Looking Back and Looking Forward
WGU Indiana 2018 highlights.
As we usher in 2019, we’d like to take a brief look back at 2018. It was a great eighth year for WGU Indiana. Here’s are just some of the things that made it memorable:
1) Cook Medical jobs announcement at Fall 2018 WGU commencement
Cook Group CEO Pete Yonkman surprised the audience during his Indianapolis WGU commencement address by announcing ten Cook Group jobs exclusively for WGU class of 2018 graduates.
2) Ranked by Indianapolis Business Journal as the third largest graduate business degree program in Indiana and third largest online college and tenth largest college/university.
3) Indy Women in Tech (IWiT)
Four women in the Ivy Tech Community College IvyWorks program received a total of $16,000 in scholarships to attend WGU Indiana as they pursue careers in tech. WGU Indiana was a sponsor of the IWiT LPGA tournament and Summit for the second year in a row.
4) Night shift nurse appreciation
More than 4,000 nurses at 127 health care units across the state of Indiana received appreciation kits from WGU Indiana in 2018, including scholarship info and goodies, to recognize these nurses for their contributions to our communities.
5) Midwest Cyber Tech Conference and Indiana Cyber Security Conference
WGU Indiana helped to sponsor the inaugural Cyber Tech Midwest Conference. Chancellor Barber moderated and Vice President of Academic Affairs for WGU’s IT College Dr. Elke Leeds spoke on a panel focused on workforce issues in tech.
6) Public Service Recognition Scholarships
WGU Indiana recognized those in public service with $50,000 in exclusive scholarships for employees of the State of Indiana. Ten employees received $5,000 scholarships and Governor Holcomb presented the $50,000 in scholarships at a ceremony at the Governor’s Residence.
7) New corporate partnership with Gibson General Hospital
“We are excited to offer our employees an opportunity to further their education with programs that will work around their lifestyles,” said Deann Hunt, director of human resources at Gibson General Hospital. “Our partnership with WGU Indiana reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing opportunities for our employees to further develop their careers and achieve their professional goals.”
8) Indiana State Fair
The WGU Indiana team and scores of WGU volunteers interacted with visitors and prospective students at the Indiana State Fair, as WGU Indiana proudly sponsored the annual event for the eighth year.
9) Corporate sponsorships
WGU Indiana supported Indiana communities through sponsorships that included Indy Eleven, South Bend Cubs and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
10) Chancellor Barber transitioned to President of WGU Advancement
The year included the news of Chancellor Allison Barber’s transition to her new role as President of the newly created WGU Advancement, WGU’s new non-profit fundraising organization headquartered in Indiana. Dr. Barber has served as WGU Indiana’s Chancellor since its launch in 2010 and will remain Chancellor Emeritus.
