Built by Governors, Still Guided by Them
By Jake Riddell, PR & Communications, Northwest
The idea behind Western Governors University (WGU) was simple but revolutionary: higher education should adapt to the student, not the other way around. That vision was set in motion by a bipartisan group of U.S. governors nearly a quarter-century ago, and now, its true value is measured by the thousands of lives WGU transforms every day.
Crystal Pickering—a Utah resident, wife, mother of five, and WGU graduate—is the living embodiment of what happens when access and flexibility meet ambition.
"WGU helped make my college education dreams come true," Crystal shares. "Juggling work and raising a family, I needed a university that fit my busy schedule. Thanks to WGU, I now have a master’s degree in IT and a career that I’m proud of."
The governors who founded WGU sought to expand access to high-quality, in-demand university degree programs for hardworking individuals just like Crystal—people for whom a traditional university model simply isn't an option.
“They say WGU was created for states by states,” Crystal adds. “I’m thankful they created a pathway that allows me to continue to live, work, and raise my family in Utah.”
Partnership and Progress: Gov. Cox Joins Board of Trustees
Today, WGU’s ongoing success is driven by the continued support of elected leaders who recognize that workforce-aligned, flexible education is the engine of economic mobility. In that spirit of partnership and progress, the university is proud to announce that the Honorable Spencer J. Cox, Governor of Utah, has joined its Board of Trustees.
“WGU is expanding access to high-quality, affordable education for students across Utah and the nation,” said Gov. Cox. “I look forward to collaborating with the university to strengthen higher education for all — connecting learning to meaningful careers, especially for working adults, rural communities and historically underserved populations. It's an honor to join WGU and help shape strategic initiatives that build flexible pathways, enabling more students to acquire the skills needed for success.”
As a trustee through 2028, Governor Cox will provide vital strategic guidance as WGU enhances its range of career-focused programs. His leadership will help ensure that respected degrees and certificates continue to meet the critical workforce needs of both urban centers and smaller, remote communities.
“Governor Cox has been a powerful advocate for expanding opportunity, empowering more individuals to leverage their unique talents to strengthen their organizations, families and communities,” said Scott Pulsipher, president of WGU. “His commitment to cross-sector collaboration will enable WGU to deepen partnerships with states and employers, connecting more learners to affordable, flexible pathways that lead to rewarding and in-demand careers. We are delighted to welcome him to the board.”
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, WGU serves over 192,000 students nationwide, including nearly 9,400 in Utah. The university has a longstanding tradition of involving state executive leadership on its board, and Gov. Cox joins Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado as a current trustee. Governors serving on the board do so in a nonpartisan capacity, providing expertise on workforce and education issues to further WGU’s mission.
Invested in Student Success
For Crystal, Gov. Cox's appointment to the board is an empowering reminder that key decision-makers are invested in the success of students working to improve their lives.
"I feel really good knowing that Gov. Cox is on the board and actively supporting the university,” Crystal shares. “It really strengthens the link between WGU and my home state. More importantly, it opens up opportunities for people all over the country to create better futures for their families."
