WGU Nevada
A University Built For You
Get a Degree on Your Time, in Less Time
See How WGU Fits Your Life
About WGU Nevada
WGU Nevada was established in 2015 as a partnership between Western Governors University and the state of Nevada with a unique mission to help individuals in Nevada obtain a quality education. When WGU was established in 1997, the founding governors realized that technology, the internet, and a new model of competency-based education could transform higher education by creating new opportunities for working adults.
The mission of WGU Nevada is to expand access to affordable higher education for Nevada residents through online, competency-based programs that address key workforce needs. Western Governors University is available to learners across the country, and coursework is offered online so students do not have to go to a campus location. Students in Nevada can recieve unique scholarship, financial aid, and other opportunities at WGU as a result of the partnership between WGU and the state of Nevada.
Founding Gov. Brian Sandoval's message to Nevadans who want to advance their careers.
"Affordable access to accredited education is the key to our future and essential to bringing more jobs to Nevada. WGU Nevada will make it possible for more Nevadans to earn the degrees they need to advance their careers and provide better for their families."
THE WGU IMPACT
Online Education
Built for Life
We're an online university dedicated to making higher education accessible for as many people as possible. Everything we do at Western Governors University is aimed at increasing accessibility and opportunity for each student, regardless of their background, motivations, or life situation. That focus helps produce success for our over 250,000 graduates. Our curriculum focused on today's workforce needs is why WGU grads have a 98% employer satisfaction rate, and why our students see an average salary increase of over $18,000 just two years after graduating.*
*2021 Harris Poll
Affordable Education
Personalized Learning
Expanded Access
Workforce Skills
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
What Our Alumni Are Saying
People love their WGU experience. See why it means so much to them and what makes us different.
"While applying for other accounting jobs, some of the feedback I got was that they only gave me an interview because I had a degree. It has opened doors for me that would not have been open without it.”
— Natasha Caldonetti
B.S. Accounting, WGU Nevada
"I worked very hard to complete my degree to become a licensed teacher. I completed 60 credits in the span of seven months. I don't know when I slept during this time, but I had my family as great supporters."
— Darrell Shakespear
B.A. Elementary Education, WGU Nevada
"All of my instructors took the time to answer my questions, reach out to see how I was doing and explain things in greater detail as some of the wording in the assignments seemed a bit vague. I don't think that I could have done this program on my own. The school, my family and my co-workers all played a role in helping me to succeed and get through all of the obstacles in my life as I was working through my program."
—Guadalupe Payne
B.A. English Language Learning, WGU Nevada
"Although I have 15 years of experience in healthcare, I still had lots to learn. Thanks to my degree, and the experience gained, I am now considered an expert in my field, and have been invited to be a speaker on Patient Experience Conferences and panels."
— Katherine Salkanovic
MBA Healthcare Management, WGU Nevada
"I quickly realized that completing my degree was the right choice because it was going to be the credential I needed if I wanted to get into HR without prior experience. I graduated in April 2020 and had my first entry-level HR job by August. Not only is this job perfect for me, the company is spectacular."
— Jenna Baker
B.S. HR Management, WGU Nevada
Richard Benbow, Regional Vice President, West Region
Richard Benbow is the Regional Vice President (West) of Western Governors University, America’s first and largest competency-based university. In this role, Mr. Benbow combines his passion for innovation and information technology with his desire to serve others to provide access to affordable, high-quality education for underserved adult learners throughout the region. He leads a team that executes strategy and operations to optimize student success utilizing the WGU platform and developing partnerships and relationships which drive value for employers and students.
Mr. Benbow earned his MBA degree at the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business and an MA in Emerging Communication Technology Policy; Strategy from the University of Southern California. He completed a BS in Business Management and International Business from Howard University in Washington D.C.
His previous executive positions include Chief Officer, Government and Community Relations - UCLA; Senior Director, External and Government Affairs, West Region – Time Warner Cable; and SeniorManager, Los Angeles Franchise Administration, and Constituent Affairs department.
Bob Benson, Regional Director, West Region
Bob Benson joined Western Governors University (WGU) in 2020 where he has served as the Regional Director supporting overall operational strategy and oversight for the West Region. Prior to joining WGU, Bob held various positions within the National University System including Vice President of International Affairs and Vice President of Extended Learning at National University as well as President of Spectrum Pacific Learning. He currently serves on the Urban Corps of San Diego Board of Directors and the LEAD San Diego Alumni Council. Mr. Benson was appointed by the City of Carlsbad mayor and city council to the Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees where he served for nine years. He is a graduate of the City of Carlsbad Citizens’ Academy and the LEAD San Diego Program where he was awarded the LEAD San Diego Herbert G. Klein Visionary Award for making significant leadership contributions to the San Diego community. He served in Bolivia as a Peace Corps Volunteer and as a member of the Butler University Board of Directors. Mr. Benson was also selected as a “Power to Be” in the December 2008 issue of San Diego Magazine.
Mr. Benson earned Bachelor’s degrees in International Studies and Political Science from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. He also holds a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of California, San Diego and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. Bob and his wife, Sarah, have two sons, Palmer and Reece.
Partner With WGU
If you are a company or community college that is looking to do something more for your employees or students, a partnership with WGU could be the perfect fit. Learn more about creating a partnership with WGU for tuition reimbursement, a scholarship, or other opportunity.
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