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 pushed him toward education, how competency-based learning fit a union schedule, and how real-world field experience became the backbone of his leadership style. Brian’s journey is proof that late-career pivots are possible: 50% higher pay, greater impact, ...
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 that uses location-agnostic, role-based compensation, tripling pay for military-connected talent, and how returning to school helped her rebuild confidence, identity, and direction.
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 through the services alumni can tap into at any stage, from resume reviews and interview prep to region-based events and local networks that help graduates stay relevant in a changing job market. Robert also pulls back the curtain on WGU’s AI-powered Ask-a-Grad t...
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 shares what it took to elevate IT to a cabinet-level department in Nevada, why that move matters for cybersecurity and collaboration, and how he’s building a culture where innovation actually sticks. Tim also opens up about returning to school later in life,...
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 to leading culture and talent at Indiana’s Management Performance Hub, Ashley shows how purpose and practicality can thrive together. She shares how earning an MBA amid family and farm life built confidence, opened new career lanes, and helped her turn data in...
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 while actively serving in the militaryThe origin story behind Kuinua Tech and its mission to uplift overlooked communitiesWhy she believes ethical AI...
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 as the President-Elect of the Florida Emergency Nurses Association Leads multiple ERs, including a Level 1 trauma center and frees...
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: • Balanced parenting duties while taking turns studying and sitting for exams • Used late nights and time between infant duties to complete coursewor...
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'll hear about: • Juan’s educational achievements and commitment to WGU • The vital role of mentorship in career advancement • Bala...
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 • Overcoming self-doubt and personal fears • Discovering the power of WGU's competency-based education • Importance of military e...
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, Ohio, including her involvement with the American Nursing Association. Shanell has earned three degrees from WGU – her bachelor’s of ...
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 and challenges of life in Northwest Montana. Her story is a testament to the impact of education, showcasing how integrating online learnin...
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 evolution. His story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue education and new opportunities, blending professional wisdom with ac...
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 foray into the tech world to becoming the Director of Program Management at the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Linzie...
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 the largest 4th of July Parade in Texas. On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, you'll learn about her transformative wo...
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 a national organization, T1D to the Third, which supports children with Type 1 Diabetes. Her involvement with Girls on the Run showcase...
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 motivations and challenges Jessica faced while pursuing multiple master's degrees, balancing family responsibilities, and transitioning from teachi...
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 hacking culture and his Navy background fueled his passion for a new career, all while receiving unwavering support from his wife. This episode highlig...
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 of pharmacists who became cybersecurity experts, teachers in Title 1 schools making a difference, entrepreneurs chasing their dreams, and so many ...
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 had a ripple effect upon many others.
Abdul Malik
That's amazing to hear! WGU's growing alumni network is a true testament to the impact of flexible, accessible education. Excited to see how the podcast continues to showcase inspiring stories and valuable resources for graduates. Here's something that might be useful for current students or recent grads: https://wguportalstudent.us/