On a chilly afternoon in northwest Montana, leaders from Blackfeet Community College and Western Governors University formalized a partnership rooted in shared values and a commitment to creating access to opportunity. The ceremonial signing in the heart of the Blackfeet Nation marked a new chapter in higher education—a story of connection, growth, and resilience.

Dr. Linda Garza Battles, vice president of the south region at WGU, discusses how WGU is uniquely positioned to help students in non-traditional situations access higher education opportunities. This interview was originally published in the September - October edition of Latino Leaders, a magazine highlighting leaders from the Latino community in many industries. Latino Leaders' mission is to "promote and publish stories of Latino success, offering an alternative narrative to the mainstream media while showcasing the enduring influence and achievements of the Latino community."

Western Governors University (WGU) has been honored as an Angeles Investors 2024 Emerging HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) Impact Award recipient. This distinguished award highlights WGU’s expanding role in creating meaningful educational opportunities for Hispanic communities nationwide.

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.

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.

As an Enrollment Counselor Coordinator for WGU’s School of Technology, Mark Bernal is passionate about making higher education more accessible and inclusive, especially for Spanish-speaking students.