Ryley Chamberlin never imagined her passion for insurance would take her from a small Michigan town to iconic destinations like London, Antigua and the Cliffs of Moher. But through UOlivet’s dynamic insurance and risk management program, the junior from Hemlock has explored the world—while gaining real-world experience, leadership skills and a professional network that stretches far beyond campus.
Ryley’s journey into insurance started in high school with a co-op placement at Farm Bureau. “Working for that agency was the changing point in my life,” she said. “I decided to pursue insurance and gain a degree—but I had no idea where to start.” Her principal, UOlivet alumnus Keith Green, recommended the University’s insurance program.
“The minute I did a tour of the campus I knew that this would be my home for the next four years,” Ryley said. “I decided it was a perfect fit for what I was looking for academically, and I was even going to continue playing volleyball.”
At UOlivet, Ryley dove in. Alongside volleyball and the President’s Leadership Institute, she became deeply involved in Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), the University’s professional insurance and risk management fraternity. Her leadership journey began as GIS chapter president, where she led 26 peers, and now continues as a student advisor, mentoring new leaders, helping them secure internships and scholarships.
“This has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I’ve grown so much, and now I can give back.”
Her impact doesn’t stop at UOlivet. Ryley also serves on the Student Advisory Council for the Grand Chapter of GIS, which oversees more than 100 chapters across the country. “I’ve made friends and connections in Kentucky, Florida, Illinois and beyond,” she said. “It’s helped me develop leadership skills I’ll use for the rest of my life.”
These experiences have come with plenty of travel. Through GIS, Ryley has attended national and regional conferences in cities like Charlotte, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Richmond. “I’ve made some of my best friends through attending these conferences,” she said. “And the Grand Chapter always plans a fun event, like a baseball game or a bowling night.”
UOlivet makes these experiences possible for all students. “We fundraise so we can cover everything—registration, travel, hotel and food—even for first-year students,” she said. “Not many chapters can say that.”
Her studies have taken her abroad as well. Ryley spent two weeks in England and Ireland, where she visited Lloyd’s of London, the world’s first insurance marketplace, and explored landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
She also couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join the business department on a trip to Antigua in the West Indies. “We met entrepreneurs who built businesses from their home kitchens and spoke with developers about hurricane-resistant structures and water conservation. A local even took us on hikes to hidden beaches,” Ryley said when describing the unforgettable experience.
More Than a Degree: A Future Built on People and Purpose
While her passport is full and her résumé impressive, Ryley says the most valuable part of her UOlivet experience is the people.
“The main reason I chose to be in insurance is because of the people in the industry. Insurance might not be the most glamorous major, but the co-workers, peers, clients, or potential future employers that you meet at the career fairs and along the way make it worth it. They generally want you to succeed and will do as much as they can to support you on your journey.”
Thanks to the support, leadership opportunities, and global experiences she’s found at UOlivet, Ryley knows she’s not just earning a degree—she’s building a future full of purpose, connection and limitless potential.
Learn more about a career in the insurance industry and how UOlivet prepares you to succeed. Apply today or connect with the Office of Admissions at