Gov. Rick Perry last summer announced the creation of WGU Texas, the state’s new non-profit, online university. Recently the institution named Mark Milliron as its first chancellor.
WGU Texas is a state-centered offshoot of the national Western Governors University, founded in 1997 by the governors of 19 states including Texas. Nationally, the school serves approximately 25,000 students, of whom roughly 1,600 are Texans, according to an article in the Texas Tribune by Reeve Hamilton. The article includes an informative interview with Dr. Milliron, about his background and aspirations for the institution.
For slightly less than $6,000 per year, the school offers students the opportunity to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, education, information technology, and health care professions. A distinctive aspect of the model is that students are allowed to progress at their own pace rather than studying in a traditional semester-based system, according to the article and official statements.
Gov. Perry has stated that WGU will not receive public funds directly, though presumably students may receive financial aid. The Texas Association of Community Colleges supports this addition to the state's mix of institutions, signing an agreement to insure that courses between two-year schools and WGU will articulate fully.
The Tribune article cited above contains other links of interest.
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