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Governor Announces Launch of New, Online Nevada University

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UPDATE: Watch a video below of the announcement. Clarification: WGU has been in existence for awhile. Today’s announcement creates WGU Nevada, expanding WGU’s reach in the state.

LAS VEGAS — Governor Brian Sandoval issued today a proclamation creating a new online university in Nevada, nevada.wgu.edu, a university geared toward expanding affordable access to higher education in Nevada.

The announcement is likely welcomed news in a state where higher education opportunities have been marked by skyrocketing tuition, budget cuts, bureaucracy and low student graduation and retention rates.

The new university is formed by a partnership between the State of Nevada and the nonprofit,  Western Governors University. WGU Nevada will offer accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, K-12 teacher education, information technology and health professions, including nursing.

According to the Governor’s Office, WGU Nevada is being established through a $2 million grant from USA Funds. The university will be self-sustaining on tuition.

The new university is not affiliated with the Nevada System of Higher Education, said Mari St. Martin, the Governor’s spokesperson.

“Affordable access to accredited education is the key to our future and essential to bringing more jobs to Nevada,” Sandoval said. “WGU Nevada will make it possible for more Nevadans to earn the degrees they need to advance their careers and provide better for their families.”

WGU Nevada will be led by Spencer Stewart from Nevada State College, where he, Sandoval’s office said, has been instrumental in the college’s establishment and growth.

WGU’s model promises faster degree completion — three years for a bachelor’s degree, and tuition is $3,000 for a six-month term regardless of how many courses are taken by the student.

WGU Nevada is accepting applications. Visit http://nevada.wgu.edu/.

 

Bob Conrad
Bob Conradhttp://thisisreno.com
Bob Conrad is publisher, editor and co-founder of This Is Reno. He has served in communications positions for various state agencies and earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2011. He is also a part time instructor at UNR and sits on the boards of the Nevada Press Association and Nevada Open Government Coalition.

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