Western Governors University

"I had the incredible privilege to be a graduation speaker at the WGU Anaheim Commencement, to share my experience overcoming years of academic failures by finding my purpose and discovering the importance of family and great mentors.

"It was only natural that my speech was dedicated to my teenage son, Christopher. We have a unique relationship in that he actively chose me to be his dad and allowed me to adopt him; his love is a gift that I never take for granted.

"Chris is the reason I stopped working late hours, started taking more days off, planned more trips, and found more experiences for us to share. Hlovate once wrote that "to live is to learn, and to learn is to live." Well, once I learned what I was really living for? Everything else just fell into place.

"Love is a gift, not a given. Don't answer every late text. Leave the after-dinner emails unread. Truly make time for your family and friends. Bring them along for your journey, and be present for theirs!

"Our families won't remember us for the extra hours we put in at work, but they sure will for the hours we didn't at home."

Thanks to Terrance C. for these words of wisdom and for being an inspiring influence in your son's life! If you'd like to have a listen to Terrance's full Commencement speech, you can catch it here: https://lnkd.in/gxvTRcp3

"My dad encouraged and financially supported my brother and me through our undergraduate degrees. He was my first thought when I was considering going back to school for my MBA at WGU. My dad always said that graduating high school was for his family, graduating with his bachelor's was for his children, but if he ever went back for his master's, it would be for himself. I asked if he'd join me in getting my MBA, and he agreed. We have been our private cohort through the entire program and have pushed each other to improve. I couldn't be prouder to be leveling up with my dad."

We are inspired by the love and partnership of Kenneth Vincent Barrentine III and his father Kenneth Vincent Barrentine Jr, who walked together in WGU's Anaheim Commencement earlier this year to receive their MBA's. Their achievement is a testament to the power of dedication and lifelong learning. We celebrate their success and the beautiful bond they share.

"My passion for education stems from a desire to support children in my Somali community. I aspire to develop curricula and educate educators on cultural awareness, especially in assisting ESL students. Through my capstone paper, I addressed the issue of insufficient cultural and linguistic awareness among educators, emphasizing the need for enhanced teacher training to better support culturally diverse students.

"My journey with WGU is the first step to allowing me to advocate for inclusive education practices and work towards creating a more equitable learning environment for all students."

We admire the dedication of Zaynab (Master's in Curriculum and Instruction) as she paves the way for better teacher training and cultural awareness. We are excited to see the positive changes she will bring to her community and beyond. Keep up the inspiring work!

Watch the Kruspe family's house transformation on Military Makeover on Lifetime tomorrow! We have loved being a part of this beautiful journey 💙

Jenna recently graduated with her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, and is rolling right into a Master’s degree in August! 🛹

recently graduated with her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, and is rolling right into a Master’s degree in August! 🛹

"I am a single mom to an 8-year-old and a 11-year-old, both boys. We started over with absolutely nothing. I worked four jobs at times to barely make ends meet. But I knew that I could do better for my kids and myself.

"On my 42nd birthday, I went back to school for my bachelor's in health and human services at WGU. While working full-time as a single parent, I finished the degree in less than a year. While going through school, I found my confidence, and I fell in love with myself again. I came out as LGBTQ and met an amazing woman. This has been the most important year of my life. I have grown as a person, as a mother, as a sister, and as a daughter. I hope my kids are proud of me, but just as important is how proud I am of myself. Now I can tell my children if you want to end up as successful as your mother, stay in school."

We are inspired by the journey of Krisi Vadnais as she used the power of education to transform her life. Her determination and strength as a single mother and student are truly admirable. She is now pursuing her master's in healthcare administration at WGU. Congratulations on your incredible achievements, Krisi—your story is a beacon of hope and empowerment for many!"

Happy ! In celebration, we've been reflecting on these wise words from our president, Scott Pulsipher on how serving students benefits employers and society at large:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mutual-benefit-serving-students-benefiting-employers-scott-pulsipher-wnvtc/?trackingId=%2F8MS71%2FaSQqs4GI4z%2FVqTQ%3D%3D

Join us tomorrow at 11 am MT for an amazing panel that will highlight our Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers for Women In Tech partnership.

https://www.wgu.edu/advancement/accelerating-innovation/meeting-the-moment-series.html

Happy June! Here are some cool upcoming events:

6/6 (11 am MT) - Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for Women in Tech
https://www.wgu.edu/advancement/accelerating-innovation/meeting-the-moment-series.html

6/11 (12 pm MT) - Articulate YOUR Value: The Tips and Tools for Building a Winning Resumé!
https://www.wgu.edu/lp/webinar/nbmbaa.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3eLg5m-xQqBqpvMkbk68ewGnuQjzavBP4uCFLL1XQytA1jRCeozm7115g_aem_AdOUD5DA6nt4Z4EtSTwJrbg7FhsEjHNzfpb_P-bySatx6zPVcEk6gswIUx9qAL9OrS88wq892xYnd0pmMsHd5j2Q

6/13 (12 pm MT) - WGU Impacts Nursing Workforce with Innovative Approaches to Learning

6/24 - WGU School of Business at SHRM 2024 Annual Conference
https://annualconference.shrm.org/sessionplanner/search

6/27 (11 am MT) - Advance Equity Speaker Series
WHEN WE RISE: MY LIFE IN THE MOVEMENT

We love welcoming new night owls to the nest each month! Do you have a tip to help get them off to a flying start in June? 🦉 Let us know in the comments. 👇

"Finding WGU was my golden ticket to finally being able to graduate from college and earn my degree. As a military spouse who has had to move every few years to different duty stations, attending college and transferring credits has been a hassle. After 9 years, WGU has given me the opportunity and access to a higher level of education than I was able to previously obtain while being a stay-at-home mom and a military spouse."

Congratulations Nicole Henry on earning your bachelor's degree in elementary education. Your determination and resilience as a military spouse and stay-at-home mom are truly inspiring. We are excited to see the incredible impact you'll make with your teaching degree!

May is a month of graduation celebrations, and we're proud to recognize the achievements of every one of you who has completed your educational journey.

Whether you're celebrating your own graduation or that of a family member or friend, your hard work and dedication have brought you to this moment.

Let's celebrate together! Share your graduation photos in the comments below so we can all join in on the excitement and celebrate your success.

"I've faced many challenges in life, from a difficult childhood to becoming a teen mom at 16. But I've persevered and now I'm the proud mother of four beautiful children, celebrating 20 years with my high school sweetheart, and making a career transition. Through it all, I've remained positive, spreading joy and never letting my circumstances dim my light.

"I am currently a kindergarten teacher transitioning into a career path in business and marketing. I am also working to become a motivational speaker and achieve even more. WGU has seriously changed my life and empowered me even more. Thank you all for the opportunities and for helping me continue to turn my struggles into something beautiful that can also be seen on paper."

Elizabeth Lones, your story is truly inspiring, showcasing incredible resilience and determination. Congratulations on earning your bachelor's in business administration, marketing. We can't wait to see the amazing impact you will continue to make. Keep shining and turning your challenges into triumphs!

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We also remember other loved ones who have passed on as a part of this special day. Their courage and dedication inspire us every day.

Who are you remembering today?

Join Our Webinar: Building Bridges & Breaking Barriers for Women in Tech!
June 6, 2024 11:00 AM MT.

Discover how WGU and Reboot Representation are doubling the number of Black, Latina, and Native American women in tech by 2025. Hear from leaders and experts in the field.

Speakers:
Paul Bingham, WGU School of Technology.
Linda Calvin, Reboot Representation.
Tosin Ajayi, Eli Lilly and Company.
Peggy White, WGU School of Technology.
Natasha Abner, WGU School of Technology.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3QYfxRg

Can you believe we're almost already halfway through the year? Time flies when you're learning!

What goals did you set for 2024, and how are they coming along?

Whether you're making big strides, tweaking your plans, or just starting out, every step counts. Share your progress, challenges, and victories with us in the comments.

Keep pushing, stay focused, and remember, your WGU family is here cheering you on every step of the way!

We all deal with stress, but finding ways to manage it can make a big difference. What’s your go-to tip for staying calm and balanced?

Whether it's a quick meditation, a walk in nature, or curling up with a good book, we’d love to hear what works for you. Share your tips and help each other find new ways to relax!

Drop your best stress-busting advice in the comments below.

Current WGU students can access confidential counseling and support resources 24/7/365 via Student Wellbeing Services: https://westerngovernorsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/StudentWellbeingServices

"Shortly after starting my journey with WGU, my oldest son was diagnosed with ADHD and several other mental health disorders. That summer was the most difficult of my life, getting him the help he needed. He was in and out of the ER while his doctors and therapists struggled to find the right medications.

"I had to balance working full time, being a single parent without help and getting him the tools he needed. A year later his younger brother was also diagnosed with ADHD and my challenges increased greatly. The one point of support I could count on during all of this was my WGU program mentor, Beth Tankovich, and my family! WGU allowed me to take some time off when I needed it so I could fully take care of my sons and was right there to get me back on track to success. I am forever grateful to WGU!

We are inspired by Danielle Brower (bachelor's in Business Administration, Healthcare Management) for her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to both her family and her education. Her journey exemplifies the incredible strength it takes to overcome personal challenges while pursuing one's dreams. This month, and every month, we raise awareness about the importance of mental health. We all need extra care and support throughout our journey, and WGU provides mental health and wellbeing services, at no cost, through Student Wellbeing Services. https://westerngovernorsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/StudentWellbeingServices

“Today, as I stand on the threshold of a new chapter, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. Being the first in my family to earn a Masters degree is not just a personal triumph but a a shared victory. None of this would be possible without the unwavering love and support of my parents, who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Their encouragement and sacrifices have been my greatest motivation.”

Congratulations for this incredible achievement in your family 🎉

Today, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifice inspire us every day.

WGU is proud to support our military students, alumni, and staff. Your commitment to excellence and unwavering spirit are the cornerstone of our community.

To those who serve and protect our nation, thank you for your selflessness and valor. We are honored to be part of your educational journey and stand with you in your pursuit of knowledge and growth.

"In 2015 I substituted in a high school French class for one day and swore I would never go back into a classroom. In 2021 my best friend, Danna, who had just gotten my son a job in special education as an assistant, recruited me to be an attendant for a precious young lady. I started in August 2021 and by November she convinced me that I was called to teach.

"My son was already in the process of applying to WGU so with his encouragement I applied and began my journey at age 50 to become a teacher. After meeting with my amazing program mentor, Brenda Wesley, I knew I would have the support necessary to make my dream come true."

A big hoot-out to Carrie Murphy (Bachelor's, Elementary Education) and her son Aaron Murphy (Bachelor's, Mathematics Education, Middle Grades) for walking together in our Cincinnati Commencement - welcome to The Nest! They offer an inspiring display of family achievement and unity, and exemplify the power of education and determination.

There are certain people who are just made to teach! We are so grateful for them and the inspiration they are in our lives. Tell us who your favorite teacher is or a memory you have of an influential teacher in your life 👇 👇 👇

Also: Did you know WGU was recently found to be the largest conferrer of teaching degrees, at 5.2% of all bachelors degrees in education. More details: https://www.wgu.edu/newsroom/press-release/2024/05/wgu-leads-nation-awarding-degrees-teaching.html

Pictured: with her made to teach graduation cap.

Our newest certificate program is here: Accounting Fundamentals! This certificate aims to help those who may not need to be CPA-certified, but use bookkeeping and accounting principles in other career practice areas, as well as anyone interested in getting started with accounting but not diving into a Bachelor of Accounting degree quite yet. This program is stackable into a bachelor's degree if you want to continue your studies.

Send this to those in your network you think could benefit from some accounting skills!

Check out more information: https://www.wgu.edu/online-business-degrees/certificates/accounting-fundamentals.html

"Never in a thousand years would I have thought I would be returning to school to pursue my bachelor's degree. Juggling a full-time job, four busy boys, volunteering at my local soccer club, and trying to manage college was going to be a lot! Fortunately, WGU made it easy for me to set my own hours to study and complete my college work. Without WGU, I would not have been able to pursue my education and become a teacher.

"I am proud of my accomplishments and grateful to now be a first-generation Latina graduate! Making my parents proud and showing my boys anything is possible was very important! Now, I get to set the example for others, encourage them, and tell them they, too, can do it!"

We are inspired by the dedication and commitment of Jeanette Castaneda, who earned her bachelor's degree in Educational Studies, Elementary Education. She is a shining role model for her family and community, and we can't wait to see all the amazing things she is going to do in her world!

BIG things happening for WGU in the Big Apple! Last week, our CAO and Provost Courtney Hills McBeth joined School of Business leaders Mitsu Rothacher, Casey Clark, and Margaret Simonis in New York with our Northeast Regional Team for our WGU School of Business roadshow.

In the ever-changing world of business, we are committed to working with industry leaders to adapt and create curricula and programs that meet the , giving employees the skills needed to thrive in the working world. Thank you to all of the amazing partners we met with. We are grateful for your recognition of education as a pathway to success.

"My mom was my biggest inspiration to complete my undergraduate journey at WGU.

"I tried a big university, then community college and switched majors a few times, and my mom always helped support me along the way. She also had taken her time in school before ultimately deciding on a music degree, which she used for 30+ years. Eventually, I started working an entry level job at a large financial services firm, and school became less of a priority, and I stopped taking classes to pursue my career.

"We lost my mom to cancer about four years ago, but I had always told her I would finish up school. Every time a class was difficult, or I would be up late studying, I always knew my end goal would be to push through and make my mom proud. Thank you WGU!"

We are inspired by Landon Redding's journey as he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, and we know his mom is so proud of his perseverance and dedication. Here's to all the moms who help support us, fuel our dreams, and stand as unwavering pillars of strength ❤️ 🌼

"I was a full-time employee, a mother, a pregnant mother, and then a new mother to two children - all within my journey to earn my Master's degree (MBA) at WGU.

"I wanted to move higher in my career, and I noticed many people above me at work had MBA degrees. As a mom who works full time, I decided WGU would be the perfect place for me. I had planned to finish my degree sooner than I did but I am thankful that WGU was 'work at your own pace'. When life was harder or busier than anticipated - I had my youngest son Chase when I had two classes left - I could still continue my degree and not slack in my home life or at work.

"I am so proud because getting a Master's degree wasn't something I knew I could accomplish. I hope one day my boys are also proud of me and know that their mom did it all for them, to give us the best life possible."

We salute all the moms, like Autumn Carruthers, who exemplify the essence of resilience and determination. Balancing the demands of work, home duties, and pursuing higher education is no small feat. Let's celebrate these remarkable mothers for their unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones. 🌸💪