WGU Alumni Podcast
Education & Explainer
About
WGU’s alumni network now has more than 400,000 graduates living in all 50 states. The WGU alumni podcast highlights the incredible work that our alumni are doing in their local communities. We also share benefits, perks, resources and partner information to help our graduates stay engaged and get the most out of the alumni community.
Episodes
- From WGU Graduate to Youth Advocate: Changing the Trajectory for Title I Students
On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we sit down with WGU alum Miesha Adams to explore how a pivotal middle school experience sparked a mission that’s now changing lives across Atlanta and beyond. As the founder of Operation Level Up…
- From Cybersecurity to Economic Development: Brian Fleming’s Journey
From helping entrepreneurs get their first idea off the ground to supporting major employers expanding in the region, WGU graduate Brian Fleming spends his days focused on one mission: building communities where people want to live, work,…
- From Titleholder to Teacher: Hope Kiehl’s Journey
On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we share how distinguished graduate Hope Kiehl identified a critical gap in life skills education and turned it into a statewide movement. A first-generation graduate and family and consumer scien…
- From Consulting to Authorship: Rob Berg’s Journey
After decades in consulting, Rob Berg didn’t slow down—he doubled down. From sacrificing meals to buy books in his early years to earning his master’s at WGU later in life, Rob’s career has been fueled by curiosity, courage, and a belief t…
- From the Philippines to Michigan: Daniel Velez’s Healthcare Journey
After earning his BSN in the Philippines, Daniel Velez built a life and career in the United States rooted in service, discipline, and family legacy. Two decades later, already serving in executive leadership, he made a surprising decision…
- From Marketing to Math Class: Steve Sandberg’s Career Change Story
After nearly two decades in marketing, Steve Sandberg felt a quiet pull toward something more meaningful. What began as curiosity became action and that ultimately led him to a high school math classroom. In this episode of the WGU Alumni…
- Laid Off, Then Leveled Up: Dax Rich’s 60-Day Comeback
Two-time WGU grad Dax Rich was laid off, one day before his birthday. Suddenly, everything was on the line. Dax had to choose: spiral or level up. In this episode, Dax shares how preparation before crisis, disciplined habits, and hands-on…
- From Digging Ditches to Driving Infrastructure: Distinguished Graduate Brian Mueller’s Journey
Chicago public servant Brian Mueller went from digging water lines to leading the team that keeps the city running—and he did it while earning two WGU degrees late at night after his kids went to bed. He shares how a career-altering injury…
- Instability to Impact: Michelle Mills’ Work for Military Families
Michelle Mills joins us to share how she finished her WGU degree while living in an RV during deployments—and how that experience fueled her mission to fix underemployment for military spouses and veterans. She talks about building a firm…
- From Graduation to Growth: How WGU Supports Alumni for Life
WGU Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Robert Sullivan joins the alumni podcast to explore what happens after graduation—how a WGU degree becomes real momentum through lifelong career support, community, and connection. He walks us throu…
- From Combat to Cabinet — How Nevada’s CIO, Tim Galluzi, is Leading with Purpose
Nevada Chief Information Officer and Marine Corps veteran Tim Galluzi joins us to talk about his journey from combat tours to the cabinet table—and how a WGU MBA in IT Management helped him turn technology into a force for public good. He…
- From Donkeys to Data: Distinguished Graduate Ashley Emsweller Hungate’s Journey
On the next episode of the WGU Alumni podcast, Ashley Emsweller Hungate — public servant, farm mom of four, and WGU alum—shares her journey of turning nonstop motion into focused momentum. From mini donkeys braying during proctored exams t…
- Creating Tech with Purpose: Distinguished Graduate Destiny Hunter's Journey
Staff Sergeant Destiny Hunter of the U.S. Army Reserves shares her journey as a WGU Distinguished Graduate and founder of Kuinua Tech, a company creating innovative technology solutions with military efficiency while supporting veterans an…
- From ER Leader to Florida ENA President: Distinguished Graduate Christie Jandora's Journey
Christie Jandora, a 2024 Distinguished Graduate at WGU, is the Director of Emergency Trauma Services at Ascension, overseeing 500 associates across five Florida counties. She joins the WGU Alumni podcast to share her journey that has been…
- Learning Together: How a Husband-Wife Team Balanced Family and Careers While Earning Degrees at WGU
Anna and Chris Decker share their inspiring journey of completing WGU degrees together while raising two small children and working full-time jobs. Their competitive spirit, teamwork approach, and unwavering support for each other enabled…
- Building Bridges and Legacies: WGU Distinguished Graduate Juan Longoria's impact
3-time WGU graduate Juan Longoria shares his inspiring journey of education and mentorship, illustrating that it’s never too late to pursue one's dreams. His dedication to helping others through his nonprofit, REVJLO Charities, and the new…
- Overcoming Fear and Embracing Opportunity: Kristian Sevison's Journey
Kristian Sevison’s journey reveals how pursuing education later in life can lead to personal growth and newfound opportunities. He shares his motivation for returning to school, overcoming personal fears, and the invaluable lessons he’s le…
- From teenage mom to chief nursing officer: Distinguished Graduate Shanell Murphy’s Journey
From teenage mom to chief nursing officer, first-generation college graduate Shanell Murphy shares her inspiring story of resilience and success and how her commitment to nursing education has paved the way. On this podcast, we explore her…
- Embracing and Thriving Through Change: Distinguished Graduate Skye Gilham's Journey
Discover the transformative power of education through the story of Skye Gilham, a WGU distinguished graduate who has dedicated herself to empowering her Blackfeet Native American community in Montana. As Skye reveals her journey from acad…
- From Entrepreneur to City Visionary – Distinguished Graduate Kevin Phelps' Journey
Join us as we celebrate the journey of distinguished graduate Kevin Phelps, Glendale's visionary CEO and city manager, as he transitioned from a successful entrepreneur to a public service leader. Discover how Kevin's return to education a…
- Making a difference and standing firm: Distinguished Graduate and IT Leader Linzie Starr III's Journey
What if you could redefine success on your terms, no matter where you start from? Join us on the latest episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast as Linzie Starr III, an IT professional and recent WGU distinguished graduate honoree, who climbed th…
- From Military Service to Community Leadership: Distinguished Graduate Roxanne Thalman's journey
What does it mean to truly embrace the mantra "Never Too Late"? Hear the inspiring journey of Roxanne Thalman, a change maker, US Air Force veteran, former elected official, and proud WGU alumna. A standout WGU distinguished graduate, Roxa…
- Empowerment Through Experience: WGU Distinguished Graduate Adriana Richard’s Path to Advocacy
What happens when a determined educator channels her passion into transformative advocacy? Meet Adriana Richard, a distinguished graduate from WGU, who has turned her life experiences into a force for change. On this episode of the WGU Alu…
- From Educator to Ed Tech Entrepreneur: WGU Distinguished Graduate Jessica Shelley’s Journey
Jessica Shelley, a soon to be four-time WGU graduate, rejoins the WGU Alumni Podcast following the recognition of being named a 2024 WGU Distinguished Graduate. The CEO and co-founder of Dailies, shares her journey as a passionate educator…
- From Pharmacist to Cybersecurity Leader: Distinguished Graduate Dr. Brady McNulty's WGU journey
Imagine facing immense pressure in your job during a global pandemic and deciding it's time to make a bold career change. That's exactly what Dr. Brady McNulty did, transitioning from pharmacy to cybersecurity. In this episode of the WGU A…
- Introducing new season "It's Never Too Late"
On this new season of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we’re sharing the inspiring stories of our distinguished graduates who went back to school to pursue a degree and better their lives. Over the next few months, you’ll hear graduates who took co…
- How education and inclusivity champion empowers others (Cole Frandsen-Smith)
On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, learn how Cole Frandsen-Smith, a 2023 WGU graduate in Human Resource Management, has become a strong champion for education, inclusivity, and the power of community. Also, learn how Cole's life, a…
- Empowering Healthcare Leader and Trailblazing Nurse at Cedars-Sinai (Ebony Gray)
Meet Ebony Gray , a WGU graduate and former president of WGU's Student Nurses Association, share her experiences. From her 13-year tenure at Cedars-Sinai to her leadership roles, Ebony's journey exemplifies the tenacity required to succeed…
- Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur, Teacher, Mother, and 4x WGU Graduate (Jessica Shelley)
Meet Jessica Shelley, a WGU alumna who's revolutionizing education and entrepreneurship while balancing family life with five children and supporting her husband's academic journey at WGU. Explore her journey from elementary teacher to For…
- Male postpartum nurse, half marathon enthusiast, and WGU graduate shares his zeal for life
Nontraditional graduate, Washington Native Eric Miller, joins the alumni podcast to share his motivation on his WGU journey, his passion for nursing, and his interesting hobbies such as cross-stitching and running half marathons, more than…
- Newest alumni team member walks the talk after graduating with two WGU degrees
Recent WGU graduate and current member of the alumni team, Ginny Ersery, joins the podcast to share her thoughts on her recent commencement experience in Chicago, and how things are going in her new role.
- Bowling Hall of Fame Inductee talks "rolling turkeys" after WGU degree
Recent WGU Graduate, bowling coach, and two-time bowling hall-of-fame inductee Ronald Simms Jr. joins the podcast to share his thoughts on his WGU journey, his experience speaking at WGU's commencement last spring, and how his bowling team…
- Catching the Alumni Vision with WGU Leadership
As we kick off the new year, listen to the latest episode to hear WGU Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, Gene Hayes, and Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Development, Robert Sullivan, share their insights into exciting a…
- Serial Entrepreneur and WGU MBA Grad Corey Alexander
Serial entrepreneur, WGU MBA graduate, and Nashville resident Corey Alexander joins the alumni podcast to share how he manages to run six different business while balancing family and other commitments in the community. A former cornerback…
- Episode 51_WGU's Alumni Events Specialist Michael Daniel
We are talking alumni events with Michael Daniel from WGU's alumni team. Next up is WGU alumni's annual virtual 5K, the Night Owl Trot. Michael highlights the 5K and the Alumni Celebration, and recaps the Kindness Quest. Visit www.wgu.edu/…
- Episode 50_WGU VP Paul Bingham and two-time WGU IT grad Chris Abbey talk new Cyber Security Web Series
WGU College of IT Vice President Paul Bingham and two-time WGU IT graduate Chris Abbey join the alumni podcast to highlight the new Cyber Security Web Series on LinkedIn. Learn about the series, why it's important, and watch the first epis…
- Small Business Owner leverages capstone project to take ice cream business to the top
WGU Graduate and small business owner Nathan Todd joins the alumni podcast to share how his business capstone at WGU led him to purchase a local Iowa ice cream business and who he's successfully expanded into three locations.
- Episode 48_WGU IT Graduate and Author Bill Burns
Two-time WGU graduate and recently published author Bill Burns joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a Senior Principal DevOps Engineer at a Fortune 50 company as well as his latest project: publishing his first book.
- Episode 47_ Professional Soccer Player beats the competition with WGU's model
Professional Soccer star and WGU Graduate Samantha Johnson joins the alumni podcast to share her experience earning her degree while competing in the National Women's Soccer League and also how she's using her degree in education to impact…
- Episode 46_WGU's Senior Vice President of Regional Operations Gene Hayes
Gene Hayes joins the alumni podcast to share WGU’s focus on increasing access and outcomes in higher education. Gene joined WGU in 2020 as Senior Vice President of Regional Operations and is committed to advancing WGU’s mission. In additio…
- CEO of Professional Sports support network talks success after WGU journey
WGU grad Amanda Banks is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sports To Suits, LLC. She is also the host of the weekly live show "Sports To Suits", an enterprise sales leader, strategic partnerships creator, and joy enthusiast. She joins the alumni p…
- Episode 44_WGU Business Alum Devi Pariya
Raised in Nepal, WGU student Devi Pariyar is fueled with the desire to give back and help the next generation. She’s seen firsthand the importance of compassion, good leadership, and the power education has on changing lives. On this episo…
- Episode 43_ IT Grad Chad Welch and WGU Texas Chancellor Linda Battles
WGU Texas was created 10 years ago as a partnership between the state of Texas and WGU to expand access to more Texans. On this episode of the podcast, we visit with WGU's Regional Vice President and WGU Texas Chancellor Linda Battles abou…
- Episode 42_Diversity and inclusion advocate Carmen Kingston
Diversity and inclusion advocate Carmen Kingston, a leader from Sam’s Club and Walmart, Inc., spoke at WGU’s summer commencement and now joins the alumni podcast to share her impressions at commencement and how she continues to be inspired…
- Episode 41_WGU - Veteran Friendly and Military Focused
As WGU honors our veterans in the month of November, we are featuring some of the key figures at WGU who are moving the university from military friendly to military focused. Dave Ammons and Casey Byington from WGU's Veteran's Employee Res…
- Episode 40_Microsoft leader and WGU grad Andre Alfred
A committed lifelong learner, Andre Alfred has leveraged educational opportunities to become a recognized leader in cybersecurity. Andre has held numerous leadership positions at some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including…
- Episode 39_Colorado's 5,280th Graduate Mark Dimalanta
Two-time WGU business graduate Mark Dimalanta earned his first master's degree from WGU while stationed on a U.S. Air Base in South Korea and his second after relocating to Denver, Colorado. A huge advocate for WGU, Mark, who was the 5,280…
- Episode 38_Award Winning IT professional and WGU Grad Anthony Utt
College of IT graduate and award-winning professional Anthony Utt, from Mount Airy, North Carolina, joins the alumni podcast to talk about his passion for software development, his work as an engineering lead at GR0, and his reaction to re…
- Episode 37_WGU Grad and HR Professional Claire Gravenhorst
Two-time WGU graduate Claire Gravenhorst from North Carolina joins the alumni podcast to talk about the lessons she's learned from her professional mentor and how her two business degrees have helped her thrive in the HR space while also k…
- Episode 36_WGU Teachers College Grad Marah Jordan
WGU graduate Marah Jordan joins the alumni podcast to share her excitement for entering her classroom as a first year teacher. She shares her journey as a community college transfer students and why she's re-enrolled at WGU in pursuit of h…