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UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE

States

We Make Flexible Education Accessible for Everyone

There's no one-size-fits-all solution to education. Each student is different in their motivations, life situation, work style, and pace. Additionally, each state has unique workforce needs, differing levels of accessibility to online courses, and other unique challenges. At WGU, we understand these differences and offer a flexible, reputable, and affordable education to fit specific needs.

How do we do it? In short, WGU supports the localized needs of states, businesses, and communities by partnering with state and regional affiliates to provide educational pathways. Each area of the country has different educational needs, and we currently partner with many local leaders to provide solutions to address those needs. We focus on topics like workforce enablement, expanding access, and improving college readiness. WGU currently has affiliates in 11 states and counting with staff dedicated to these specific states.

How WGU is Involved in Local Education Efforts

WGU is the largest university in the nation by enrollment, and while our coursework is offered almost exclusively online, we are committed to local education efforts with regional leadership and affiliates in many states. With an alumni network of over 403,000 spread across the country and more than 186,000 current students, we're proud to say that our graduates make a difference in their workforces and communities all throughout the nation.

We're student-centric and outcomes-oriented. With an education that's accessible anywhere, anytime, competency-based progression, and mentor support, WGU is custom-built for students who lack access to opportunities. Our local efforts are directly focused on ensuring students in different areas of the country are able to get the educational access they need. Our focus includes: 

186,003

total current students at WGU from across the United States
-November 30th, 2024

403,874

total graduates from WGU across the United States
-November 30th, 2024

Affiliations at the State Level

WGU encourages bipartisan support for education and works with state leaders to meet education needs. Every state has it own specific needs and challenges, and through close partnerships, WGU helps state policymakers find ways to serve states' entire populations. In establishing state-specific WGU affiliates, the school become eligible for state funding and the students gain access to state scholarships. State affiliations also give students an easier path to transfer local state or community college credits, allowing them to complete their WGU degree more quickly. 

WGU State Affiliates

  • WGU Ohio
    Established in 2018.
  • WGU North Carolina
    Established in 2017.  
  • WGU Nevada
    Established in 2015.  
  • WGU Missouri
    Established in 2013.  
  • WGU Tennessee
    Established in 2013.  
  • WGU Washington
    Established in 2011.
  • WGU Texas*
    Established in 2011.  
  • WGU Indiana
    Established in 2010.  

*Western Governors University (“WGU”) is not regulated under Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code. WGU’s primary federal regulator is the United States Department of Education. In addition, WGU is a participant of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Pursuant to SARA, WGU maintains postsecondary education authorization from its home state of Utah through the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Students experiencing unresolved issues should refer to WGU’s Student Complaint and Grievance Policy. Individuals may also find information on contacting or submitting complaints at the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, NC-SARA, or the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

State Level Leadership and Advisory Boards

Alison Bell, WGU Regional Vice President, Central

Advisory Board:

  • Barb Smoot
  • Scott Dutey
  • Ken Tietz
  • Kashif Smiley
  • Lisa Gray
  • Gen. Mark Bartman
  • Dan Molina
  • Darla Cade

Dr. Ben Coulter, Chancellor WGU North Carolina

Kim Estep, WGU Regional Vice President, Southeast

Advisory Board:

  • Dr. Lisa Chapman
  • LtGen Walter Gaskin
  • Gov. Beverly Perdue
  • Mr. Gregg Sinders
  • Dr. Monique Perry-Graves
  • Dr. Angela Hinson Quick
  • Mr. Jon Armke

Richard Benbow, Regional Vice President, West Region

Bob Benson, Regional Director, West Region

Kim Estep, WGU Tennessee Chancellor

Ben Coulter, WGU Southeast Regional Director

Advisory Board:

  • John R. Ingram
  • Shannon A. Brown
  • Mark Cate
  • David A. Golden
  • Bobbie J. Murphy
  • Ralph J. Schulz
  • John M. Steele
  • Dr. Michael Torrence
  • Kyle Barron

Tonya Drake, Regional Vice President, Northwest Region

Ismar Vallecillos, M.Ed., Northwest Regional Director, Western Governors University

Advisory Board:

  • Dr. Andre Alfred
  • Marty Brown
  • Al Davis
  • Dr. Michael Dunn
  • Dr. Justin Guillory
  • Dr. Jean Hernandez
  • Heather Lewis
  • Steven Maheshwary
  • Steve Mullin
  • Bill Poppy
  • Mike Schindler
  • Dr. John A. Polm

Linda Garza Battles, WGU Regional Vice President, South

Manuel Gonzalez, WGU Regional Director, South

Advisory Board:

  • Andres Alcantar
  • Patricia Diaz Dennis
  • John Fitzpatrick
  • Bernie Francis
  • Bonnie Gonzalez
  • George V. Grainger
  • Stephen C. Head
  • William Serrata
  • Cristie Remmel

Alison Bell, WGU Regional Vice President, Central

Benefiting Students across the United States

“I think programs like WGU are extremely important, especially when you're in a rural area or somewhere that doesn't offer what you want or what you need and have the flexibility."

Sarah Aronack, MSN Leadership and Management

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