Jianxi Su named Actuarial Science program head

08-14-2023

Dr. Jianxi Su, associate professor of statistics, is the new director of Purdue University’s renowned actuarial science program. The interdisciplinary program administered by the departments of mathematics and statistics has been ranked the #1 Best Actuarial Science Degree by CollegeChoice.net since 2017. In 2022 the Society of Actuaries (SOA) designated Purdue University as a Center of Actuarial Excellence.

Dr. Su joined the Department of Statistics faculty in 2016. His research interests are mathematical and statistical modeling, particularly in the context of actuarial pricing and quantitative risk management. Over the course of his seven-year academic career, he has been awarded more than fifteen competitive research grants from the Society of Actuaries, the preeminent professional organization for actuarial science.

Beyond his strong reputation for research within the actuarial community, Dr. Su has active connections with the insurance industry and is a technology consultant to a digital asset insurance company.

Dr. Su is recognized as a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), the highest designation awarded by the Society of Actuaries, and has served as associate director of the actuarial science program with longtime director, Jeff Beckley.

Department head of mathematics, Irena Swanson, and interim department head of statistics, Dan Cziczo, concur that “Dr. Su brings a portfolio of qualifications and experiences that make him an outstanding choice to lead our highly regarded actuarial science program. The combination of research and scholarship, professional licensure, and familiarity with our program’s faculty, students, curriculum, and business partners have prepared him for this leadership role.”

Dr. Su says “It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to lead the actuarial science program and contribute to its growth and enhancement. Already highly regarded, I envision the program developing further into a nationally renowned education and research hub for insurance and risk management studies."

The actuarial curriculum provides a broad-based quantitative background in mathematics, probability, economics, data analytics and statistics. Designated as a Center of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) by the Society of Actuaries, the program meets rigorous standards including curriculum offerings, graduate count, faculty composition, quality of graduates, appropriate integration with other areas of study, connection to industry, and research and professional involvement.