Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1997 by 19 western governors who sought to expand access to higher education in their respective states. The university’s unique competency-based learning model allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace, without being tied to traditional semesters or class schedules.
WGU has since grown to become one of the largest online universities in the United States, with over 130,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The university’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education to students of all ages and backgrounds.
WGU’s innovative learning model has been recognized for its effectiveness in preparing students for success in the workplace. The university’s graduates have gone on to work for some of the world’s leading companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
Page Contents
Who Founded WGU?
Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1997 by a group of 19 western governors. The university’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education to students of all ages and backgrounds.
- Founders: WGU was founded by a group of 19 western governors.
- Mission: WGU’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education.
- Students: WGU is open to students of all ages and backgrounds.
- Programs: WGU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields.
- Learning Model: WGU uses a competency-based learning model that allows students to progress at their own pace.
- Accreditation: WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
- Graduates: WGU graduates have gone on to work for some of the world’s leading companies.
WGU’s innovative learning model has been recognized for its effectiveness in preparing students for success in the workplace. The university’s graduates have gone on to work for some of the world’s leading companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
Founders
The founders of WGU were a group of 19 western governors who came together in 1997 with a shared vision of expanding access to higher education in their respective states. They believed that a new type of university was needed, one that was affordable, accessible, and flexible enough to meet the needs of working adults and other non-traditional students.
The founders’ vision for WGU has become a reality. Today, WGU is one of the largest online universities in the United States, with over 130,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs. WGU’s competency-based learning model allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace, without being tied to traditional semesters or class schedules. This flexibility makes it possible for students to earn their degrees while working full-time, raising families, or pursuing other commitments.
WGU’s success is a testament to the vision of its founders. They recognized the need for a new type of university, one that was designed to meet the needs of today’s students. WGU’s innovative learning model is proving to be a successful way to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education to students of all ages and backgrounds.
Mission
The mission of WGU is directly connected to the vision of its founders. When they created WGU in 1997, they were committed to providing an alternative to traditional higher education that was more accessible, affordable, and flexible. They believed that everyone should have the opportunity to earn a college degree, regardless of their age, income, or location.
- Accessibility: WGU’s online learning platform makes it possible for students to learn from anywhere in the world. The university also offers a variety of support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.
- Affordability: WGU’s tuition is significantly lower than the tuition at most traditional colleges and universities. The university also offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.
- Quality: WGU’s academic programs are rigorous and relevant to the needs of today’s employers. The university’s faculty are experts in their fields, and they are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
WGU’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education. This mission is directly connected to the vision of the university’s founders. WGU is committed to providing an alternative to traditional higher education that is more accessible, affordable, and flexible.
Students
The founders of WGU believed that everyone should have the opportunity to earn a college degree, regardless of their age, income, or location. This commitment to accessibility is reflected in WGU’s open enrollment policy and its flexible learning model.
- Age: WGU does not have an upper or lower age limit for admission. This means that students of all ages are welcome to apply, from recent high school graduates to senior citizens.
- Background: WGU does not require students to have a traditional academic background. This means that students who have not completed a high school diploma or GED may still be eligible for admission.
- Location: WGU is an online university, which means that students can learn from anywhere in the world. This makes it possible for students who live in rural areas or who have other commitments that prevent them from attending traditional college classes to earn a degree.
WGU’s commitment to accessibility is one of the things that makes it unique. The university is providing opportunities for students who would not otherwise be able to earn a college degree. This is a valuable contribution to the higher education landscape, and it is one of the reasons why WGU is such a successful university.
Programs
The variety of programs offered by WGU is directly connected to the vision of the university’s founders. When they created WGU in 1997, they were committed to providing an alternative to traditional higher education that was more accessible, affordable, and flexible. They believed that everyone should have the opportunity to earn a college degree, regardless of their age, income, or location.
WGU’s founders recognized that the traditional higher education model was not meeting the needs of many students. They believed that a new type of university was needed, one that was designed to meet the needs of today’s students. WGU’s competency-based learning model and its open enrollment policy are two examples of how the university is meeting the needs of today’s students.
The variety of programs offered by WGU is another example of how the university is meeting the needs of today’s students. WGU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, education, health sciences, and information technology. This variety of programs ensures that WGU has a program that meets the needs of every student.
The variety of programs offered by WGU is also a testament to the university’s commitment to quality. WGU’s academic programs are rigorous and relevant to the needs of today’s employers. The university’s faculty are experts in their fields, and they are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
WGU’s variety of programs, its commitment to quality, and its innovative learning model are all part of the university’s mission to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education.
Learning Model
The connection between WGU’s learning model and its founders is clear. The founders of WGU were committed to providing an alternative to traditional higher education that was more accessible, affordable, and flexible. They believed that everyone should have the opportunity to earn a college degree, regardless of their age, income, or location.
WGU’s competency-based learning model is a key part of the university’s mission to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible higher education. This learning model allows students to progress at their own pace, without being tied to traditional semesters or class schedules. This flexibility makes it possible for students to earn their degrees while working full-time, raising families, or pursuing other commitments.
The competency-based learning model is also a key part of WGU’s commitment to quality. WGU’s academic programs are rigorous and relevant to the needs of today’s employers. The university’s faculty are experts in their fields, and they are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
WGU’s learning model is a key part of the university’s success. The university has been recognized for its innovative approach to higher education, and its graduates have gone on to work for some of the world’s leading companies.
Real-life examples of how WGU’s learning model has helped students succeed are numerous. For example, one student was able to earn her degree while working full-time and raising a family. Another student was able to earn his degree while living in a remote area with limited access to traditional higher education.
The practical significance of understanding the connection between WGU’s learning model and its founders is that it helps us to appreciate the university’s commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education. WGU’s learning model is a key part of the university’s mission, and it is one of the reasons why WGU is such a successful university.
Accreditation
The accreditation of WGU by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is a direct result of the vision of the university’s founders. When they created WGU in 1997, they were committed to providing an alternative to traditional higher education that was more accessible, affordable, and flexible. They also believed that it was important for the university to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency.
-
Quality Assurance
Accreditation by the NWCCU is a mark of quality. It assures students, employers, and other stakeholders that WGU meets high standards of academic quality. This is important for the university’s founders because they wanted to create a university that was not only accessible and affordable, but also rigorous and respected.
-
Student Success
Accreditation by the NWCCU is also important for student success. It gives students the confidence that their degrees will be recognized by employers and other institutions. This is important for the university’s founders because they wanted to create a university that would help students achieve their goals.
-
Institutional Reputation
Accreditation by the NWCCU also helps to enhance WGU’s institutional reputation. It shows that the university is committed to quality and that its programs meet high standards. This is important for the university’s founders because they wanted to create a university that would be respected by the higher education community.
-
Access to Federal Funding
Accreditation by the NWCCU is also important for WGU’s access to federal funding. Many federal financial aid programs require that students attend an accredited institution. This is important for the university’s founders because they wanted to create a university that would be accessible to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The accreditation of WGU by the NWCCU is a testament to the university’s commitment to quality, student success, institutional reputation, and access to federal funding. This accreditation is a direct result of the vision of the university’s founders, who wanted to create an alternative to traditional higher education that was more accessible, affordable, and flexible.
Graduates
This statement is a testament to the quality of education that WGU provides. WGU’s founders were committed to creating a university that would provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education. They believed that everyone should have the opportunity to earn a college degree, regardless of their age, income, or location.
-
Employer Recognition
The fact that WGU graduates have gone on to work for some of the world’s leading companies is a sign that employers recognize the value of a WGU degree. WGU’s academic programs are rigorous and relevant to the needs of today’s employers. The university’s faculty are experts in their fields, and they are committed to providing students with a high-quality education.
-
Student Success
The success of WGU graduates in the workplace is also a sign of the university’s commitment to student success. WGU provides students with the support they need to succeed, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling. The university also has a strong track record of helping students find jobs after graduation.
-
Economic Impact
The success of WGU graduates also has a positive economic impact. WGU graduates are more likely to be employed and to earn higher salaries than those with only a high school diploma. This increased earning power benefits not only the graduates themselves, but also their families and communities.
-
Innovation and Leadership
WGU graduates are also making a difference in the world through innovation and leadership. Many WGU graduates have gone on to start their own businesses or to hold leadership positions in their organizations. This is a testament to the quality of the education that WGU provides and to the university’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
The fact that WGU graduates have gone on to work for some of the world’s leading companies is a testament to the quality of education that WGU provides. This is a direct result of the vision of the university’s founders, who were committed to creating an alternative to traditional higher education that was more accessible, affordable, and flexible.
FAQs about “Who Founded WGU?”
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the founding of Western Governors University (WGU).
Question 1: Who founded WGU?
WGU was founded by a group of 19 western governors in 1997.
Question 2: Why was WGU founded?
WGU was founded to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education to students of all ages and backgrounds.
Question 3: What is WGU’s mission?
WGU’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education.
Question 4: Is WGU accredited?
Yes, WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Question 5: What are the benefits of attending WGU?
The benefits of attending WGU include accessibility, affordability, quality, and flexibility.
Question 6: What is WGU’s learning model?
WGU uses a competency-based learning model that allows students to progress at their own pace.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about WGU. For more information, please visit the WGU website.
Summary: WGU was founded in 1997 by a group of 19 western governors with the mission of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education to students of all ages and backgrounds. WGU is accredited by the NWCCU and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields.
Transition: To learn more about WGU’s history, mission, and programs, please visit the WGU website.
Tips for Understanding “Who Founded WGU?”
To fully understand the significance of “Who Founded WGU?”, consider the following tips:
Tip 1: Explore the Historical Context
Understanding the historical context of WGU’s founding can provide valuable insights. Research the educational landscape of the late 1990s, particularly in the western United States.
Tip 2: Examine the Founders’ Motivations
Identify the reasons why the 19 western governors came together to create WGU. Consider their goals for expanding access to higher education and the challenges they sought to address.
Tip 3: Analyze the Impact of WGU’s Mission
WGU’s mission of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education has had a significant impact on the higher education landscape. Explore how WGU’s innovative learning model and open enrollment policy have made higher education more accessible to nontraditional students.
Tip 4: Evaluate WGU’s Success and Recognition
Since its founding, WGU has experienced remarkable growth and recognition. Examine the factors that have contributed to WGU’s success, such as its innovative learning model, rigorous academic programs, and commitment to student support.
Tip 5: Consider the Future of WGU
As WGU continues to evolve, it is important to consider its future trajectory. Explore potential challenges and opportunities that may shape the university’s future direction.
Summary: By following these tips, you can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of “Who Founded WGU?”. This knowledge can provide valuable insights into the history, mission, and impact of this innovative university.
Transition: To learn more about the history and impact of WGU, continue reading the provided article.
Conclusion
The founding of Western Governors University (WGU) in 1997 by a group of 19 western governors was a watershed moment in higher education. Driven by a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education, these leaders envisioned a university that would be accessible, affordable, and high-quality.
WGU’s innovative learning model, which emphasizes competency-based learning and student-centered support, has transformed the way students learn. The university’s open enrollment policy has also made higher education more accessible to nontraditional students, including working adults and those with family obligations.
As WGU continues to grow and evolve, its founding vision remains a guiding principle. The university remains committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education to students of all ages and backgrounds. WGU’s success is a testament to the power of innovation and the transformative potential of higher education.
