Faulkner University News – From Faulkner to the Top: Jeremy Vest’s Journey in Business and Faith

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Faulkner University alumnus Jeremy Vest has built an impressive career grounded in hard work, integrity, and faith — values that took root during his time at Faulkner.

He was honored during this year’s Faulkner Marketplace Faith Friday Forums as the Distinguished Alumnus for the Harris College of Business.

Vest, who earned a degree in business administration, holds the titled roleVice President, Underwriting at Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America, the third-largest global reinsurer. Based in the United States, he manages relationships with chief life underwriters from life insurance companies across the country. His work involves advising clients on industry updates, underwriting guidelines, and reinsurance quotes.

“Having worked as an underwriter with Alfa Insurance for 23 years — the last few as chief underwriter — I was always intrigued by the idea of working for a reinsurer,” Vest said. “I enjoy sharing my expertise and providing helpful tools to help other chief underwriters be successful. Because I work with multiple companies, I have a much broader perspective than just being focused on one.”

Vest credits Faulkner University for setting him on the right path, both personally and professionally.

“I came to Faulkner lacking confidence, maturity, and direction,” he said. “That short visit to campus changed my life. I met the most friendly and loving people — the kind I hadn’t come across before — and I decided to give Faulkner a chance. I ended up staying all four years.”

Vest said his business degree opened doors for him at Alfa Insurance, but the real value of his education went beyond academics.

“I learned valuable lessons about business, the importance of continued education, and the value of hard work and integrity,” he said.

Equally impactful were the relationships Vest formed with his professors and peers, which helped shape his faith and leadership style.

“The friendships I formed over those four years made the biggest impact on me,” he said. “Several professors and staff members had a Christlike influence on me. While it took time for those lessons to stick, those relationships were critical to my spiritual development and the example I strive to set in the workplace.”