As Western Governors University (WGU) surpasses more than 300,000 graduates, the nationally recognized university will honor local maternity nurse Ashley Rawlins of Herriman as one of its distinguished 300,000th graduates at a celebratory reception at its national headquarters in Millcreek. The milestone marks a success for both WGU and Utah’s workforce.
University leaders will honor Rawlins, who works at Riverton Hospital-Intermountain Healthcare. She earned two degrees from WGU—all while working fulltime and raising a family. Rawlins belongs to a cohort that brought WGU past the 300,000 graduates’ milestone. The reception will start at 12:15 pm, Thursday, January 19th, at WGU Headquarters, 4001 S 700 E #300, in the university’s Café Mezzanine, Main Tower. Members of the media are invited to attend and will be greeted at the door and escorted to the event.
WGU has a unique history with Utah roots. Former Governor of Utah, Mike Leavitt, and 18 other U.S. governors founded WGU to expand access to higher education. At no other time in the history of higher education have the governors of several states joined together to create a university.
As a nonprofit, online university, WGU offers a convenient and cost-effective way for self-directed, hardworking Utah adults to earn a degree and get ahead. WGU provides an education that’s based in real world competencies—the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career. Of the 300,000 graduates, 37% of graduates are first generation, 28% are ethnically diverse, and 69% are female. Learn more about WGU’s impact.
