Medical Mutual gifts $1 million for BW Endowed Professorship in Public Health

Medical Mutual is investing $1 million in BW's growing public health programs through development of a new endowed professorship.

The company - the oldest and one of the largest health insurance companies based in Ohio - donated the funds to establish the Medical Mutual Endowed Professorship in Public Health.

The professorship will strengthen recruitment and retention of the most creative and engaged teachers for BW's thriving bachelor's and master's degree programs and help bolster the healthcare talent pipeline in Northeast Ohio.

Addressing a talent gap

Medical Mutual recognizes that the healthcare industry has one of the greatest talent gaps in Northeast Ohio. With Baldwin Wallace's rapid growth and success in the field of health science education, the company wanted to help the university meet this demand by supporting it with much-needed resources.

"By establishing the Medical Mutual Endowed Professor of Public Health, we're helping Baldwin Wallace-a valued Medical Mutual customer for 87 years- build on an already impressive base of faculty talent," said Rick Chiricosta, Medical Mutual's Chairman, President and CEO. "Ultimately, this partnership will help ensure all students are exceptionally prepared for the future, graduating with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary for a successful career in the health sciences."

Attracting the best and brightest

"BW is grateful for Medical Mutual's generous support," said BW President Bob Helmer. "An endowed professorship helps attract the best minds and distinguished leaders within a discipline. As we add to an already respected base of faculty talent and enrich the academic environment, we will also attract the best and brightest students."

BW established the undergraduate public health program in 2010 and added a Master of Public Health (MPH) in 2016. Both programs were created with broad healthcare industry collaboration.

Long-time collaborators

Baldwin Wallace and Medical Mutual share a deep history of collaboration. BW has the distinction of being Medical Mutual's longest running customer. And the health insurer supported the launch of BW's employee wellness program.

In 2017, the University bestowed an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree on Medical Mutual CEO Chiricosta at commencement ceremonies featuring him as keynote speaker.

About Medical Mutual of Ohio

Founded in 1934, Medical Mutual is the oldest and one of the largest health insurance companies based in Ohio. The company provides peace of mind to more than 1.6 million Ohioans through its high-quality health, life, disability, dental, vision, indemnity and wellness plans. The company offers fully insured and self-funded group coverage, including stop loss, as well as Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and individual plans. Medical Mutual's status as a mutual company means it can operate for the benefit of its members without needing to meet the demands of stockholders or Wall Street analysts. Instead, the company focuses on developing products and services that allow it to better serve its customers and Ohio communities and help its members achieve their best possible health and quality of life. For more information, visit the company's website at MedMutual.com.