‘Press Releases’ Category

In celebration of the life and legacy of late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., WGU Missouri has launched a new scholarship for those who have always dreamed of completing their college degrees and advancing their careers but faced challenges along the way that prevented them from moving forward. The fully online, nonprofit university will award $75,000 in scholarships to new and returning students to provide support and help encourage them to fulfill their educational goals. The “I Have a Dream” scholarships are open to new and returning students enrolling in any of WGU’s 60-plus undergraduate and graduate degree programs in information technology, business, teacher education and health professions, including nursing. Each scholarship is valued at up to $4,000 and will be credited to students’ accounts at a rate of $1,000 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. Applications are being accepted now through June 30 at missouri.wgu.edu/dream.

“Nearly 60 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., laid out his vision for a future where people of all races and backgrounds were afforded the same rights, opportunities and privileges,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “His activism opened minds and inspired people to strive for a more equitable society, and his words and actions continue to challenge us today. In that spirit, we are proud to offer this scholarship in his honor in hopes that those who have consistently faced challenges that prevented them from moving forward with their education plans can be inspired to go back to school and complete their degrees.”

The “I Have a Dream” scholarships are competitive and will be awarded based on the students’ academic record, previous college experience, readiness for online study, current competency, as well as other considerations.

For more information about WGU Missouri and the “I Have a Dream” scholarship, visit missouri.wgu.edu.

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 60 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 $7,600 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*).

*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).

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…Western Governors University (WGU) and Carl Buddig & Company (Buddig) today announced they have entered into a joint partnership that will provide employees of the family-owned company known for its convenient and affordable meats with an affordable option to earning their bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Under the terms of the agreement, those who enroll in any of the online, nonprofit university’s 60-plus undergraduate or graduate degree programs in business, IT, K-12 teacher education or health professions – including nursing – will now be eligible to apply for scholarships offered through the WGU Collaborative Agreement Scholarship program.

The scholarships, each valued at up to $2,500, are designed for employees of WGU’s partner collaboratives that are seeking to advance their education. Each scholarship will be disbursed in increments of $625 per six-month term and can be renewed for up to four terms based on satisfactory academic performance. Applicants who lack access to affordable, high-speed internet will also be eligible to apply for the WGU Online Access Scholarship, which covers internet installation and monthly access costs for the duration WGU students who qualify are active and in good standing and also provides devices to students who are in need.

Founded in 1943, Carl Buddig & Company feeds family traditions with a strong history of quality, variety, innovation and value. As a fourth-generation owned family company, Buddig embraces time-tested traditions and supports today’s families with flavorful and affordable meal solutions as they create new ones. The company’s idea of family also extends to the thousand-plus individuals they employ, all of whom share a commitment to upholding the highest quality of Buddig products customers know and love.

“Buddig is a family-owned company located in the Chicago area for over 75 years, and, like any good family, we take care of each other,” said Kim Zubrickas, Vice President of Human Resources at Buddig. “Beyond basic benefits, all Buddig employees can expect college tuition payment assistance to support upskilling pathways for their continued success.”

WGU offers Carl Buddig & Company employees a competency-based approach to learning that allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and previous experience to quickly move through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Students complete their programs by studying on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate they have mastered the subject matter. WGU faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support and individualized instruction. While WGU’s degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their progress and graduate faster, saving both time and money.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Carl Buddig & Company to make quality, competency-based higher education more accessible to its employees,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “With family at the heart of everything they do, Buddig treats its employees like family and is committed to providing them with access to the support and financial services they need to be successful, and this partnership will help support that mission.”

For more information about WGU and its partnership with Carl Buddig & Company, visit www.wgu.edu/buddig.

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 130,000 students nationwide and has more than 250,000 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 25 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 has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

About Carl Buddig & Company

Carl Buddig and Company, based in Homewood, Illinois, has been feeding family traditions for over 75 years with the very best in taste, variety and convenience. Owned and operated by the third generation, the company is proud to have welcomed fourth-generation Buddig family members to the business in recent years.

Carl Buddig and Company is the parent company of great-tasting Buddig lunchmeat, Old Wisconsin hardwood-smoked sausage and snack products and pre-cooked ribs and barbecue entrees under the Kingsford brand. To learn more, please visit www.buddig.com and www.oldwisconsin.com and www.KingsfordBBQMeats.com.

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For more information, contact:

Pamela Powell

(314) 436-9090

pam@hausergrouppr.com

(more…)

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy organization – has announced plans for its next virtual “Talking Transit” event, which is set for Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM. This event will highlight the trajectory of transit in the St. Louis region in 2022. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org.

Those in attendance will get updates on various transit projects currently underway, including light rail expansion to MidAmerica Airport, the expanded Northside/Southside Study with St. Louis City and St. Louis County, and the Brickline Greenway’s integration with transit. The discussion will feature a panel that includes Patrick Judge, Principal, Gonzalez Companies and project manager for the IL LRT project; Jennifer Obertino, Senior Vice President, AECOM, and lead on the Northside/Southside Study; and Mark Vogl, Project Manager-Planning, Great Rivers Greenway, and lead on the Brickline Greenway.

“There is a lot to be excited about as it relates to transit in the St. Louis region,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “We encourage those with an interest in the impacts of public transit access to join this online forum.”

CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

 Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.

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For more information, contact:

Kelly Harris

(314) 436-9090

kelly@hausergrouppr.com

(more…)

The ongoing pandemic continues to impact the local workforce, causing many to reevaluate their careers and make resolutions to strengthen their skillsets as the New Year approaches. For many, this process will include going back to college in 2022 to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree and make themselves more marketable to potential employers. To aid in the decision-making process for those who are still considering their options, WGU Missouri is offering tips to keep top of mind when choosing a college or field of study. The fully online, nonprofit university is also offering $100,000 in scholarships to new students who plan to enroll in the New Year. Each New Start Scholarship is valued at up to $2,500 per student and will be applied to WGU Missouri’s already-low, flat-rate tuition of about $3,800 per six-month term. The scholarship is open to new students enrolling in any of the university’s 60-plus undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand fields of IT, business, education and health professions, including nursing. To learn more about the New Start Scholarship, visit wgu.edu/newstart.

Because choosing the right school and degree program is crucial to career success, especially in this ever-changing climate, WGU Missouri is offering the following tips to help those looking to earn a degree in the New Year navigate their return to school:

•  Choose a field of study that will lead to fulfillment and success. The recent and ongoing labor shortage has affected a wide range of industries, creating record numbers of job openings in a variety of fields. While this means more options could be available for prospective employees, not every industry is experiencing an employee shortage. Make sure the degree selected is in-demand, relates to your current field and is relevant to employers. For those considering changing careers altogether but are unsure what path might be best for them, consider reaching out to potential employers to see what they value in a degree program or skillset. Having a clear understanding of what specific degree or program to obtain will provide the needed basis for selecting a school that is the right fit.
• Research online options. If you are planning on going to school remotely or taking fully online courses, make sure you do your research and choose a school that has a long and highly rated history of offering quality online programs to students. While most institutions began offering this as an option at the start of the pandemic, not all are experts in the area, which could impact the student experience.
• See if prior experience will count toward a degree. Work experience and previous education/training may mean a student doesn’t have to start from scratch. Before enrolling, make sure earned college credits will transfer into the chosen program of study. Workplace training and experiences may also help accelerate degree completion, especially if choosing a school that offers a competency-based approach to learning. This increasingly popular model allows students to move at their own pace and advance when mastery of the subject matter is demonstrated, enabling students to graduate faster.
• See how connections with students will be made. Networking is key to career advancement, but with the pandemic showing little signs of slowing, there may be more limited options for students and alumni to get together in person than in years’ past. Before enrolling, check and see what options there are for students to interact and connect. Many universities have started holding outdoor events or smaller gatherings, but even if these gatherings are limited or a student feels uncomfortable attending, there should be opportunities to connect online. Many schools offer community groups that help students feel connected, as well as chat groups, video conferencing and email to socialize, compare thoughts and get advice from fellow students
• Pay attention to tuition costs and financing options. Find out what tuition costs – including books and fees – before enrolling. Research financial aid and scholarships that may be available. Depending on income, a student may be eligible for a government grant, particularly a Pell grant, to help pay for education. Speak with a financial advisor about other means of assistance that can lower costs. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement or assistance. Being diligent in this process will give students a better understanding as to what school or program is best for them and their financial situation.
• Choose a reputable, accredited university. It’s important to note that employers and academic institutions will only recognize degrees earned from accredited universities. Make sure time and efforts aren’t wasted on a non-accredited program by verifying a university’s accreditation before enrolling. The U.S. Department of Education publishes a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies determined to be reliable authorities. It can also be beneficial to request information on alumni placements, employer surveys, and graduate rankings to ensure the degree will be valued.

“The beginning of a new year represents opportunities for positive changes and is the perfect time for those who have been putting off furthering their education to make the leap to return to school, advance their careers and improve their lives,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “We encourage individuals to do their homework and select the university that’s best for them. WGU Missouri offers affordable competency-based education programs that are a fit for many working adults, and we look forward to helping more students achieve their educational goals in the coming year and find careers they love.”

For more information about WGU Missouri and its programs or the New Start Scholarship, visit wgu.edu/newstart.

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 60 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 in 2013 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 $7,600 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). Nursing College programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*), and the Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). More information is available at 2issouri.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).

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Western Governors University (WGU), a fully online, nonprofit university, and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) today announced a new joint partnership that will provide students graduating from NICC with an affordable pathway to earning their bachelor’s or master’s degrees from WGU. The agreement between the two institutions focuses on creating a seamless transfer of credits for NICC students transitioning to WGU. Additionally, under the terms of the agreement, graduates and NICC staff enrolling at WGU will now be eligible to apply for scholarships offered through the university’s Community College Partnership Scholarship fund.

The scholarships are valued at up to $2,500 each and are applied to WGU’s already-low, flat-rate tuition of about $3,800 per six-month term. Recipients of the scholarship will receive a $625 tuition credit each term, renewable for up to four terms based on academic performance.

“Northeast Iowa Community College looks forward to partnering with Western Governors University to provide a quality and affordable option for our students who are pursuing further education after NICC,” stated NICC President Dr. Liang Chee Wee. “Similar to NICC, WGU understands the barriers faced by students and works diligently to overcome them. Both colleges have also embraced competency-based education to enable our students to progress at their own pace of learning. The outcome for the graduates will be access to family-sustaining careers.”

WGU offers NICC graduates and employees more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high workforce-need areas of business, IT, K-12 teacher education and health professions, including nursing. The university’s competency-based approach to learning allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and previous experience to quickly move through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Students complete their programs by studying on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate they have mastered the subject matter. WGU faculty members work one-on-one

with students as mentors, offering guidance, support and individualized instruction. While WGU’s degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their progress and graduate faster, saving both time and money.

“WGU is excited to partner with Northeast Iowa Community College,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “Both NICC and WGU are committed to providing in-demand education and training focused on improving lives, driving business success and advancing community vitality, and this partnership will help further that mission. Our academic programs are an excellent next step for NICC graduates who desire an affordable option to continue their educational journey while offering students the flexibility they require to gain the skills they need to succeed in the evolving workplace.”

For more information on the partnership between WGU and Northeast Iowa Community College, visit wgu.edu/partnerships.

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 130,000 students nationwide and has more than 250,000 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 has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

About NICC

Northeast Iowa Community College serves eight counties in northeast Iowa and surrounding areas. Offering academic programs of study in a variety of disciplines, in addition to online and blended learning, customized business and industry training, short-term certification options and adult education and literacy, the institution is committed to affordable, high-quality education and training to ensure the growth and vitality of northeast Iowa. Learn more at www.nicc.edu.

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For more information, contact:

Pamela Powell

(314) 436-9090

pam@hausergrouppr.com

(more…)

In an effort to empower residents in rural areas of Missouri to go back to school and further their education, WGU Missouri has announced it has partnered with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives to provide $100,000 in scholarships to residents who are served by an electric cooperative and are interested in pursuing a degree from the online, nonprofit university. The “Power Your Future” Scholarship is open to new students in rural areas of the state who are customers of, or live in a household served by, one of the more than 40 electric co-ops that power rural Missouri.

“The Missouri Electric Cooperatives are extremely excited to relaunch the ‘Power Your Future’ Scholarships to our co-op members and employees,” said Chris Massman, Vice President, Member Services of AMEC. “This would not be possible without the great people at WGU and the partnership we have built. It is great to work with an upstanding university that has the same goal as we do, which is to improve the quality of life and provide additional opportunities to rural Missourians.”

WGU is a leader in providing fully online, affordable competency-based education to working adults who are interested in furthering their skillset but need the flexibility of online education to fit their busy lives. Through the “Power Your Future” Scholarships, WGU aims to empower Missouri’s rural students who are committed to going back to school to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees. Each scholarship is valued at up to $3,000 and will be applied at a rate of $750 per six-month term. To be eligible, scholarship applicants must be officially admitted to WGU and enrolled in one of the university’s more than 60 accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, K–12 teacher education, and health professions, including nursing. Students must also complete the scholarship application at wgu.edu/power and be interviewed by a WGU scholarship counselor. Recipients will be selected based on academic records, financial need, readiness for online study and current competency, among other considerations.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives to provide this scholarship offering to adults who are interested in furthering their education through WGU Missouri’s flexible, online format,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “WGU works to expand

access to high-quality, affordable college education to busy adults across the state who want to advance their careers and improve their lives, and this partnership will further support that mission. We are excited to continue to grow the number of degreed individuals residing in rural communities across Missouri.”

For more information about WGU or the “Power Your Future” Scholarship, visit wgu.edu/power. For more information about AMEC or Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives, visit www.amec.org.

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 60 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 in 2013 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 $7,600 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). Nursing College programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*), and the Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). More information is available at 2issouri.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).

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For more information, contact:

Pamela Powell

(314) 436-9090

pam@hausergrouppr.com

Western Governors University (WGU) and the South Dakota Board of Technical Education today announced they have entered into a joint partnership that will provide graduates and staff of four South Dakota technical colleges with an affordable pathway to earning their bachelor’s or master’s degrees from WGU. Additionally, under the terms of the agreement, students who enroll in any of the online, nonprofit university’s 60-plus undergraduate or graduate degree programs in business, IT, K-12 teacher education or health professions – including nursing – will now be eligible to apply for scholarships offered through the university’s Community College Partner Scholarship program.

The scholarships are valued at up to $2,500 each and are applied to WGU’s already-low, flat-rate tuition of about $3,800 per six-month term. Recipients of the scholarship will receive a $625 tuition credit each term, renewable for up to four terms based on academic performance.

“This partnership signals an opportunity for South Dakotans to access high-quality post-secondary education and to use their earned credentials to build a pathway to career success.” said Nick Wendell, Executive Director of the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. “Eligibility through their Community College Partner Scholarship program will also lead to a greater degree of affordability for South Dakota students.”

South Dakota recently set a goal that 65% of residents, ages 25-34, will hold a postsecondary credential by 2025, with only 46% of residents currently meeting that goal. This new partnership between WGU and South Dakota Board of Technical Education will assist South Dakota in achieving its attainment goal by providing non-traditional and rural students who want to continue their education with access to high-quality, affordable college education.

WGU offers South Dakota technical college staff and graduates a competency-based approach to learning which allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and previous experience to quickly move through material they already know so they can focus on what they

still need to learn. Students complete their programs by studying on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate they have mastered the subject matter. WGU faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support and individualized instruction. While WGU’s degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their progress and graduate faster, saving both time and money.

“We are delighted to provide continuing education options to the graduates and staff of South Dakota technical colleges,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “WGU values the important role technical colleges play in upskilling the workforce and is pleased to provide pathways to higher education and career advancement, which will lead to better lives for South Dakotan families.”

For more information on the partnership between WGU and South Dakota Board of Technical Education, visit www.wgu.edu/sdcc.

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 130,000 students nationwide and has more than 250,000 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 25 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 has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

About South Dakota Board of Technical Education

The South Dakota Board of Technical Education, with the input of the local governing boards of each of the postsecondary technical institutes, provides overall policies, goals, and objectives for the management of the postsecondary technical institute system to ensure that the needs of the public, business, and industry are met to the highest possible degree and in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

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For more information, contact:

Pamela Powell

(314) 436-9090

pam@hausergrouppr.com

(more…)

Western Governors University (WGU) and Monument Health today announced they have entered into a joint partnership that will provide employees and staff of Monument Health with an affordable option to earning their bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Additionally, under the terms of the agreement, those who enroll in any of the online, nonprofit university’s 60-plus undergraduate or graduate degree programs in business, IT, K-12 teacher education or health professions – including nursing – will now be eligible to apply for scholarships offered through the WGU Collaborative Agreement Scholarship program.

The scholarships, each valued at up to $2,500, are designed for employees of WGU’s partner collaboratives that are seeking to advance their education. Each scholarship will be disbursed in increments of $625 per six-month term and can be renewed for up to four terms based on satisfactory academic performance. Applicants who lack access to affordable, high-speed internet will also be eligible to apply for the WGU Online Access Scholarship, which covers internet installation and monthly access costs for the duration WGU students who qualify are active and in good standing and also provides devices to students who are in need.

“At Monument Health, being a great place to work is one of our top priorities,” said Trina Allen, Vice President of Human Resources for Monument Health. “We are excited to partner with WGU in providing our caregivers the opportunity to pursue their educational goals while continuing to support our patients and communities.”

WGU offers Monument Health employees and staff a competency-based approach to learning that allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and previous experience to quickly move through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Students complete their programs by studying on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate they have mastered the subject matter. WGU faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support and individualized instruction.

While WGU’s degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their progress and graduate faster, saving both time and money.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Monument Health, to help provide their employees with an affordable pathway to furthering their education and advancing their careers,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “Our academic programs ensure graduates have the core knowledge and skills required to compete and succeed in the workplace, while also helping partners like Monument Health address their critical professional development needs.”

For more information about WGU and its partnership with Monument Health, visit wgu.edu/partnerships.

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 130,000 students nationwide and has more than 250,000 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 25 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 has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

About Monument Health, Inc.

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 40 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

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For more information, contact:

Pamela Powell

(314) 436-9090

pam@hausergrouppr.com

(more…)

In recognition of Veterans Day and to honor service members for their sacrifice and commitment to our country’s future, WGU Missouri will be offering $75,000 in scholarships to veterans, active-duty military personnel and their immediate family members who are interested in furthering their education. The “Military Appreciation Scholarship” is available for those interested in pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree from WGU Missouri in any of the online, nonprofit university’s 60+ programs in IT, business, K-12 education, and health professions, including nursing.

Each “Military Appreciation Scholarship” is valued at up to $2,500 per student and will be applied at the rate of $625 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. The scholarship is open to new students who have been officially admitted to WGU Missouri and qualify as active-duty military personnel, a reservist, a veteran or a military spouse or child. Scholarships will be awarded based on a candidate’s academic record, financial need and current competency, as well as other considerations.

“WGU is thankful for each and every member of the military– and their supportive families – for their selfless dedication to serving our country,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “One way we’re proud to give back to those who give so much is through our Military Appreciation Scholarship. In addition to the military-exclusive scholarship offering, WGU’s degree programs are also approved for VA education benefits under the GI Bill – and because of our low, flat-rate tuition, that means veterans are usually eligible for benefits that make their program effectively tuition-free.”

WGU has been named one of the top Military Friendly® Schools for 11 consecutive years by Military Advanced Education and Transition Magazine. More than 17,200 WGU students are currently affiliated with the military, approximately 11 percent of the student population. Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree from WGU can help them transition into a rewarding, high-paying civilian position upon graduation.

WGU Missouri’s programs are competency-based, providing flexibility and workforce-focused degree programs active-duty military members, veterans, and their families need. Designed to meet the needs of adult learners, competency-based education allows students to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn, rather than basing progress on a number of credit hours. Faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support and individualized instruction. While the university’s degree programs are rigorous and

challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their programs, saving them both time and money.

For more information about WGU Missouri, the Military Appreciation Scholarship or how the university supports service members and their families, visit wgu.edu/militaryappreciation.

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 60 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 in 2013 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 $7,600 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). Nursing College programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*), and the Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 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).

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