Clayton-based WGU Missouri has been recognized as a 2016 What’s Right with the Region! honoree by FOCUS St. Louis. The non-profit, fully online university was one of 20 organizations and individuals that were recognized for their impact and service to the community at FOCUS St. Louis’ 19th annual awards reception and celebration, held Thursday, May 12, at the Sheldon Concert Hall.
FOCUS St. Louis award winners were honored in the following categories: Demonstrating Innovative Solutions, Responding to Community Needs & Entrepreneurs, Fostering Regional Cooperation, Promoting Stronger Communities and Improving Racial Equality and Social Justice. All honorees were nominated by the public and selected by a panel of community judges.
Specifically, WGU Missouri was recognized in the category of Responding to Community Needs & Entrepreneurs. The university was honored for its work in developing practical solutions, responding to identified needs and serving as catalysts for change, based on its mission to increase access to affordable higher education for Missouri residents. Its efforts help address key workforce needs. Established in Missouri three years ago through a partnership with Western Governors University and Gov. Jay Nixon, the university has distinguished itself as a local leader and pioneer of competency-based education—an innovative learning model that allows students to learn at their own pace and advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of subject matter.
“We are truly honored to be recognized by FOCUS St. Louis for our work in responding to and meeting the educational needs of the St. Louis community,” said WGU Missouri Chancellor Angie Besendorfer.
FOCUS St. Louis, the region’s premier leadership organization, each year applauds the efforts of individuals, organizations and/or initiatives that promote improvements in our community. The annual regional celebration highlights outstanding success stories from the St. Louis community. For additional information about the award, event and other honorees, visit www.focus-stl.org.
About WGU Missouri
WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri faculty members serve as mentors, working one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction.
Established in 2013 through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. The university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $6,000 per year for most programs.
Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Nursing College programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*), and the Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
More information is available at missouri.wgu.edu or by calling 855.948.8493.
*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).
About FOCUS St. Louis
FOCUS St. Louis is the region’s premier leadership organization. It’s a nonprofit that prepares diverse leaders to work cooperatively for a thriving St. Louis region through its experience-based leadership training, civic issue education and public engagement initiatives. As a neutral convener and facilitator, FOCUS engages citizens to deliberate on critical regional community issues in a trusted, nonpartisan space. Find out more at www.focus-stl.org.
For more information, contact:
Jessica Denham
314-677-2305