Jackson National Life supports future information technology management lab
Janel Shoun-Smith |
Franklin-based Jackson National Life Insurance has established a grant to establish the Laboratory for Information Technology Management (ITM) at Lipscomb University’s School of Computing and Informatics (SCI).
The Master of Science in Information Technology Management (ITM) degree was established at Lipscomb in summer 2012. The degree is the first of its kind in Tennessee, integrating technology, leadership, information security and informatics in one master’s program. The mission of the program is to shape students into true technocrats – information technology professionals who can move up through management levels with strong skills in both technology and management.
The future information technology management lab will provide professional ITM students with hands-on understanding of how to practically leverage information technology to the future success of organizations. The facility will include hardware and software to conduct predictive analytics and data-mining.
“Jackson is committed to fostering the next generation of technology industry professionals, and to dedicating resources to this growing area of study,” said Dean Hosfield, vice president of information technology for Jackson. “As the world becomes increasingly digital, Jackson recognizes the need for more skilled IT professionals and the importance of partnering with leading educators like Lipscomb to support technical innovation and the recruitment of qualified students to their program.”
The fundraising campaign to complete the ITM lab is ongoing. The Jackson donation will go toward the purchase of a server for virtualization, said SCI director Fortune Mhlanga. Additional equipment needed for the lab includes Windows OS and software licensing, a server UPS and switch, device switches and cabling, student laptops, LCD displays and virtualization software licensing.
The relationship between Jackson and Lipscomb University’s SCI began in November 2011 when Jackson invited representatives of the school to its headquarters in Lansing, Michigan, to showcase its state-of-the-art technology platforms and build relationships with academic institutions for community development. SCI has also expressed keen interest to partner with Jackson on community service and enrichment programs.
“We are truly grateful to Jackson for making this investment in the future of our computing programs here at Lipscomb,” said Mhlanga. “The information technology management program combines information technology and management-based analytics with field-based study of organizations to solve real-world problems. This interaction makes the creation of the laboratory essential for the program to be one of excellence and to meet its objective to effectively and competently serve its students, the community and the business world.”
“The ITM program, and the future computer lab funded by Jackson, will aid in retaining high value-added jobs in Nashville and beyond over a period of decades,” Mhlanga said. “Not only will Jackson benefit from the partnership, but Lipscomb will be able to provide a stronger program and more practical experiences in technical professions and to expand its avenues of service to the economic community.”
About Jackson National Life Insurance Company
With $129.9 billion in assets (IFRS)*, Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) is a leading provider of retirement solutions. The company sells variable, fixed and fixed index annuities, and institutional products. Through its affiliates and subsidiaries, Jackson also provides asset management and retail brokerage services. Jackson markets its products in 49 states and the District of Columbia through independent and regional broker-dealers, wirehouses, financial institutions and independent insurance agents. Jackson’s subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company of New York®, similarly markets products in the state of New York. For more information, visit www.jackson.com.
*Jackson has $129.9 billion in total IFRS assets and $119.0 billion in IFRS policy liabilities primarily set aside to pay future policy owner benefits (as of 6/30/12).
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is a principles-based set of international accounting standards indicating how transactions and other events should be reported in financial statements. IFRS is issued by the International Accounting Standards Board in an effort to increase global comparability of financial statements and results. IFRS is issued by Jackson’s parent company.