Western Governors University (WGU) is pleased to announce that Dr. Terrance Hopson has joined the nonprofit, online university as Director of Regions for the Midwest. In this new role, Hopson will work to grow awareness of WGU across Illinois and eight other states throughout the Midwest and raise its profile among prospective students and university partners, with the goal of increasing enrollment while expanding value for students, alumni and employers.
Hopson has nearly 10 years’ experience in higher education, focusing on data-driven results to enhance and expand opportunities for students, create meaningful and intentional Incumbent Worker Training Programs and expand higher education access to students in underserved neighborhoods in the City of Chicago. Prior to joining WGU, Hopson spent six years with City Colleges of Chicago, serving in various leadership positions, including Associate Dean of Careers & Continuing Education for Chicago-Harold Washington College and Program Director of Academic Affairs for Malcolm X College. He also served as a director with Eureka College. His background also includes serving in positions focused on student engagement, recruitment and TRIO – a federal outreach program targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
Hopson will use his background to help further expand access to affordable, high-quality higher education for working adults across the Midwest. He will work alongside the Regional Vice President to develop a strategic plan for the entire region and will also focus on recruiting and developing high-performing talent and individuals to be a part of the university.
“We are excited to have Terrance join our team,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “Terrance’s leadership and expertise will be integral in raising awareness about WGU’s programs and expanding student access, and his background in higher education, including his dedication to diversity and student development, will be an asset as we work to grow WGU’s footprint across Illinois and the Midwest.”
Hopson holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, as well as a Master of Science in Education and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University. He resides in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood.
For more information, visit www.wgu.edu.
About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 117,000 students nationwide and has more than 157,000 graduates. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 22 years, the university has become a leading influence in the development of innovative workforce-focused approaches to education. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
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For more information, contact:
Abigail Rolland
(314) 436-9090
abigail@hausergrouppr.com