SALT LAKE CITY, APRIL 14, 2025 — What do a state CIO, a public-school teacher working inside a juvenile detention center, and a veteran turned-tech founder have in common? They’re all Western Governors University alumni—and among 14 honorees receiving WGU’s 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award. Selected from hundreds of nominations, the 2025 honorees exemplify WGU’s mission to expand access, promote equity, and deliver career outcomes. From leading statewide digital transformation to creating national models for data literacy, each graduate demonstrates how flexible, skills-based education can drive lasting personal and community impact.

“This year’s Distinguished Graduates embody the spirit of WGU,” said Robert Sullivan, Sr. Director of Alumni Relations. “Their achievements highlight what’s possible when learners are given the tools, flexibility, and support to pursue their careers on their terms. It’s inspiring to see the impact our graduates are making in their country, careers and communities.”

The 2025 honorees are part of WGU’s growing network of more than 350,000 graduates nationwide—71% of whom come from underserved backgrounds. Return on investment isn’t just something WGU talks about—it’s real. The more students WGU helps earn higher pay and give back to their communities, the more impact WGU has as a university. WGU grads see a salary increase of $22,200 on average, just two years after graduating. Within four years, that number grows to $30,300 for WGU grads.  

Whether launching nonprofits, shaping policy, or mentoring the next generation, the 2025 Distinguished Graduates reflect the urgent need—and power—of accessible, career-aligned education.

Meet a few of the 2025 WGU Distinguished Graduates: 

• Mario Aviles 
  B.A. Business Administration (2011) – San Antonio, TX 
  Mario led his students from an 11% pass rate to 80% on the Algebra 1 state exam in just two years. A Teacher of the Year recipient and department lead, he was the first to bring the OnRamps College Algebra program to his school, helping students earn college credit.

• Dr. Carol Egele 
  M.S. Management and Leadership (2017), MBA (2024) – Manor, TX 
  Dr. Egele has over 17 years’ experience in Texas state government, now serving at the Texas Historical Commission. She has trained hundreds of public service professionals and volunteers with leadership groups like Executive Women in Texas Government.

• Ashley Emsweller Hungate 
  MBA (2018) – Saint Paul, IN 
  Chief of Staff for Indiana’s Management Performance Hub, Ashley created a national model for data literacy. She also serves as a county councilwoman and board member for local organizations improving government and community services.

• Destiny Hunter 
  M.S. Management and Leadership (2023) – Waldorf, MD 
  A U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and founder of Kuinua Tech, Destiny mentors young talent through her Trailblazers program and provides scholarships to local students through the Kuinua Together initiative.

• Timothy Galluzi 
  B.S. Business Management (2016), M.S. IT Management (2018) – Carson City, NV 
  As Nevada’s CIO— the youngest CIO in the nation at the time of his appointment—Timothy led digital transformation through the COVID-19 crisis and elevated his office to cabinet-level status. A Marine Corps veteran, he’s advancing cybersecurity and mentoring future IT leaders.

• Shel McConville 
  M.S. Marketing, Digital Marketing Specialization (2023) – Wilsonville, OR 
  Shel is an Adobe Education Evangelist promoting creativity in schools nationwide. A former K–12 teacher, she now trains educators, leads community initiatives, and supports childhood mental health through creative expression.

• Jennifer Lynn Ours 
  M.A. Elementary Education (2009), M.S. Special Education (2010) – Kenosha, WI 
  Jennifer taught incarcerated youth and implemented a graduation ceremony inside a detention center during COVID-19. Now an elementary special ed teacher, she continues to advocate for equity in education and serves on international nonprofit boards.

• Bryan A. Williams 
  B.S. Business Management (2021), M.S. Data Analytics (2023), M.S. Human Resource Management (2024) – Nashville, TN 
  A leader in transportation, Bryan serves as 2nd Vice President of COMTO and drives diversity, mentorship, and strategic communication initiatives. He blends data science and HR expertise to uplift teams and communities.

The full list of 2025 Distinguished Graduates is available here.