to promote, encourage and sustain student interest in insurance, risk management and actuarial science as professions. Olivet College is home to the Alpha Alpha Chapter.
Thomas Humphreys, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CIC, Olivet College director of the Risk management and Insurance Center and assistant professor, earned the Faculty of the Year Award during the virtual awards ceremony. In addition, Eric Dawdy ’15 was named Alumnus of the Year and OC’s Alpha Alpha Chapter earned the Superior Chapter recognition. Only seven of the 90 chapters nationwide earned Superior status.
“It is such an honor to receive this recognition. I truly enjoy working with students to improve their skills, teach them about the wonderful world of insurance, get to know them personally and watch them achieve successes. Having my passion acknowledged makes my work even more meaningful,” said Professor Humphreys.
The Faculty Member of the Year Award is presented to a faculty member who has been instrumental in the development of their members, the growth of their chapter and the support of the Gamma Iota Sigma mission.
“This individual received multiple student nominations who shared that their adviser was much more than a faculty adviser — he is a role model, he is a mentor and a motivator,” said Wesley Griffiths, GIS co-president, of Professor Humphreys. “He has inspired students for years, sharing the benefits of Gamma Iota Sigma and the importance of making a difference in the community. With an insurance industry background, he also brings insurance expertise to the classroom. He has been passionate about ensuring diversity and inclusion throughout the chapter while leading with kindness and selflessness every single day.”
Prior to joining the Olivet College faculty, Professor Humphreys led a successful career in the insurance industry and served in other teaching capacities. In 1989, Professor Humphreys created a scratch insurance agency with Farmers Insurance Group, advising clients on appropriate policies and coverage to protect their families. In 1997, he took his experience as a successful business owner to guide and mentor other individuals as a district manager for Farmers Insurance Group in west Michigan. In 2006, in addition to his position with Farmers, Professor Humphreys became an instructor for Kaplan University, teaching property and casualty, life, accident and health, and continuing education courses. In 2010, he opted to get back into sales as an independent insurance agent while continuing to teach at Kaplan, and in 2015, Professor Humphreys joined OC.
In addition, Professor Humphreys is a member of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents, and he serves on its Education Committee. Professor Humphreys was also appointed to the Michigan Auto Insurance Placement Facility’s Board of Governors by the State of Michigan’s Director of Insurance in July 2017.
To demonstrate his dedication to continued education and professionalism, Professor Humphreys has earned professional designations from the American College, The National Alliance and the Insurance Institute of America. He has earned the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designations.
Professor Humphreys holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from Kaplan University.
Learn more about Olivet College by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@olivetcollege.edu. Established in 1844, Olivet College is a private, liberal arts institution located in south-central Michigan. The College remains dedicated to its academic vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility by providing a quality higher education to all, regardless of gender, race or financial means. From enrollment to graduation, Olivet College is committed to each student’s personal, academic and career success. For more information, visit olivetcollege.edu .

Submitted by Olivet College