Enrique Tellez, MBA 2007

Enrique Tellez came to Florida for a degree and found himself on the forefront of insurance regulation reform.

As an MBA student intern, Tellez worked as an appraiser and analyst for the state-run Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. He ensured companies knew how much they should contribute to the fund that sells backup insurance, known as reinsurance, to insurers.

Grateful for “the trust put in me to handle the job,” Tellez pored over state regulations, determining whether each company was indeed in compliance.

“I felt committed to start and develop the program,” Tellez said. The Florida Legislature recently ramped up the fund in an effort to reduce rates for homeowners after devastating hurricanes sent them soaring.

A native of Panama, Tellez started his bachelor’s degree at Florida State University’s campus in his hometown. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he chose to stay at FSU for his MBA. He recommends FSU to other international students seeking more practical application than theory.

“The faculty is great. Topics are well-selected,” he said.

“Everything they teach us, we’ll probably see in the future. I’m anxious to put into practice what I’ve learned.”