Arnold Hogue, a resident of Florissant, has graduated from WGU Missouri with a Master of Business Administration just two years after completing his undergraduate studies and earning his bachelor’s degree from the fully online, nonprofit university. After spending much of his career without a college degree, earning both an undergraduate and graduate degree in four years was an amazing feat for Hogue, who was motivated by a promise to further his education that he made to his infant son, who passed away in 2012.
“My son was born prematurely and fought for his life for 16 months,” Hogue said. “I promised him before he passed away that one day I would have ‘doctor’ in front of my name. That promise kept me from losing sight of my educational dreams This is a 26-year-old goal that I’m one step closer to accomplishing, and I’m doing it in honor of my son.”
While attending WGU Missouri, Hogue led a busy life as a husband, father, and repair technician for TRES, a division of ABB Inc. He had previously attended other universities but felt like he was finally on the right path when he discovered WGU Missouri. The university’s competency-based format allowed Hogue to move quickly through material he already knew and focus on curriculum he wasn’t as familiar with, so he could graduate faster.
“WGU provides its students with the flexibility to maintain their occupation and family life while pursuing their degree at the same time,” Hogue said. “The course instructors and student mentors provided expert knowledge and helped me stay on track. I got my work done and became a better me at WGU Missouri.”
On Saturday, June 2, Arnold was among more than 1,500 students who participated in WGU’s 66th commencement ceremony. He hopes that his strive for excellence will motivate other people who are striving to improve their lives.
About WGU Missouri
WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri faculty members provide one-on-one guidance, support, and instruction.
Established through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. The university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $6,000 per year for most programs.
Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).
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