SALT LAKE CITY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 — Western Governors University (WGU) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Distinguished Graduates Award, a select group of alumni who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic excellence, professional success, and community impact. These individuals embody WGU's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to learners across the country, empowering them to advance in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

This year's Distinguished Graduates represent a diverse array of fields, from healthcare and information technology to education and business. Their stories reflect not only the success of WGU’s competency-based education model but also the transformative power of lifelong learning.

"We are incredibly proud of this year's Distinguished Graduates," said WGU Robert Sullivan, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement. "Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, resilience, and dedication. These individuals exemplify the value of education as a tool for personal and professional transformation, and they serve as an inspiration to current and future WGU students."

The 2024 Distinguished Graduates include:

• Christie Jandora, M.S. Management and Leadership (2020), from Pensacola, FL, has leveraged her WGU education to become the Director of Emergency, Trauma, and Observation Services at Ascension. Overseeing more than 400 associates, Christie manages three emergency departments, an observation unit, and both pediatric and adult trauma programs. As the Florida Emergency Nurses Association (FENA) president-elect, Christie advocates for emergency nurses at state and national levels, further highlighting her influence in healthcare leadership and nursing advocacy.

• Dr. Brady McNulty, B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (2023), M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (2023), from Roseburg, OR, transitioned from a career in pharmacy to a leading role on an internal threat team at a major organization. Brady, a cybersecurity expert with numerous certifications, mentors aspiring professionals and has achieved recognition through his involvement in prestigious international organizations. His recent success includes leading his team to third place in the Social Engineering Community’s Vishing Competition at DEF CON 2024.

• Jessica Shelley, M.S. Curriculum and Instruction (2019), M.S. Special Education (K-12) w/Licensure (2020), M.S. Management and Leadership (2022), and Master of Business Administration (expected 2024), from Gulfport, MS, is the CEO and co-founder of Dailies, an online learning platform valued at $5 million. Recently named to Forbes' “30 Under 30” list, Jessica's leadership and innovative spirit have made her a trailblazer in virtual education, bridging the gap between school and home. A dedicated mother of five, she exemplifies the drive and entrepreneurial success of a WGU graduate.

• Arteja Stamps, Master of Business Administration (2024), from Benton, AR, founded Fight Against Childhood Starvation (FACS) to combat food insecurity in Arkansas. Her leadership has sparked numerous innovative initiatives, including the Miss Arkansas FACS Scholarship Pageant, a community-driven event. Arteja’s experience in product development and agile methodologies has empowered her to drive FACS’s mission forward, addressing hunger and improving lives in her community.

The full list of the 2024 Distinguished Graduates can be viewed on WGU’s official website here.

WGU’s Distinguished Graduate recognition is part of the university’s broader commitment to celebrating alumni success. Each year, these awards honor graduates who have not only excelled academically but have also made a lasting impact on their communities and industries.