Dr. Fred Hurst Joins WGU as VP for Institutional Advancement

SALT LAKE CITY, June 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Fred Hurst, the architect of Northern Arizona University's (NAU) competency-based education programs and a leader in technology-enabled higher education, has joined Western Governors University (WGU) as Vice President of Institutional Advancement. In this role, Hurst will lead the university's efforts to support the expansion of competency-based higher education. He replaces Dr. Sally Johnstone, who was appointed President of The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems earlier this year.

Hurst joins WGU after serving as NAU's Senior Vice President for Extended Campuses for more than 16 years. In that role, he developed online and competency-based learning programs for the university and expanded access to NAU programs to regional, national, and international students. Hurst was also appointed by the U.S. House of Representatives to the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, providing advice and counsel on financial aid policy to Congress as well as the Secretary of Education.

"Advancing and expanding the application of competency-based learning in higher education is a key objective for WGU, and Fred Hurst brings the ideal mix of knowledge and experience to this role," said WGU Provost Dr. David Leasure.  

"My career has been focused on expanding higher education opportunities for nontraditional students, and joining WGU, the leader in competency-based learning, is a logical next step for me," said Hurst. "I look forward to working with the WGU staff as well as other higher education leaders and policy makers to increase awareness and understanding of the university's innovative learning model."

About WGU
Established in 1997 with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, WGU now serves nearly 70,000 students nationwide and has more than 63,000 graduates in all 50 states. As the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. It has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and enabling the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. The University's 2015 Annual Report is now available online.

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