March 31, 2025

Bridging Education and Industry: How COUNTRY Financial® and Illinois State University Empower Future Leaders

At the heart of Illinois State University’s motto, “gladly we learn and teach,” lies a commitment to education, growth, and the power of knowledge to transform lives. Similarly, COUNTRY strives to “enrich lives in the communities we serve,” ensuring individuals and families have the support and resources they need to thrive.

When these two visions intersect, the impact is undeniable—creating opportunities for students, strengthening communities, and fostering a culture of service and lifelong learning. Through partnerships, scholarships, and shared values, ISU and COUNTRY are working together to shape a brighter future, where education and community empowerment go hand-in-hand.

Since the fall of 2024, Jeff Koerner, Regional Vice President of Agency, and Jon Voegele, Regional Vice President of Agency, have served as Instructional Assistant Professors at ISU, leading the course MKT 334: Sales Management.

The course explores theories, principles, and practices of sales force administration for manufacturing, wholesaling, and service enterprises through the lens of recruiting, training, compensation, and performance appraisal.

“Teaching this course is a great way to give back and share with students what life is like after college,” said Koerner. “We introduce them to what traits we see in successful people and how they can apply those traits to their chosen careers. We also talk about how to prepare for an interview for their first career.”   

“This is one way I can ‘pay it forward’,” said Voegele. “Early in my career, people took time and energy to share their wisdom with me. It gave me a big jump start in my career. If I can offer tips and hints that will help students navigate their future, it is very gratifying.”

The course meets twice a week with Koerner teaching over the lunch hour and Voegele instructing in the evening. The duo covers for one another when schedules conflict and together, they bring in successful guest speakers from the community to share their career achievements and offer advice for success.

“Teaching the same course with Jeff makes things much easier,” said Voegele. “We follow the same course schedule by setting quizzes/exams, assignments, presentations, guest speakers, etc. on the same dates in each class. This allows us to brainstorm, adjust and even cover for each other when needed.”      

At the conclusion of each class, Koerner and Voegele share three success tips for life and business.

“Topics range from career, emotions, business tips, financial tips, empathy, emotional intelligence, anger, life balance, etc.”, said Koerner. “These tips have been extremely popular with the students!”

“The students love Jeff and Jon,” said Dr. Gary Hunter, Interim Chair and Professor of the Department of Marketing. “They both provide real-world examples and stories that put life into the material. More than that, they give students career and life advice from their own experiences. Collectively, they’re helping students not only with class but with their careers and their lives.” 

The sentiment holds true for the students enrolled:

• “This was my favorite class at ISU!”
• “You taught us things no other professor has!”
• “You taught me things my parents couldn’t!”
• “I used your tips to get my first job out of college!”
• “You were my favorite professor at ISU!”

“These are all comments Jeff and I can be proud of, especially since it was our first semester and most of the students are in their final semester before graduating,” added Voegele. “It is rewarding knowing the students are listening and taking our advice to heart. This class does a great job preparing students for their future.”    

COUNTRY is a proud community partner of Illinois State University and celebrates a culture of giving back. Koerner and Voegele are just two of many COUNTRY employees who enrich lives by sharing their knowledge in the classroom. 

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