When Daniel Jacques ‘20, M’21 first enrolled at the University of Hartford, he was a non-traditional student balancing a full-time job with full-time coursework. Today, he has come full circle, now teaching as an adjunct business professor at his alma mater while also thriving in his career at Travelers Insurance Company as an Inland Marine Cargo Claims Adjuster.
After completing his undergraduate studies as a management major in 2020, Jacques went on to earn an MBA with a concentration in management in 2021. During his time at UHart, he was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma honors society and immersed himself in courses and experiences that left a lasting impression. “BAR 211 gave me skills that I still use every day, and the Leadership in the 21st Century course shaped how I approach professional challenges,” he reflects. Networking events also played a pivotal role, helping him learn how to make meaningful connections that continue to benefit him throughout his career.
The education that Jacques received at UHart not only prepared him academically but also professionally. “The insurance courses gave me a strong understanding of policies, liability, and risk transfer that I use directly in my work,” he says. Those lessons, combined with the leadership and management skills from his MBA program, gave him the confidence to spearhead projects and teams across his career.
Jacques cites his proudest accomplishment as being asked to return to UHart as a professor. “Teaching at my alma mater will always be one of my proudest moments,” he says. It allows him to give back to the community that shaped him and mentor the next generation of business leaders.
In addition to his professional achievements, Jacques recently reached an academic milestone: earning his Doctorate in Business Administration from National University in May 2025. His dissertation, Understanding the Needs and Motivations of Generation Z in the Virtual Work Environment: A Qualitative Approach, reflects his passion for management and organizational behavior. He is actively pursuing the publication of this work and has already submitted a new study to UHart’s IRB focused on the values and needs of workers across remote, hybrid, and on-site environments.
Jacques encourages current students to take advantage of every opportunity. His advice is straightforward but impactful: “BAR 211 is one of the most important courses in Barney. Go to every networking event. Make connections wherever you can. And remember—on LinkedIn, you’re the content creator—and the product is yourself.”
He also stresses perseverance: “Even if a task seems impossible, just taking the first step is the hardest part. Do that, and everything else will fall into place. With good time management skills, you really can do anything.”
Reflecting on his journey, Jacques credits UHart and its faculty for shaping his path. “I would not be the person I am today without the University of Hartford and the professors here,” he says.
From a dedicated student to a business leader and educator, Daniel Jacques exemplifies what it means to come back and give back, proving that with resilience, drive, and the right support, success comes full circle.
Daniel Jacques ‘20, M’21, Barney School of Business AlumTeaching at my alma mater will always be one of my proudest moments.