Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Gov. Rick Perry with the support of Higher Education Chairs Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Rep. Dan Branch today announced the creation of WGU Texas a subsidiary of Western Governors University (WGU) which is an accredited nationally-recognized nonprofit university. WGU Texas will offer an affordable and flexible alternative for Texans seeking a higher education degree. The governor also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance the states participation with and support of WGU which was founded in 1997 by governors of 19 states including Texas.
Earning a college degree is one of the most effective ways for individuals to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families" Gov. Perry said. By offering online competency-based courses in key workforce areas WGU Texas provides another flexible affordable way for Texans to fulfill their potential and contribute their talents for years and decades to come without any need for state funding. Our strengthened collaboration with WGU plays an important role in the effort to ensure Texas has an equipped workforce to meet the needs of job creators."
WGU is an online university that primarily serves working adults and offers bachelors and masters degrees in key workforce areas of business information technology education and health professions including nursing. More than 75 percent of students are low income minority first generation to attend college or rural students. WGU does not receive state funding but is self-sustaining on tuition of about $5780 per 12-month year. WGU was started through a memorandum of understanding and provision of $100000 in start-up funding from each of the 19 founding states.Working Texans who cannot pursue their higher education goals on college campuses certainly should reap the benefits of WGU Texas online competency-based model" Sen. Judith Zaffirini said. They also should benefit from the programs flexibility which will allow them to meet family and work responsibilities while continuing their studies. Although WGU Texas does not receive state funding and is self-sustaining through tuition it will help address our states key workforce needs while offering affordable career and continuing education opportunities to Texans over 30."
WGU Texas is being created through Executive Order RP 75 which calls on state agencies to work cooperatively with WGU toward the creation and establishment of WGU Texas. It also directs agencies including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Texas Education Agency and Texas Workforce Commission to create appropriate data sharing processes as may be required by state or federal guidelines for higher education providers.Texas needs legions of new sharp credentialed minds to succeed in a knowledge-based economy" Rep. Dan Branch said. The creation of WGU Texas will provide another low cost flexible and tested option for Texans seeking to compete in a global marketplace."
This MOU is an addendum to the one executed by the state and WGU in 1997 and further enhances Texas participation and support of WGU Texas particularly through the creation of an advisory board whose members will be appointed in consultation with the governor. By establishing WGU Texas Gov. Perry and the State of Texas are making quality higher education more accessible for working adults throughout the Lone Star State" said Dr. Robert W. Mendenhall President of WGU. We look forward to this partnership with the state which will help thousands of Texans earn the college degrees they want and need on a schedule they can manage at a cost they can afford." WGU degrees are competency-based meaning students advance by demonstrating their knowledge and abilities rather than accumulating credit hours. This model better serves adult learners who enroll with specific skill sets allowing them to graduate faster. Additionally this model particularly benefits veterans who are able to apply the skills they learned in the military toward their degrees which helps implement SB 1736 that created the College Credit for Heroes Program and was signed by Gov. Perry. More than 25000 students from all 50 states including 1600 Texans are enrolled at WGU which has grown more than 30 percent annually. WGU Texas will significantly expand access to affordable high quality education and training" said THECB Commissioner Raymund Paredes. This initiative is yet another innovation that is making Texas a national role model for reinventing higher education." To learn about other state initiatives to assist adult learners please visit www.gradtx.org. To view the governors video announcement of the creation of WGU Texas please visit http://governor.state.tx.us/video/16460/. To view a copy of the governors executive order and MOU please visit http://governor.state.tx.us/files/press-office/RP-75_WGU_Texas_MOU.pdf. To learn more about WGU Texas please visit http://texas.wgu.edu. What Others Are Saying…Western Governors University Texas can and will do much to advance our shared goals of increasing completion rates in Texas and reducing the costs of higher education for students and their families" said Texas Association of Business President and CEO Bill Hammond. The Texas business community applauds Gov. Perrys leadership on this issue. We see WGU Texas as a chance to open the doors to a university education to more Texans helping to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in our countrys leading job creating state."
We welcome the addition of WGU Texas to the family of institutions in our great state" said Texas Association of Community Colleges President Dr. Rey Garcia. WGU Texas will help fill a gap in providing higher education opportunities helping thousands of adult Texans attain the college degrees theyve wanted and needed on their schedule and at an affordable cost."
The technology industry in Texas is growing thanks in part to this states commitment to workforce training and education" Vice President of TechAmerica Jeff Clark said. TechAmerica has sought the establishment of WGU Texas because of WGUs industry focus and the wealth of academic options this relationship will bring to Texans across our state. WGU is using technological innovation to bring quality educational opportunities to our citizens when and where they need them. TechAmerica applauds Gov. Rick Perry and our states academic leaders for their vision and commitment.
