TITLE: Commemorating the 10th anniversary of Western Governors University Texas.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 10th anniversary of Western Governors University Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Western Governors University Texas is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2021; and WHEREAS, A nonprofit, fully online institution, WGU Texas was established in 2011 as an affiliate of the national Western Governors University, created in 1997 by the governors of 19 states, including Texas; WGU Texas partners with the state under a memorandum of understanding and coordinates with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission; and WHEREAS, The school's mission is to offer affordable access to quality education for adults with busy schedules; students take courses at their own pace and advance by proving competency, rather than by logging a specific number of hours, and individualized instruction is supported by program mentors; with more than 60 accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university prepares Texans for such high-demand, high value fields as business, information technology, education, and health care; and WHEREAS, Students typically earn a bachelor's degree within two and a half years, spending less than $17,000, or about a fifth of the usual cost; moreover, WGU Texas facilitates transfers from other institutions via a statewide articulation agreement with the Texas Association of Community Colleges; each year since its inception, it has received the Military Friendly School designation; and WHEREAS, From an initial enrollment of about 1,600, WGU Texas has grown steadily, and today it serves 14,000 students across the state; 70 percent are members of one or more underserved populations; alumni living and working in Texas number more than 18,000; and WHEREAS, WGU Texas creates pathways to opportunity through innovation and a student-centric culture, and in so doing, it improves lives and strengthens the workforce that is the engine of our state's prosperity; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 10th anniversary of Western Governors University Texas and extend to all those associated with the institution sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the university as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Murphy Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 928 was adopted by the House on May 8, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House