WGU Advancement

As the US continues to face substantial workforce shortages in professions such as #nursing and #teaching, it's vital our colleges and universities be a part of the solution. According to a recent study, the US could have a shortfall of as many as half a million direct patient care nurses by 2025. Likewise, there are currently tens of thousands of teaching vacancies nationwide and numerous positions filled by underqualified educators. While higher ed’s primary purpose is connecting individuals with opportunity, it must also evolve to meet workforce demands—an area where postsecondary institutions often fall short. On that front, I'm incredibly proud that Western Governors University is leading the way in activating both qualified nursing and teaching students: ? Last week, WGU's Michael O. Leavitt School of Health opened its?newest nursing simulation and learning lab (the third in the U.S.) in Kansas City, aiming to?train 500 new nurses in Missouri, Kansas,?Iowa, and across the region by 2026. The lab reflects the school's enduring commitment to expanding access to this critical profession, reflected by the school's conferral of 5.4% of all bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing?across the country?during the 2021-2022 academic year. ? Announced earlier today, WGU's School of Education awarded 5.2% of all bachelor’s degrees in education during the 2021-2022 academic year, making it the largest degree conferrer of classroom-ready educators in the country. Offering on-the-ground classroom experiences and apprenticeships, our academic programs are preparing educators to make a valuable difference in their communities, at scale. There is no question that our system is leaving too much talent on the table and failing to catalyze human progress. But we can do better. By collaborating to fill these critical gaps, we can forge a stronger, more resilient workforce that leaves individuals, communities, and society far better off. https://lnkd.in/d7yw__sN #WorkforceShortages #TalentDevelopment

This past weekend, over 1300 students from Western Governors University walked across that stage in Cincinnati and received their diploma. This is why we work so hard and do we what do. What a great weekend of events, including a dinner for donors and a reception for our Philanthropy Cord donors. Congrats grads!

"Someone once told me, "Whatever makes you cry, whatever gives you energy, whatever makes you dream, that's your calling." From a young age, I knew deep in my heart that becoming a nurse was indeed my calling. Being able to care for others in their times of greatest vulnerability is an honor and privilege that I will never take lightly. "WGU has provided me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams of advancing both my education and career. I obtained my BSN degree through WGU, and now I am 23 years old graduating with my MSN degree. It's been an incredible journey at WGU and I thank my family/friends, whom I love so much, for all of their support. Never forget the power of dreaming big! Congratulations to Cheyenne Gracie Helton, who walked in our Anaheim Commencement to receive her Master of Science, Nursing - Education (BSN to MSN), and celebrated big with her family afterwards at Disneyland! Dream big and dreams do come true! During this National Nurses Week, and always, WGU recognizes current and aspiring nurses who give their all to make a difference. We invite you to apply for the WGU Loves Nurses Scholarship (valued at up to $4,000), which can be used to earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing from WGU. https://lnkd.in/g9ywbzJ9 #WGUgrad #BSNtoMSN #Nurse #DreamBig #NationalNursesWeek #healthcare #education

Calling all WGU Night Owls! Today is WGU Giving Day 2024, when alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are encouraged to #goOWLin to support our students as they pursue career-focused...and life-changing...WGU degrees. Visit givingday.wgu.edu to learn more and make your gift of any amount to support Fellow Night Owl Scholarships!