Shows
WGU Alumni PodcastCreating Tech with Purpose: Distinguished Graduate Destiny Hunter's JourneyStaff Sergeant Destiny Hunter of the U.S. Army Reserves shares her journey as a WGU Distinguished Graduate and founder of Kuinua Tech, a company creating innovative technology solutions with military efficiency while supporting veterans and underserved populations.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Destiny completed her WGU master’s program while actively serving in the militaryThe origin story behind Kuinua Tech and its mission to uplift overlooked communitiesWhy she believes ethical AI must be driven by diverse teams and human accountability2025-05-1618 minWGU Alumni PodcastFrom ER Leader to Florida ENA President: Distinguished Graduate Christie Jandora's JourneyChristie Jandora, a 2024 Distinguished Graduate at WGU, is the Director of Emergency Trauma Services at Ascension, overseeing 500 associates across five Florida counties. She joins the WGU Alumni podcast to share her journey that has been marked by resilience, passion, and purpose. On the latest episode, learn how Christie:Plans to make an impact as the President-Elect of the Florida Emergency Nurses Association Leads multiple ERs, including a Level 1 trauma center and freestanding emergency departments Pursued nursing after losing both parents during her first semester of college Rose through nursing ranks—from LPN to master’s degree—while raisi...2025-04-1718 minWGU Alumni PodcastLearning Together: How a Husband-Wife Team Balanced Family and Careers While Earning Degrees at WGUAnna and Chris Decker share their inspiring journey of completing WGU degrees together while raising two small children and working full-time jobs. Their competitive spirit, teamwork approach, and unwavering support for each other enabled them to achieve academic success despite numerous challenges.On this episode you’ll learn how the Deckers:• Balanced parenting duties while taking turns studying and sitting for exams• Used late nights and time between infant duties to complete coursework• Leveraged employer benefits to make education financially feasible• Applied newly gained knowledge immediately to their professional roles that led to career...2025-03-1436 minWGU Alumni PodcastBuilding Bridges and Legacies: WGU Distinguished Graduate Juan Longoria's impact3-time WGU graduate Juan Longoria shares his inspiring journey of education and mentorship, illustrating that it’s never too late to pursue one's dreams. His dedication to helping others through his nonprofit, REVJLO Charities, and the new Lo Nuestro Collective embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and community upliftment.On this episode you'll hear about: • Juan’s educational achievements and commitment to WGU • The vital role of mentorship in career advancement • Balancing personal life and professional ambitions • The importance of lifelong learning and community support • That it’s never too late to pursue your dreams2025-02-2719 minWGU Alumni PodcastOvercoming Fear and Embracing Opportunity: Kristian Sevison's JourneyKristian Sevison’s journey reveals how pursuing education later in life can lead to personal growth and newfound opportunities. He shares his motivation for returning to school, overcoming personal fears, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way.• Unpacking the theme of it's never too late • Kris's motivation for returning to school• Overcoming self-doubt and personal fears • Discovering the power of WGU's competency-based education • Importance of military experience in shaping his journey • The desire to mentor others • Importance of lifelong learning and education Join us as we explore Kris’s inspiring p...2025-02-2019 min
The Liminal Podcast5: Dr. Courtney Hills-McBeth - How WGU Celebrates 50,000+ Graduates a YearDr. Courtney Hills-McBeth, Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Western Governors University, joins host Chase Rigby to discuss how WGU redefines commencement to serve its unique student body. They explore how the university balances accessibility, affordability, and meaningful celebration to create an experience that resonates with students and their families.📝 Topics Discussed:The evolving role of commencement in modern higher education.How WGU’s commencement model caters to adult learners and first-generation students.The logistics behind organizing seven nationwide ceremonies per year.Why commencement is more than just a graduation—it’s a powerfu...2025-02-1617 min
VET S.O.S. Presents The Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight with Shawn Welsh and Dr. Hira PaulinEmpowering Military Veterans in Higher Education: Daniel Avegalio on WGU's Competency-Based ModelIn this impactful episode of the VERS podcast, we feature Daniel
Avegalio, a Marine Corps veteran and trailblazer in higher education, as
he shares his journey from military service to community college
administration and his current role at Western Governors University
(WGU). With 16 years of experience advocating for military-affiliated
students, Daniel’s insights are both inspiring and practical.Daniel’s Story: From the Corps to Higher Ed LeadershipAfter
serving in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2010 and completing three
deployments to Iraq, Daniel faced the challenges of transitioning to
civilian life. His determination led him to a stud...2025-01-1015 minWGU Alumni PodcastFrom teenage mom to chief nursing officer: Distinguished Graduate Shanell Murphy’s JourneyFrom teenage mom to chief nursing officer, first-generation college graduate Shanell Murphy shares her inspiring story of resilience and success and how her commitment to nursing education has paved the way. On this podcast, we explore her growth from her early days in Charleston, South Carolina, to her healthcare leadership chapters in Cleveland, Ohio, including her involvement with the American Nursing Association. Shanell has earned three degrees from WGU – her bachelor’s of science in nursing, her master’s in business administration with concentration in healthcare management, and most recently her master’s in nursing leadership...2024-12-1228 minWGU Alumni PodcastEmbracing and Thriving Through Change: Distinguished Graduate Skye Gilham's JourneyDiscover the transformative power of education through the story of Skye Gilham, a WGU distinguished graduate who has dedicated herself to empowering her Blackfeet Native American community in Montana. As Skye reveals her journey from academia to serving her community at Blackfeet Community College and beyond, she highlights the breathtaking beauty and challenges of life in Northwest Montana. Her story is a testament to the impact of education, showcasing how integrating online learning and technology can uplift communities.2024-11-2219 minWGU Alumni PodcastMaking a difference and standing firm: Distinguished Graduate and IT Leader Linzie Starr III's JourneyWhat if you could redefine success on your terms, no matter where you start from? Join us on the latest episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast as Linzie Starr III, an IT professional and recent WGU distinguished graduate honoree, who climbed the ranks without formal education, shares his inspiring journey and professional advice. From an accidental foray into the tech world to becoming the Director of Program Management at the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Linzie's story is a testament to resilience and the power of forging your own path. His experience in...2024-11-0450 minWGU Alumni PodcastFrom Military Service to Community Leadership: Distinguished Graduate Roxanne Thalman's journeyWhat does it mean to truly embrace the mantra "Never Too Late"? Hear the inspiring journey of Roxanne Thalman, a change maker, US Air Force veteran, former elected official, and proud WGU alumna. A standout WGU distinguished graduate, Roxanne leads in the workforce as well as within the community, where she's the director and long time volunteer of the largest 4th of July Parade in Texas. On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, you'll learn about her transformative work in change management and community service as well as her embodying the essence of pursuing dre...2024-10-2334 minWGU Alumni PodcastEmpowerment Through Experience: WGU Distinguished Graduate Adriana Richard’s Path to AdvocacyWhat happens when a determined educator channels her passion into transformative advocacy? Meet Adriana Richard, a distinguished graduate from WGU, who has turned her life experiences into a force for change. On this episode of the WGU Alumni podcast, we explore Adriana's journey from shifting to an online education during the pandemic to founding a national organization, T1D to the Third, which supports children with Type 1 Diabetes. Her involvement with Girls on the Run showcases her dedication to mentoring young girls, encouraging them to believe in themselves and their resilience. 2024-10-1824 minWGU Alumni PodcastFrom Educator to Ed Tech Entrepreneur: WGU Distinguished Graduate Jessica Shelley’s JourneyJessica Shelley, a soon to be four-time WGU graduate, rejoins the WGU Alumni Podcast following the recognition of being named a 2024 WGU Distinguished Graduate. The CEO and co-founder of Dailies, shares her journey as a passionate educator to a thriving entrepreneur. Her story is proof that it's never too late to chase your dreams.We explore the motivations and challenges Jessica faced while pursuing multiple master's degrees, balancing family responsibilities, and transitioning from teaching to entrepreneurship. 2024-10-0223 minWGU Alumni PodcastFrom Pharmacist to Cybersecurity Leader: Distinguished Graduate Dr. Brady McNulty's WGU journeyImagine facing immense pressure in your job during a global pandemic and deciding it's time to make a bold career change. That's exactly what Dr. Brady McNulty did, transitioning from pharmacy to cybersecurity. In this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we explore Brady's inspiring story of resilience and reinvention. Hear how his interest in hacking culture and his Navy background fueled his passion for a new career, all while receiving unwavering support from his wife.This episode highlights Brady's personal growth proving that it's never too late to chase your dreams.2024-09-2725 minWGU Alumni PodcastIntroducing new season "It's Never Too Late"On this new season of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we’re sharing the inspiring stories of our distinguished graduates who went back to school to pursue a degree and better their lives. Over the next few months, you’ll hear graduates who took control of their future and decided it’s “never too late”.We’re so excited for you to meet them. We have stories of pharmacists who became cybersecurity experts, teachers in Title 1 schools making a difference, entrepreneurs chasing their dreams, and so many graduates having a huge impact in their communities, and much much mo...2024-09-1801 minWGU Alumni PodcastHow education and inclusivity champion empowers others (Cole Frandsen-Smith)On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, learn how Cole Frandsen-Smith, a 2023 WGU graduate in Human Resource Management, has become a strong champion for education, inclusivity, and the power of community.Also, learn how Cole's life, and that of his family's, has been enriched by the example of his mother and how her referring Cole to WGU has had a ripple effect upon many others. 2024-06-2728 minWGU Alumni PodcastEmpowering Healthcare Leader and Trailblazing Nurse at Cedars-Sinai (Ebony Gray)Meet Ebony Gray, a WGU graduate and former president of WGU's Student Nurses Association, share her experiences. From her 13-year tenure at Cedars-Sinai to her leadership roles, Ebony's journey exemplifies the tenacity required to succeed in the dynamic field of healthcare.Takeaways: How Ebony navigated the challenges of nursing with determinationWhy the Julie Aiken Hansen scholarship was more than just financial aidThe influence of historical figures and personal mentors led to her to career success 2024-05-2326 minWGU Alumni PodcastForbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur, Teacher, Mother, and 4x WGU Graduate (Jessica Shelley)Meet Jessica Shelley, a WGU alumna who's revolutionizing education and entrepreneurship while balancing family life with five children and supporting her husband's academic journey at WGU. Explore her journey from elementary teacher to Forbes' 30 under 30 powerhouse and discover her groundbreaking educational platform, Dailies, disrupting pre-K through 12th-grade learning. Delve into the integration of technology into education, where Jessica unveils Dailies' connection to WGU's competency-based learning model, emphasizing personalized educational pathways. This conversation offers insights into empowering learners and parents, reshaping education paradigms, and the joy of tech industry recognition.Takeaways:How Jessica's educational platform...2024-05-1626 min
Edtech InsidersWeek in Edtech 5/8/2024: OpenAI's Search Engine, Stanford University's 2024 Report on the State of AI, 4 Traits of Successful Founders by Jennifer Carolan and More! Feat. Jason Levin of WGU Labs and Brian Ashton & Van Christman of BYU-Pathway WorldwideSend us a textJoin Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore pivotal topics in this Week in Edtech episode:🔍 OpenAI's rumored new search engine to challenge Google🤖 Key findings from Stanford University's 2024 report on AI advancements and challenges🍎 Apple's development of AI chips and new AI features in the iPad Pro🏆 Essential traits that define successful founders, according to Jennifer Carolan of Reach Capital📚 Concerns on AI in EducationPlus special guests, Jason Levin of WGU Labs and Brian Ashton & Van Christman of BYU...2024-05-1454 min
WGU Alumni PodcastMale postpartum nurse, half marathon enthusiast, and WGU graduate shares his zeal for lifeNontraditional graduate, Washington Native Eric Miller, joins the alumni podcast to share his motivation on his WGU journey, his passion for nursing, and his interesting hobbies such as cross-stitching and running half marathons, more than 100 to date. 2024-04-2529 min
The IT XPMastering My WGU Management & Leadership Master’s in 6 Months!Strap in as I take you back to my adventure at Western Governors University, where I crushed my Master of Science in Management and Leadership in one term (six months). Riding on the wisdom from a pivotal Reddit thread and armed with the solid gold insights from the Purdue OWL, I'm here to lay it all out bare: the good, the bad, and the brutally honest truths about speeding through WGU's competency based learning program. In this episode, I'm not just reminiscing about my academic grind during those intense months; I'm breaking down the strategies that could help you...2024-04-111h 05
Have A Seat...Conversations With Women In The WorkplaceLearning, Setback and Growth, A Conversation with Kymberly Lavigne-Hinkley, Director, Learning & Employment Records, WGUSend us a text"Career setbacks are all about highlighting how you grow and change from different experiences that you face and that no one is creating the narrative for us. We create our own narrative, and that's really powerful."Happy Admin Professional Month!To help celebrate this month I took to the mic to interview a member of the team I work alongside at WGU, Kymberly Lavigne-Hinkley, Director of the Learning & Employment Records Ecosystem at Western Governors University.In this episode, we explore Kym's extraordinary career journey within...2024-04-0729 min
WGU Alumni PodcastNewest alumni team member walks the talk after graduating with two WGU degreesRecent WGU graduate and current member of the alumni team, Ginny Ersery, joins the podcast to share her thoughts on her recent commencement experience in Chicago, and how things are going in her new role. 2024-02-0633 min
WGU Alumni PodcastBowling Hall of Fame Inductee talks "rolling turkeys" after WGU degreeRecent WGU Graduate, bowling coach, and two-time bowling hall-of-fame inductee Ronald Simms Jr. joins the podcast to share his thoughts on his WGU journey, his experience speaking at WGU's commencement last spring, and how his bowling team challenged him to go back to college thirty years after he quit the first time. 2024-01-3132 min
WGU Sage Advice with Chris BonnellRevolutionizing Business Education: A Conversation with WGU’s Mitsu FrazierIn this episode of Sage Advice, host Emma Salomon is joined by Mitsu Frazier, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the College of Business at Western Governors University.Join them as they:- Delve into the evolution of business education- Discuss WGU’s approach to competency-based education for evolving business needs- Shine a light on the importance of power skills in business education- Talk about the growth of WGU’s College of BusinessMitsu Frazier is the Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the...2024-01-3128 minWGU Alumni PodcastCatching the Alumni Vision with WGU LeadershipAs we kick off the new year, listen to the latest episode to hear WGU Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, Gene Hayes, and Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Development, Robert Sullivan, share their insights into exciting alumni opportunities in 2024 and beyond. 2024-01-1145 minWGU Sage Advice with Chris BonnellHow WGU is Changing the Face of Nursing Education with Kim Kelly-CortezIn the first episode of Season 2 of WGU Sage Advice, host Emma Salomon is joined by Dr. Kim Kelly-Cortez, Senior Associate Dean and Director of Undergraduate Programs at Western Governors University (WGU) and the Vice President of Nursing for the Leavitt School of Health, to discuss the future of nursing education and the innovative approaches being taken to prepare the next generation of nurses.Join them as they:- Delve into Kim’s journey into nursing- Discuss the challenges in nursing education- Shine a light on WGU's pre-licensure program for nursing - Ta...2024-01-1041 min
Ed on the EdgeEpisode 6: Leading From the Front | WGU President Scott Pulsipherwww.dashmedia.coIn this episode of Ed on the Edge, Michael Moe sits down with Scott Pulsipher. Scott serves as president of nonprofit Western Governors University (WGU), the nation’s first and largest competency-based university, leading all academic, operational, and organizational functions. Pulsipher became President of WGU in 2016 and blends a personal drive for making a difference in the lives of individuals and families through education and a passion for technology-powered innovation. At WGU, he is driving continuous innovation to improve student outcomes by focusing on rapidly advancing curriculum quality, new faculty mod...2024-01-0935 min
World and Pacific Northwest History at WGUD106 and D189: Episode 4: Skipping to Module 6There are some students struggling with this module, with reason, so we wanted to put this out early.
Includes information on the Chinese, the Industrial Workers of the World (Wobblies), WWI, and other issues related to Module 6 of World and PNW history at WGU2023-12-0123 minWorld and Pacific Northwest History at WGUD106 and D189 Episode 2: Wars and TreatiesDr. Nick Harrington, Dr. Elizabeth Campbell, and Dr. Matt Leep have a discussion about some of the topics pertaining to Module 4 of the D106 and D189 courses at WGU.
We talk treaties, wars, and horses, among other things. 2023-11-1630 min
The Rant PodcastServing Working Learners - A Conversation with Scott Pulsipher, President at WGUSend us a textIn this episode, I talk with Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University (WGU). We talk about the history of WGU, the growth of enrollments and the evolution of the teaching and learning model. I discuss with Scott how the WGU team thinks about serving working learners and the importance of their Competency-Based Education model. Scott also describes recent efforts in Congress to codify CBE and the impact of AI on its model.2023-10-3137 minWGU Sage Advice with Chris BonnellWGA and WGU with Jim OgsburyIn this episode of the Sage Advice podcast, host Chris Bonnell interviews Jim Ogsbury, former Executive Director of the Western Governors Association (WGA). They discuss the powerful bipartisan collaboration between the WGA and Western Governors University (WGU), and their shared mission to impact the Western states and beyond.WGA, a non-partisan group of leaders focusing on policy rather than politics, was founded in 1984 to develop policies that address significant challenges such as natural resources, human services, economic development, international relations, and state governance. The association represents the governors of 19 states and three Pacific territories, with their policy...2023-06-1432 min
LIFE.STYLE.LIVE!KFC Foundation offers employees 100% paid tuition through WGU partnershipCollege students, listen up! If you need extra money and a degree, KFC may be the workplace for you. On this Life. Style. Live! Podcast episode, the KFC Foundation, in partnership with Western Governors University, announced that KFC restaurant employees could receive 100 percent paid tuition when attending WGU to earn their degree. WGU Indiana Chancellor Allison Bell explains. This is the Life. Style. Live! Podcast on the All Indiana Podcast Network.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.2023-04-1405 minWGU Sage Advice with Chris BonnellWGU by the Numbers with Kurt GunnellShow Notes.Today Kurt Gunnell joins us to share a little of his world and unpack his role as the Director of Institutional Research at WGU. As someone so focused on the important data of the university, he has amazing insight and ideas around how the data can be leveraged to best serve the students and staff, and we get a real inside look at some of the processes that Kurt and his team are involved in. He also talks about collaborating with Gallup, his experiences over the last 10 years, and what makes his job...2023-02-1327 min
WGU Alumni PodcastSerial Entrepreneur and WGU MBA Grad Corey AlexanderSerial entrepreneur, WGU MBA graduate, and Nashville resident Corey Alexander joins the alumni podcast to share how he manages to run six different business while balancing family and other commitments in the community. A former cornerback with the University of Tennessee and a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, Alexander earned his degree from WGU back in 2018 before going on to earn his doctorate degree. 2023-02-0130 minWGU Alumni PodcastEpisode 51_WGU's Alumni Events Specialist Michael DanielWe are talking alumni events with Michael Daniel from WGU's alumni team. Next up is WGU alumni's annual virtual 5K, the Night Owl Trot. Michael highlights the 5K and the Alumni Celebration, and recaps the Kindness Quest. Visit www.wgu.edu/events for all of the upcoming exciting alumni events. 2022-11-1714 minThe IT XPEpisode 8.1 - WGU MBA IT MGMTI completed my MBA - IT MGMT from WGU in December of 2020. I go through the entire program and give insights into why it took me 7 months to complete and how you can complete it within 1 term (6 Months). Will this degree propel you into the upper echelon of executive management? Well, not really. Ultimately, you need to make this degree work for you and you will be successful. From the reddit thread that started me on this journey: https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_MBA/comments/gmxkxo/mba_master_of_business_administration_course_mega/ 2022-08-251h 23
WGU Alumni PodcastEpisode 50_WGU VP Paul Bingham and two-time WGU IT grad Chris Abbey talk new Cyber Security Web SeriesWGU College of IT Vice President Paul Bingham and two-time WGU IT graduate Chris Abbey join the alumni podcast to highlight the new Cyber Security Web Series on LinkedIn. Learn about the series, why it's important, and watch the first episode entitled "Risky Business" with Paul and Chris. You can watch the episode here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwqIyvFQH482022-07-2921 min
Tanner's Impact PodcastScott Pulsipher - Western Governors University (WGU)Education Re-imagined. That is the vision of this month’s Impact podcast guest Scott Pulsipher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Governors University (WGU). WGU’s innovative vision to build outside of tradition in this deeply entrenched field is a quintessential example of industry disruption. If you’ve ever wanted to do something in a new way, listen to his inspiring story of expanding the traditional university experience and breaking barriers to education for all.2022-07-2129 min
Tanner's Impact PodcastScott Pulsipher - Western Governors University (WGU)Education Re-imagined. That is the vision of this month’s Impact podcast guest Scott Pulsipher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Governors University (WGU). WGU’s innovative vision to build outside of tradition in this deeply entrenched field is a quintessential example of industry disruption. If you’ve ever wanted to do something in a new way, listen to his inspiring story of expanding the traditional university experience and breaking barriers to education for all.2022-07-2029 min
WGU Alumni PodcastSmall Business Owner leverages capstone project to take ice cream business to the topWGU Graduate and small business owner Nathan Todd joins the alumni podcast to share how his business capstone at WGU led him to purchase a local Iowa ice cream business and who he's successfully expanded into three locations.2022-06-2436 min
WGU Alumni PodcastEpisode 48_WGU IT Graduate and Author Bill BurnsTwo-time WGU graduate and recently published author Bill Burns joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a Senior Principal DevOps Engineer at a Fortune 50 company as well as his latest project: publishing his first book. 2022-05-2626 min
Money & You with Michelle PerkinsEp. 46 Innovative Ways to Build Skills and a Better Future with Richard Benbow (WGU)The educational landscape is changing and while going back to college, finishing a degree or adding degrees or certifications might be financially difficult, solutions exist! And, you probably don't know what options are available. I didn't! Listen in to hear about how Western Governors University (WGU) is making advanced educational opportunities available at lower costs and faster time frames. Ideal for people with "some college and no degree."Richard Benbow is the Regional Vice President (West) of Western Governors University, the nation’s first and largest competency-based university. Richard Benbow is a forward thinker who seeks to...2022-04-1932 min
WGU Alumni PodcastEpisode 47_ Professional Soccer Player beats the competition with WGU's modelProfessional Soccer star and WGU Graduate Samantha Johnson joins the alumni podcast to share her experience earning her degree while competing in the National Women's Soccer League and also how she's using her degree in education to impact kids, making them better and more resilient.2022-03-2433 min
WGU Alumni PodcastEpisode 46_WGU's Senior Vice President of Regional Operations Gene HayesGene Hayes joins the alumni podcast to share WGU’s focus on increasing access and outcomes in higher education. Gene joined WGU in 2020 as Senior Vice President of Regional Operations and is committed to advancing WGU’s mission. In addition to talking about the success of WGU graduates, we talk inspiration, music, and we have a lot of fun with Gene and his “Southern” accent.2022-03-1729 min
WGU Alumni PodcastCEO of Professional Sports support network talks success after WGU journeyWGU grad Amanda Banks is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sports To Suits, LLC. She is also the host of the weekly live show "Sports To Suits", an enterprise sales leader, strategic partnerships creator, and joy enthusiast. She joins the alumni podcast to discuss her WGU journey and life as a successful entrepreneur. The episode also features a special guest. 2022-03-1121 min
WGU Alumni PodcastEpisode 44_WGU Business Alum Devi PariyaRaised in Nepal, WGU student Devi Pariyar is fueled with the desire to give back and help the next generation. She’s seen firsthand the importance of compassion, good leadership, and the power education has on changing lives. On this episode she shares her WGU journey and her plans to return to Nepal with her husband to open a school that will help underprivileged kids. 2022-02-2525 min