Best WGU Alumni Relations Podcasts (2025)

1
Creating Tech with Purpose: Distinguished Graduate Destiny Hunter's Journey 18:12

Play Pause

4M ago18:12

18:12

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 and underserved populations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Destiny completed her WGU master’s program wh…

1
From ER Leader to Florida ENA President: Distinguished Graduate Christie Jandora's Journey 18:01

5M ago18:01

18:01

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 marked by resilience, passion, and purpose. On the latest episode, learn how Christie: Plans to make an impact …

1
Learning Together: How a Husband-Wife Team Balanced Family and Careers While Earning Degrees at WGU 36:07

6M ago36:07

36:07

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 them to achieve academic success despite numerous challenges. On this episode you’ll learn how the Deckers: • B…

1
Building Bridges and Legacies: WGU Distinguished Graduate Juan Longoria's impact 19:48

7M ago19:48

19:48

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 Lo Nuestro Collective embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and community upliftment. On this episode you'l…

1
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Opportunity: Kristian Sevison's Journey 19:59

7M ago19:59

19:59

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 learned along the way. • Unpacking the theme of it's never too late • Kris's motivation for returning to school •…

1
From teenage mom to chief nursing officer: Distinguished Graduate Shanell Murphy’s Journey 28:33

9M ago28:33

28:33

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 growth from her early days in Charleston, South Carolina, to her healthcare leadership chapters in Cleveland, …

1
Embracing and Thriving Through Change: Distinguished Graduate Skye Gilham's Journey 19:51

10M ago19:51

19:51

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 academia to serving her community at Blackfeet Community College and beyond, she highlights the breathtaking beauty…

1
From Entrepreneur to City Visionary – Distinguished Graduate Kevin Phelps' Journey 37:00

10M ago37:00

37:00

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 at Western Governors University, leveraging its unique competency-based model, played a role in his career evolu…

1
Making a difference and standing firm: Distinguished Graduate and IT Leader Linzie Starr III's Journey 50:36

11M ago50:36

50:36

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 the ranks without formal education, shares his inspiring journey and professional advice. From an accidental fora…

1
From Military Service to Community Leadership: Distinguished Graduate Roxanne Thalman's journey 34:44

11M ago34:44

34:44

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, Roxanne leads in the workforce as well as within the community, where she's the director and long time volunteer of…

1
Empowerment Through Experience: WGU Distinguished Graduate Adriana Richard’s Path to Advocacy 24:03

11M ago24:03

24:03

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 Alumni podcast, we explore Adriana's journey from shifting to an online education during the pandemic to founding …

1
From Educator to Ed Tech Entrepreneur: WGU Distinguished Graduate Jessica Shelley’s Journey 23:06

12M ago23:06

23:06

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 to a thriving entrepreneur. Her story is proof that it's never too late to chase your dreams. We explore the m…

1
From Pharmacist to Cybersecurity Leader: Distinguished Graduate Dr. Brady McNulty's WGU journey 25:48

12M ago25:48

25:48

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 Alumni Podcast, we explore Brady's inspiring story of resilience and reinvention. Hear how his interest in hacki…

1
Introducing new season "It's Never Too Late" 1:02

1y ago1:02

1:02

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 control of their future and decided it’s “never too late”. We’re so excited for you to meet them. We have stories…

1
How education and inclusivity champion empowers others (Cole Frandsen-Smith) 28:22

1y ago28:22

28:22

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, and that of his family's, has been enriched by the example of his mother and how her referring Cole to WGU has h…

1
Empowering Healthcare Leader and Trailblazing Nurse at Cedars-Sinai (Ebony Gray) 26:00

1+ y ago26:00

26:00

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 in the dynamic field of healthcare. Takeaways: How Ebony navigated the challenges of nursing with determination…

1
Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur, Teacher, Mother, and 4x WGU Graduate (Jessica Shelley) 26:39

1+ y ago26:39

26:39

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 Forbes' 30 under 30 powerhouse and discover her groundbreaking educational platform, Dailies, disrupting pre-K thr…

1
Male postpartum nurse, half marathon enthusiast, and WGU graduate shares his zeal for life 29:59

1+ y ago29:59

29:59

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 100 to date.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Newest alumni team member walks the talk after graduating with two WGU degrees 33:52

1+ y ago33:52

33:52

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.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Bowling Hall of Fame Inductee talks "rolling turkeys" after WGU degree 32:55

1+ y ago32:55

32:55

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 challenged him to go back to college thirty years after he quit the first time.…

1
Catching the Alumni Vision with WGU Leadership 45:29

1+ y ago45:29

45:29

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 alumni opportunities in 2024 and beyond.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Serial Entrepreneur and WGU MBA Grad Corey Alexander 30:36

2+ y ago30:36

30:36

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 with the University of Tennessee and a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, Alexander earned his degree fro…

1
Episode 51_WGU's Alumni Events Specialist Michael Daniel 14:35

3y ago14:35

14:35

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/events for all of the upcoming exciting alumni events.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 50_WGU VP Paul Bingham and two-time WGU IT grad Chris Abbey talk new Cyber Security Web Series 21:30

3y ago21:30

21:30

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 episode entitled "Risky Business" with Paul and Chris. You can watch the episode here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwqI…

1
Small Business Owner leverages capstone project to take ice cream business to the top 36:04

3y ago36:04

36:04

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.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 48_WGU IT Graduate and Author Bill Burns 26:01

3+ y ago26:01

26:01

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.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 47_ Professional Soccer Player beats the competition with WGU's model 33:32

3+ y ago33:32

33:32

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 kids, making them better and more resilient.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 46_WGU's Senior Vice President of Regional Operations Gene Hayes 29:20

3+ y ago29:20

29:20

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 addition to talking about the success of WGU graduates, we talk inspiration, music, and we have a lot of fun with Gene…

1
CEO of Professional Sports support network talks success after WGU journey 21:44

3+ y ago21:44

21:44

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 podcast to discuss her WGU journey and life as a successful entrepreneur. The episode also features a special gu…

1
Episode 44_WGU Business Alum Devi Pariya 25:32

3+ y ago25:32

25:32

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 episode she shares her WGU journey and her plans to return to Nepal with her husband to open a school that will help…

1
Episode 43_ IT Grad Chad Welch and WGU Texas Chancellor Linda Battles 31:27

3+ y ago31:27

31:27

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 about the growth in Texas as well as hear from IT grad and Texas resident Chad Welch.…

1
Episode 42_Diversity and inclusion advocate Carmen Kingston 33:36

4y ago33:36

33:36

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 by life-long learners and achievers, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented populations.…

1
Episode 41_WGU - Veteran Friendly and Military Focused 20:58

4y ago20:58

20:58

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 Resource Group (VERGE) join to share how this group helps employees who in turn helps military students and alumni…

1
Episode 40_Microsoft leader and WGU grad Andre Alfred 29:18

4y ago29:18

29:18

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 Oracle and Microsoft, and today runs cybersecurity governance of the cloud and AI division at Microsoft. He's …

1
Episode 39_Colorado's 5,280th Graduate Mark Dimalanta 38:44

4y ago38:44

38:44

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 5,280th graduate in the Mile High State, was recently promoted to Information System Security Manager for a Fortune …

1
Episode 38_Award Winning IT professional and WGU Grad Anthony Utt 21:34

4y ago21:34

21:34

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 receiving the 2021 Tech Innovator Award.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 37_WGU Grad and HR Professional Claire Gravenhorst 28:51

4y ago28:51

28:51

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 keeping her creative dreams alive.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 36_WGU Teachers College Grad Marah Jordan 20:19

4y ago20:19

20:19

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 her master's degree in English Language Learning.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 35_Special Guest Jen Hatmaker 27:20

4y ago27:20

27:20

New York Times bestselling author, blogger, and TV host Jen Hatmaker recently spoke at WGU’s spring commencement and now joins the alumni podcast to recount her experience at commencement, sharing how she continues to be inspired by life-long learners and achievers.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 34_ Celebrating WGU Indiana's 11th anniversary and two-time WGU grad Valerie Wesley 30:37

4y ago30:37

30:37

Celebrating the incredible growth of WGU Indiana over the past 11 years, the alumni podcast speaks with Regional Vice President and WGU Indiana Chancellor Alison Bell and two-time WGU grad Valerie Wesley to hear how WGU is impacting the state's workforce as well as the incredible successes of Wesley and her team even and especially during the pande…

1
Episode 33 22:00

4y ago22:00

22:00

Former NFL Star Marques Ogden recently spoke at WGU's virtual commencement. On this podcast episode, we catch up with Marques to hear more about his experience participating at commencement and what advice he has for WGU graduates.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 32 25:15

4+ y ago25:15

25:15

WGU business grad Donna Law joins the alumni podcast to share how she's giving back in her community as well as excelling in her professional career. A strong advocate for adult learners, particularly women, Donna shares her inspiring journey of beating cancer, finishing her degree, and going on to become the Executive Director of Development and G…

1
Episode 31 32:32

4+ y ago32:32

32:32

Special episode celebrating WGU Washington and their 10th anniversary on the Alumni podcast. WGU's Regional Vice President and Chancellor of WGU Washington, Dr. Tonya Drake, shares insights into the growth and success of the university in the state of Washington as well as the tremendous impact WGU students and grads are making in the state's workf…

1
Episode 30 29:05

4+ y ago29:05

29:05

WGU MBA IT grad Jonathan Soriano joins the alumni podcast to talk about landing his dream job at Nintendo, how he's mentoring others, and his experience at WGU's last commencement in Seattle.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 29 19:55

4+ y ago19:55

19:55

WGU Grad Winnie Obilor knows that no matter where one lives in the world, education has a transformative power. And Winnie plans to use her capstone project to provide underprivileged women in her home country DR Congo with the education and skills they need to improve their lives when she returns home this fall.…

1
Episode 28 21:39

4+ y ago21:39

21:39

WGU College of IT Grad Rashaan Green has overcome a lot of adversities to earn not one but two college degrees from WGU. From high school dropout to IT leader, today Rashaan works at Microsoft as a Principal Security Service Engineering Manager.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 27 25:50

4+ y ago25:50

25:50

Two-time WGU graduate Marqus Hutchinson joins the podcast to discuss his career success in the IT field as well why he's referred so many to WGU, including his mother, his brother, several friends, and many professional colleagues.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 26 22:00

4+ y ago22:00

22:00

WGU alumna and continuing grad Christine Granado joins the alumni podcast to share her extraordinary journey of completing her bachelor's degree while battling cancer. Leaning on her support system, Christine adopted the mantra to do or die trying. Not only did she complete her degree and start a new job, she recently re-enrolled at WGU in pursuit …

1
Episode 25 20:14

4+ y ago20:14

20:14

Aimee Edwards, WGU’s Director of Community Affairs, joins the Alumni Podcast to share details about WGU’s commitment to increase access to education by making it possible for individuals to improve their lives. Aimee discusses the looming digital divide and how WGU alumni can get involved to make a difference.…

1
Episode 23 30:26

5y ago30:26

30:26

WGU Alumna and fifth grade teacher Jillian Hernandez is a top five finalist for the 2021 Arizona Educational Foundation Teacher of the Year. Jillian joins the podcast to share her platform and reflect on her journey into the classroom and the changes she's made over the years.By WGU Alumni Relations