Western Governors University (WGU) announced the appointment of Springfield resident Aryhel Freeman to the WGU Northeast Alumni Advisory Council. As a nonprofit, accredited online, competency-based university, WGU established the Council to grow and strengthen the university’s connections with key stakeholders in the region. Comprised of leaders and influencers from a variety of sectors in the northeast, they also will provide counsel on the most effective ways WGU can meet its core mission to expand access to career-relevant post-secondary educational opportunities that are respected by employers, by other academic institutions, and by policymakers from Maine to Virginia.
Aryhel Freeman holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Colorado Technical University and a master of science in management and leadership from Westerns Governors University. Freeman currently provides strategic oversight for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which includes providing global situational awareness and time-sensitive geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) to support continuous operations, and enable decision-advantage for National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency leadership and mission partners.
Said WGU Regional Vice President Rebecca L. Watts, Ph.D. “Aryhel’s leadership in the Department of Defense and Intelligence community, and his knowledge of how WGU can help advance and train the government sector workforce, will be an immense asset.”
Freeman said, “WGU recognizes students learn at different paces and has created a unique learning experience that enabled me to balance work, family, and school. WGU also has a unique mentorship program, which is required for all students, played a critical role in my success, and served as a pacer in my race to finish my degree. Through WGU’s vast alumni network, I have met many like-minded leaders with ambitious goals, selfless attitudes, and who have a desire to encourage others to pursue higher education at WGU.”
WGU Northeast Alumni Advisory Council was established in 2020 to provide counsel to Regional Vice President Rebecca Watts on geo-specific needs and trends and to help shape the direction and fulfillment of the university’s mission. With impressive, diverse backgrounds, each Advisory Council member brings experience and expertise that will bolster the university’s ability to serve students and ensure WGU succeeds in its principal mission: To expand access to affordable higher education through online, competency-based degree programs that address key workforce needs.
WGU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the in-demand career fields of business, K–12 teacher education, information technology and health professions.For more information about WGU, visit www.wgu.edu.
About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 135,000 students nationwide and has more than 310,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 24years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
