WGU Missouri Chancellor Angie Besendorfer accepted two awards for excellence Monday from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) on behalf of Western Governors University, WGU Missouri’s parent institution. At the USDLA 2015 National Conference in St. Louis, WGU was honored with its sixth 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning, and Dr. Jan Jones-Schenk, WGU’s Chief Nursing Officer, received an award for Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning.
The nation’s leading distance learning organization, the USDLA presents its International Awards annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. For the fifth consecutive year and the sixth time since 2008, WGU has received the prestigious “Best Practices” award for excellence in distance learning. The university was recognized for being a leader in online education by creating programs that are innovative, comprehensive, and effective.
As the leader and pioneer of competency-based education—an innovative learning model that allows students to learn at their own pace and advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of subject matter—WGU offers affordable, online degree programs designed to meet the needs of busy, working adults. Students have 24/7 access to online learning resources and receive dedicated one-on-one faculty support, providing a more personalized and engaging learning experience.
“As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring WGU as a leader in the industry,” said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA. “WGU has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by their contributions within all distance learning constituencies.”
The USDLA’s 2015 Award for Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning was presented to Dr. Jan Jones-Schenk, CNO and National Director for WGU’s College of Health Professions. Dr. Jones-Schenk was recognized for her role in the development of the university’s nursing programs and for her efforts to earn program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*) for another 10 years. Since joining WGU in 2008, Dr. Jones-Schenk led the development and implementation of WGU’s competency-based prelicensure nursing program and the College’s amazing growth to more than 12,000 enrolled students and nearly 12,000 graduates.
“This year’s USDLA Awards recipients, WGU and CNO Dr. Jan Jones-Schenk, represent the finest examples of online courses, best practices, and leadership in our field. We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence,” said Elaine Shuck, President of USDLA.
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 serve as mentors, working one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized 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*).
More information is available at missouri.wgu.edu or by calling 855.948.8493.
*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion U.S. education and training market. 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. Info at www.usdla.org.
Contact for media inquiries:
Kelly MacNeil
314.677.2303
Contact for enrollment information:
855-948-8493