Rene Candelaria serves as the Regional Director (South Region), leading community engagement and partnership efforts for WGU across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. In this role, he leads strategic partnerships with corporate and local partners, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and community leaders to expand access to affordable, workforce-aligned education.
Rene has 20+ years of experience spanning higher education, operations, and strategic outcomes. His work focuses on education and equity, with a people-centered approach to everything he does.
Areas of Expertise:
- Workforce development strategy
- Business operations and management
- Education and workforce alignment
- Strategic partnerships
- Campus operations and management
Education:
- MBA, Global Operations, University of Phoenix
- B.B.A, Marketing, The University of Texas at Austin
Interests:
- Equity and accessibility in higher education
- Strengthening workforce and education partnerships
- Expanding access to education for underserved communities
Areas of Expertise:
- Workforce development strategy
- Business operations and management
- Education and workforce alignment
- Strategic partnerships
- Campus operations and management
Education:
- MBA, Global Operations, University of Phoenix
- B.B.A, Marketing, The University of Texas at Austin
Interests:
- Equity and accessibility in higher education
- Strengthening workforce and education partnerships
- Expanding access to education for underserved communities
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