Scott Pulsipher has served as president of Western Governors University (WGU), the nation’s premier nonprofit competency-based university, since April 2016, leading all academic, operational, and organizational functions. He cultivates a student-centric environment by using technology and data to improve three key measures: completion, return for graduates, and equity in both access and attainment.
Scott has been named by EdTech Digest as one of the Top 100 Influencers in EdTech, and also serves on multiple higher education and technology boards, including as board member at the American Council on Education and Jobs for the Future, as well as chairman of the board for Presidents Forum.
Prior to joining WGU, Scott led several technology-based, customer-focused businesses, including Amazon, Sterling Commerce, and two successful startups that traverse retail, supply chain, banking, payments, and manufacturing sectors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Harvard University.
Areas of Expertise:
Leadership, Tech Education, EdTech, Disruptive Innovation, Higher Education Access, Higher Education Innovation, E-Commerce, Product Management, Strategy, Public Speaking. Named one of EdTech Digest's Top 100 Influencers in EdTech.
Education:
Harvard Business School: MBA, Business Administration 1999
Activities and Societies: Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital / Principal Investment Clubs.
Brigham Young University: B.S., Management (Finance Emphasis) 1994
Magna Cum Laude, Phi Kappa Phi national honor society. Significant course work in finance, economics, marketing, information systems, statistics, and organizational behavior.
Affiliations:
American Council on Education (ACE)
- Member, Board of Directors
Presidents Forum
- Member, Board of Directors
Jobs for the Future
- Member, Board of Directors
Handshake
- Member, Impact Advisory Board
Salt Lake Chamber
- Member, Board of Governors
Languages:
Polish
Areas of Expertise:
Leadership, Tech Education, EdTech, Disruptive Innovation, Higher Education Access, Higher Education Innovation, E-Commerce, Product Management, Strategy, Public Speaking. Named one of EdTech Digest's Top 100 Influencers in EdTech.
Education:
Harvard Business School: MBA, Business Administration 1999
Activities and Societies: Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital / Principal Investment Clubs.
Brigham Young University: B.S., Management (Finance Emphasis) 1994
Magna Cum Laude, Phi Kappa Phi national honor society. Significant course work in finance, economics, marketing, information systems, statistics, and organizational behavior.
Affiliations:
American Council on Education (ACE)
- Member, Board of Directors
Presidents Forum
- Member, Board of Directors
Jobs for the Future
- Member, Board of Directors
Handshake
- Member, Impact Advisory Board
Salt Lake Chamber
- Member, Board of Governors
Languages:
Polish
In the Media
Featured
Other Media
WGU: Pursuing the network effects of competency based education
Harvard Business School, Managing the Future of Work, April 17, 2025
Bridging the Credentials Gap Through Competency-Based Education
The Higher Ed Spotlight Podcast, November 20, 2024
The Future of Work-Based Learning - with Scott Pulsipher, President, WGU
EdUp Experience, November 11, 2024
Growing and Evolving Pathways for Educating Teachers
Future U. Podcast, October 28, 2024
President Pulsipher is a regular contributor to Forbes.
Student-Centered Design: The Difference Between Success And A Scam
Forbes, January 28, 2025
College is risky - mentors can make it a safer bet
SmartBrief, June 17, 2024
Colleges need a deliberate online strategy to better serve first-generation students
Higher Ed Dive, February 5, 2024
Combatting Declining Faith in Higher Education Requires Prioritizing Economic Outcomes
RealClearEducation, December 21, 2023
Top Schools Preparing Students For Future Careers
Forbes, January 1, 2025
Impact Next: An interview with Western Governors University’s Scott Pulsipher
NationSwell, November 8, 2024
How many degrees did Western Governors University award in FY24?
Deseret News, August 7, 2024
Designing A University That Benefits Students And Employers Alike
Forbes, January 31, 2024
WGU Articles