Through personalized interactions, responsive support systems, and a commitment to psychological safety, higher education institutions can create environments that offer not just education, but transformation. In doing so, they foster connections that equip students with the confidence, resilience, and belonging needed to thrive beyond the classroom, ensuring that education becomes a lifelong source of empowerment and connection.

A conversation with US Army TRADOC, Partnership for Your Success Program Manager Antonio Johnson Sr. about his life of service and the importance of establishing employment prospects and support frameworks for veterans moving on to civilian lives. Johnson, who will attend the upcoming Roll Call professional networking event, served in the military for 22 years, has a master’s degree from WGU in management and leadership, and has forged a successful career in supporting transitioning soldiers.

Historically, support for for neurodivergent learners has been limited, often accessible only with official diagnoses and sometimes proving ineffective. Yet, as we venture further into the digital age of learning, innovative practices are emerging to bridge the equity gap for neurodivergent and situationally limited learners, particularly in fields like engineering or computing.

A key event during Tech Week Grand Rapids 2024 was “Putting More Color in the Tech Sector,” hosted by WGU. This gathering, which welcomed around 100 attendees, was a crucial forum for discussing the systemic barriers that hinder the representation of people of color in tech.

In today's rapidly evolving job market, there's a crisis brewing: students are increasingly ill-prepared for the workforce. Entry-level positions are vanishing with the rise of AI and universities are struggling to prepare students for on-the-job success, leaving many feeling stranded and unqualified. But amidst this challenge lies an opportunity to bridge the gap between education and employment through innovative solutions like work-based learning programs.

In this edition of IgnitED, we look at WGU’s 2023 Annual Report and the story it tells of the past year and the vision for the future; read about the changing educational landscape and how higher ed needs to align educational achievements with the dynamic needs of the modern workforce; and Scott Pulsipher, WGU president, shares practices that leaders can use to help their employees thrive.