The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) recently presented Western Governors University (WGU) with a 21st Century Distance Learning Award, recognizing the online, nonprofit university for its leadership in distance education for the 10th time. With the global pandemic impacting universities across the country, WGU’s recognition comes at a time when access to high-quality distance education is more important than ever.
The USDLA’s 21st Century Distance Learning Award is presented annually to an institution, agency or company that has shown outstanding leadership in the field of distance learning. The award honors pioneering organizations that have changed distance learning, challenged existing practices or developed new and effective solutions. WGU was recognized for its continuing efforts to develop and implement innovations that support its mission to expand access, improve quality and relevance and optimize student outcomes.
“WGU is once again honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “During these unprecedented times when distance learning is critical to the success of students everywhere, WGU’s innovative and affordable undergraduate and graduate degree programs have proven to be valuable in preparing working adults with the skills they need to advance their careers.”
WGU pioneered competency-based education, which measures learning rather than time spent in class. Students complete courses as soon as they demonstrate that they have mastered the subject matter, enabling them to move quickly through material they already know and spend more time on what they still need to learn. Designed to meet the needs of busy, working adults, students have 24/7 access to online learning resources and receive regular one-to-one faculty support, providing a more personalized and engaging learning experience.
For more information about the university, visit www.wgu.edu. For more information about the USDLA awards, visit www.usdla.org/.
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 121,000 students nationwide and has more than 166,000 graduates in all 50 states. 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 changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
About USDLA
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Washington, D.C. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-K-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. For more information, visit www.usdla.org/.
###
For more information, contact:
Abigail Rolland
314-436-9090
abigail@hausergrouppr.com