Truly a university without boundaries, Western Governors University is a non-profit university founded and supported by 19 state governors to serve the needs of today's citizens. At no other time in the history of higher education have the governors of several states joined together to create a university. In addition, WGU is supported by over 20 leading U.S. corporations and foundations. With students throughout the United States, WGU continues to open doors for individuals who need flexibility to achieve their education and career goals.

WGU's founding governors understood the importance of continuing education to meet the challenges of a changing economy and society. WGU was built from the ground up based upon two essential criteria. The first is a commitment to producing highly competent graduates. The second is to use flexible distance education techniques to expand access. Both are critical to enriching the lives of WGU students.

WGU was created specifically to help adult learners fit college into their already busy lives. The adult learner has always been WGU's focus, unlike many other universities that focus on young college students. WGU is the only university that has been granted regional accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is now WGU's home accrediting body. WGU is the first online university in the United States to be competency-based. This approach focuses on demonstrating competence to advance in a program, not sitting in a classroom.

WGU State Institutions

WGU Indiana
WGU Missouri
WGU Tennessee
WGU Texas
WGU Washington
 

The university is an innovative leader in distance higher education, receiving numerous accolades from educators and business. WGU currently offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in education, business, information technology, health professions and nursing. The university is experiencing tremendous growth, adding new positions monthly. WGU headquarters is located in Salt Lake City, Utah at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains (site of the 2002 Winter Olympics!). While Utah is an outdoor person's dream with alpine forests in the north and the red rock canyons in the south, the state also boasts a world-class symphony, theater, opera, and ballet, in addition to professional basketball, football and soccer.

Western Governors University looks for leaders with a strong commitment to the mission of the university. It also actively engages in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and student body that include members of historically underrepresented groups.