Western Governors University Statement on the Appointment of James Kvaal as Undersecretary of Education

Since its founding nearly 25 years ago, Western Governors University (WGU) has operated on the belief that the promise of higher education is to be a pathway to opportunity for students. James Kvaal’s career has spanned the worlds of government, academia, and the nonprofit sector, pulling the common thread of a passion for seeing students thrive: by making college more affordable, driving completion, and addressing student debt. At a time when our nation’s economic recovery is a critical priority, we are heartened by his focus on creating pathways to opportunity. 

“Throughout his career, James Kvaal has demonstrated a belief that education is about learning that unlocks opportunity for students, not just about time spent and credit hours dispensed,” said WGU President Scott Pulsipher. “Under his leadership, the Department has the ability to make tremendous strides in the affordability and accessibility of a college education, and also to focus on institutional accountability—the notion that higher education should be measured by what we achieve for our students. I look forward to working together to advance a student-centered approach to higher education.” 

WGU wishes James Kvaal a speedy and successful Senate confirmation.