Western Governors University: Alumni Success Stories
Introduction
Western Governors University (WGU) has a long-standing tradition of fostering success in its graduates. WGU provides a flexible, competency-based education that caters to working adults and lifelong learners. The university's focus on practical skills and knowledge equips its alumni to excel in various fields. This article delves into the inspiring success stories of WGU alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and the impact they have made in their communities and beyond.
Distinguished Graduates: A Tapestry of Achievement
WGU has recognized a number of outstanding alumni as distinguished graduates. These individuals represent a wide range of professions and backgrounds, but they all share a common thread: a commitment to excellence and a desire to make a difference.
Mario Aviles: From San Antonio, Texas, Mario Aviles has revolutionized education, leading his students to dramatically improve their Algebra 1 state exam pass rate from 11% to 80% within two years. His dedication earned him the title of Teacher of the Year by his third year and a promotion to department lead.
Jennifer H. Barb: Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jennifer H. Barb is a dynamic leader in healthcare and community service. As Director of Communications and Community Engagement at HCA Florida Healthcare, she focuses on enhancing patient care and community outreach. She is also passionate about reputation management and crisis communication, ensuring clear and effective messaging in critical situations. Previously, she played a key role at Memorial Healthcare System, raising over $10 million for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital as Director of Special Events and External Relations.
Dr. Carol Egele: Dr. Carol Egele, from Manor, Texas, has earned respect within the Texas State Government through her impactful roles at the Department of State Health Services, the Health and Human Services Commission, and her current position with the Texas Historical Commission. With over 17 years of public service experience, she contributes to operational strategy and leadership development, having trained hundreds of state employees in Texas and Colorado.
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Ashley Emsweller Hungate: Ashley Emsweller Hungate, from St. Paul, Indiana, has dedicated 17 years to public service at both state and local levels. As Chief of Staff for the Indiana Management Performance Hub, she and her team created a nationally recognized data literacy program that has improved outcomes for Indiana residents and influenced initiatives in multiple states. As a Decatur County Councilwoman, she has led efforts to modernize salary structures and enhance government services.
Destiny Adams: Destiny Adams balances her service in the U.S. Army Reserves while leading her company, Kuinua Tech LLC. She empowers her community through the Kuinua Trailblazers program, offering hands-on technical experience to high school seniors, college students, and transitioning service members.
Timothy Galluzi: Timothy Galluzi, from Carson City, Nevada, has played a pivotal role in advancing the state's IT infrastructure as Chief Information Officer. At his time of appointment, he was the youngest CIO in the United States. Under his guidance, Nevada has strengthened cybersecurity, reducing data breaches and enhancing the protection of sensitive government information. After the 2023 Legislative Session, Timothy led the elevation of his office into a cabinet-level agency, strengthening IT strategy and governance for the executive branch.
Valry Leroy: Valry Leroy, from Newtown, Pennsylvania, built a career in workforce development to create opportunities in Philadelphia. While managing pregnancy and the challenges of COVID-19, she earned her degree at WGU, leading to a promotion to Director in Apprenticeships. Now at JEVS Human Services, she expands apprenticeship programs to empower her community.
Yuqi Liu: Yuqi Liu, from Saratoga Springs, Utah, is an accomplished educator and researcher having spent time as a Chinese Immersion teacher.
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Shel McConville: Shel McConville, from Wilsonville, Oregon, is distinguished by her contributions to education and community impact. A former K12 teacher turned Education Evangelist on Adobe's marketing team, she champions creativity in classrooms nationwide through national conferences, teacher trainings, and a leadership program for educators.
Brian Mueller: Brian Mueller, from Chicago, Illinois, transformed his career through education and perseverance. After starting as a union laborer digging ditches, he pursued his degrees at WGU, earning a BS in Business Administration and an MBA in IT Management. His education propelled him from running small projects to being promoted to the Assistant Commissioner for the Chicago Water Department.
Jennifer Ours: Jennifer Ours, from Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a dedicated educator with more than 20 years of experience at Kenosha Unified School District. She spent 14 years as a special education teacher, working with high school students in the local jail and detention center, where she helped implement a successful high school diploma program. She also designed and implemented a graduation ceremony for incarcerated students, even during COVID-19, and managed local and state assessment proctoring and data reporting for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction via TITLE 1D (Delinquent) funding for the program at the jail and detention center, known as the "Phoenix Project". She spent a year as a Program Support Teacher, managing six self-contained EBD (Emotional Behavioral Disability) classrooms in three elementary buildings along with completing diagnostics for new special education referrals. Now teaching Special Education for second, third and fifth grade students in a high-poverty school, Jennifer continues to make a lasting impact on her students. She is active on many community boards and nonprofit organizations, both locally and internationally, including Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children (Member at Large); and was named as Mrs. Elite Sweetheart of America in 2022-2023 and continues to hold the title Mrs.
Bryan A. Williams: Bryan A. Williams, from Nashville, Tennessee, is a dedicated leader committed to fostering inclusive environments and driving organizational growth. As the 2nd Vice President and Communications Chair for COMTO, he has made a significant impact on the transportation industry through strategic communication and leadership development.
Carter Todd: Carter Todd, from Sacramento, California, is a distinguished nurse leader dedicated to advancing healthcare and mentorship. As Nurse Leader at Kaiser Permanente and founding president of the Capitol City Black Nurses Association, he and his team have helped to drive initiatives like the Breaking Down Barriers to Nursing Conference and the Cut to the Chase men's health barbershop initiative.
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Daniel Velez: Daniel Velez, from Westland, Michigan, is a distinguished healthcare leader dedicated to post-acute care and nursing leadership. As Vice President of Operations of Nexcare Wellbridge Senior Living, he has driven impactful change in the industry, earning recognition as the 2012 Nurse Administrator of the Year for the Central Region of the United States by NADONA (National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long-Term Care). A committed public servant, he serves as a board member for PNAMet-D (Philippine Nurses Association of Metro Detroit) and on Michigan’s Certificate of Need Commission.
Overcoming Challenges and Redefining Success
The stories of WGU alumni often involve overcoming significant challenges and redefining success on their own terms. These individuals demonstrate that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams and that education can be a powerful tool for personal and professional transformation.
Brian Mueller's journey from a union laborer to Assistant Commissioner for the Chicago Water Department exemplifies the transformative power of education and perseverance. He earned two WGU degrees while working full-time and raising a family, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and career advancement.
Michelle Mills finished her WGU degree while living in an RV during deployments. This experience fueled her mission to fix underemployment for military spouses and veterans.
Dax Rich, a two-time WGU grad, was laid off one day before his birthday. Suddenly, everything was on the line.
Roxanne Thalman, a US Air Force veteran and former elected official, exemplifies the mantra "Never Too Late."
The Importance of Mentorship and Community
Many WGU alumni emphasize the importance of mentorship and community in their success. They recognize that having a strong support network can make all the difference in achieving their goals.
Shawnette Jones enrolled at Western Governors University (WGU) to finish her bachelor's degree in business management, she knew she needed a university that understood what it meant to learn while working full-time and balancing everyday life. What she didn’t expect was finding a sisterhood that would become one of the most meaningful parts of her educational journey.
WGU Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Robert Sullivan explores what happens after graduation-how a WGU degree becomes real momentum through lifelong career support, community, and connection.
Mentorship is not a luxury; it is not an optional add-on to workforce development. It is a crucial piece of how systems endure. It is how clinical excellence is preserved and scaled over time.
Giving Back to the Community
A strong desire to give back to their communities characterizes WGU alumni. They understand that their success is not just about personal achievement but also about making a positive impact on the world around them.
Jennifer Ours is active on many community boards and nonprofit organizations, both locally and internationally, including Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children (Member at Large).
Carter Todd's work with the Capitol City Black Nurses Association exemplifies his commitment to advancing healthcare and mentorship.
Destiny Adams empowers her community through the Kuinua Trailblazers program, offering hands-on technical experience to high school seniors, college students, and transitioning service members.
Valry Leroy expands apprenticeship programs to empower her community.
Both Beland and Larivee-Winslow, attest that the most rewarding part of volunteering is knowing that their efforts, no matter how small they may seem, contribute to something bigger. They emphasize that the key to effective volunteering isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, offering your time, and making an impact in whatever way you can.
The Impact of Volunteering
Volunteering plays a significant role in the lives of many WGU alumni. They recognize that giving back to the community is not only a way to make a difference but also a way to grow personally and professionally.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, their stories are a testament to the power of community and the difference one person can make. Whether you’re new to volunteering or already involved, it’s never too late to make a difference. Through their journeys with WGU and their volunteer experiences, Beland and Larivee-Winslow have not only made a lasting impact on their communities, but also on their own personal growth. Their stories highlight that the impact of volunteering is far- reaching. The world is waiting for your contribution.
Bold Career Changes
The flexibility of WGU's programs allows individuals to make bold career changes.
Dr. Brady McNulty transitioned from pharmacy to cybersecurity.
Steve Sandberg felt a quiet pull toward something more meaningful.
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