The art of using math to manage life’s unpredictable ups and downs was the focus of a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Don Hong, a professor of mathematical science, first aired Aug. 14 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org. You can listen to their conversation above.

Dr. Don Hong

Hong guides interested students through reciprocal agreements with three Chinese universities to encourage education in actuarial science, the discipline of applying mathematical skills, statistical methods and computing techniques to risk management. Careers are available in the insurance industry and in pension oversight, among other fields.

MTSU has such agreements with Ningbo University, Guangxi University and North China University of Technology. MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee renewed the partnership with Ningbo University for 10 more years July 20. This agreement allows actuarial science students enrolled at Ningbo to progress to MTSU to complete their studies.

“The insurance industry is expanding in China,” Hong said. “They very likely will cooperate with other … major global insurance companies to share risks. Insurance companies would like to hire actuaries trained in North America or Europe.”

MTSU is the only university in Tennessee that offers actuarial science coursework in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The graduate program has attracted students from such institutions as Dartmouth, Notre Dame, UCLA and the University of California-Berkeley.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about the radio program, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.