WGU Washington
A University Built For You
Get a Degree on Your Time, in Less Time
See How WGU Fits Your Life
About WGU Washington
WGU Washington was established in 2011 as a partnership between Western Governors University and the state of Washington with a unique mission to help Washington residents 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.
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 Washington can recieve unique scholarship, financial aid, and other opportunities at WGU as a result of the partnership between WGU and the state of Washington.
Employers Value WGU Washington
WGU Washington offers a flexible, affordable, valuable education that measures graduates on the competencies that matter to employers. That's why employers regularly report that our alumni meet or exceed expectations.
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.
"My MSN in Leadership and Management from WGU was the first step on an amazing adventure. I started the program knowing I wanted to do more in the nursing field but not certain which direction to go. Since graduating from WGU I have pursued further education, become a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, am leading the creation of a pediatric urgent care service at the clinic where I work. WGU and the adventures that have followed have created an amazing career that I absolutely adore!"
— Genevive Baxter
M.S. Nursing Leadership and Management, WGU Washington
"After 25 years in the industry and mostly self-taught I found myself out on the job market again and struggling to find a job. Anyone that wanted that much experience was expecting a BS degree and certifications, but I had none of those. With my new BSIT as well as the many certificates I got as part of the program I'm confident that employers will take me more seriously when I apply for management positions.."
— Eric Jones
B.S. Information Technology, WGU Washington
"WGU allowed me to be able to be around when my husband and daughter were available, work at my job, and work on my classes on my own schedule. I live in a small rural community where we must drive an hour in any direction to get to a store other than Walmart or any college community or university. Without the flexibility of WGU, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did."
— Lorinda Besherse
M.A. English Language Learning, WGU Washington
"I wanted to better myself, and my family. I never finished my Bachelors degree when I was young, and really wanted to reach that goal. I just hope people know how capable they are in receiving a degree from WGU. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to pursue mine."
— Deanna Dansie
B.A. Elementary Education, WGU Washington
"To progress further in my career, I needed to complete an undergraduate degree. While deploying overseas, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Business Management and was promoted to Operations Manager. The Operations Manager oversees the entire program that serves the United States Army in conducting flight operations in multiple theaters."
— Ralph Richmond
B.S. Business Management and M.S. Management and Leadership
WGU Washington
Tonya Drake, Regional Vice President, Northwest Region
A leader in higher learning, Dr. Tonya Drake has dedicated her career to expanding access and success to high-quality and relevant higher education. She serves as Regional Vice President for the Northwest at Western Governors University (WGU).
Her work is guided by the belief that higher learning transforms lives and she is passionate about creating pathways to opportunity. Drake earned the Certificate of Leader Development for National Security and Strategy from the National Security Seminar at the U.S. Army War College. She served as keynote speaker at the Global Leadership Summit in South Africa on the topic of “Deconstructing Race” and she was named among Seattle Business magazine’s “Daring Women.”
She has extensive experience in leadership positions at Edmonds Community College, Shoreline Community College, Maricopa Community College District, Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University, and the University of Washington. Drake serves on the board of directors for the Association of Washington Business. She has served on the executive committee for the United Way of Snohomish County and is an active member of women’s executive leadership group, Chief.
Drake holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree from Arizona State University, a bachelor’s degree in Business from University of Washington, and an associate degree from Lower Columbia College.
Ismar Vallecillos, M.Ed., Northwest Regional Director, Western Governors University
In the rapidly changing higher education landscape, no one is more confident that higher ed can and should help all students go further than Ismar Vallecillos, Northwest Regional director for the largest online higher education institution in the United States, Western Governors University (WGU). With more than 110,000 enrolled students nationwide, WGU offers a unique, accredited, competency-based education model, which measures skills rather than time in the classroom. This allows students to achieve an undergraduate degree for less than $20,000 in a shorter period of time.
Vallecillos brings an inspiring and motivating perspective to education in Colorado and the Northwest, with particular emphasis on his belief that education is the great equalizer. His experience as an educator from elementary through college level, combined with his personal background as the son of immigrants and an adult education student, equip him with wide-ranging expertise that encompasses access, affordability, innovative learning environments and equity in education, particularly the Latinx experience.
Vallecillos has a passion for supporting low-income, rural, first-generation, technical-degree-holding and some-collegebut-no-degree students. As an immigrant from El Salvador, Vallecillos grew up working for his father’s landscaping business before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while raising a family of his own. He believes in the power of education to improve lives and strengthen communities.
WGU Washington Board Members
- Dr. Andre Alfred
- Marty Brown
- Al Davis
- Dr. Michael Dunn
- Dr. Justin Guillory
- Dr. Jean Hernandez
- Heather Lewis
- Steven Maheshwary
- Steve Mullin
- Bill Poppy
- Mike Schindler
- Dr. John A. Polm
Dr. Andre Alfred, Partner Group Program Vice President, Azure Security at Microsoft
Marty Brown, Retired Executive Director, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)
Al Davis, Principal, Revitalization Partners
Dr. Michael Dunn, Superintendent of NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101
Dr. Justin Guillory, President, Northwest Indian College
Dr. Jean Hernandez, President Emeritus, Edmonds Community College
Heather Lewis, Managing Partner, Red Maple Strategies
Steven Maheshwary, Strategic Partnerships Lead - Underserved Populations, Amazon
Steve Mullin, President, Washington Roundtable
Bill Poppy, Retired Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Virginia Mason Medical Center
Mike Schindler, CEO Operation Military Family Cares and Co-Founder at Integrated Telehealth Solutions WA
Dr. John A. Polm
Dr. Polm was appointed Superintendent of the Puyallup School District in July 2020, and is responsible for the education of more than 22,500 students enrolled in 22 elementary, seven junior highs, three comprehensive high schools, one alternative high school, and several online programs. He is a dedicated and accomplished leader of the 6th largest school district in the state of Washington with a passion for public education. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from University of Puget Sound, his Master of Education degree from Eastern Washington University, and his Doctor of Education degree from Seattle Pacific University. He has served as an educator in Washington State public schools since 1986.
With his extensive educational background, Dr. Polm has built a career in education. He has worked as a teacher, principal and superintendent, and he has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that all students have access to quality education. His work has focused on system productivity, access to quality programs, and support for continuous improvement. He also has championed partnerships and community engagement. He is dedicated to helping shape the next generation of educators. Outside of work Dr. Polm is extensively involved in community service and is passionate about giving back to support our youth. He is a Rotarian and Kiwanian. He has also remained active as a musician. He and his wife, Julie, have been married since 1984. They have three grown children and five grandchildren. Overall, Dr. Polm is a dedicated individual who has demonstrated a commitment to education and giving back to the community. He is excited to offer his expertise and experience to Western Governor’s University as part of the Advisory Board.
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.
Featured Partners
WGU partners with hundreds of companies to help increase learning opportunities for every individual. Some of our partners include:
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