WGU Awarded 8th Straight Best of State Medal for Best Online Education

SALT LAKE CITY, May 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the 8^th year in a row, Western Governors University (WGU) has been awarded Utah's Best of State medal for best online education. WGU's Chief Information Officer Myles Vogel received the medal at the Best of State Gala awards ceremony at the Salt Palace on May 18th.

"We love being headquartered in Utah and are proud to be part of the culture of innovation and high emphasis on education that defines this state." Vogel said. "Receiving this award furthers WGU's mission to provide a quality online education to all residents, whether in Utah or elsewhere in the country."

Presented annually, the Best of State awards were created to recognize outstanding organizations and businesses in Utah. Nominations are reviewed by more than 100 judges and are evaluated based on three areas: achievement in the field of endeavor, innovation, and contribution to improving the quality of life in Utah.

Founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, including former Utah Governor Mike Leavitt, WGU has grown into a nationally recognized online university with more than 70,000 students and 63,000 graduates in all 50 states. The university provides employment and higher education opportunities for thousands of Utah residents, with 1,300 employed, more than 5,000 graduated, and over 4,700 currently enrolled.

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. Driving innovation 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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SOURCE Western Governors University

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