Western Governors University (WGU) might not be a household name for most Americans—but it should be. Founded in 1997 as a private university by a coalition of 19 U.S. governors, WGU was designed to make higher education more accessible, especially for working adults. Today, it is a leader in educating military veterans alongside countless other Americans seeking flexible, affordable pathways to success.

It is no surprise that Dr. K.L. Allen, WGU’s Northeast Regional Vice President, recently took to PennLive to honor America’s veterans. In his op-ed, Dr. Allen called on readers to recognize the debt owed to those who served—reminding us that this responsibility extends beyond the symbolic gestures of a single day. He urged Americans to show respect and gratitude daily, pointing out that acknowledging veterans means understanding the breadth of their sacrifices.

Veterans Day serves as a poignant reminder of lives lost, families separated, and the long shadows cast by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on those who return home. Yet for many veterans, returning to civilian life also marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that often includes stepping into public service roles such as police officers, paramedics, and nurses, as well as other vital positions in healthcare and first response.

Dr. Allen speaks with authority born of experience. A veteran himself, having served in the Army National Guard, he has dedicated much of his career to supporting historically underrepresented populations in higher education. His leadership at WGU Ohio, which he joined as chancellor in 2020, has been transformative. Under his guidance, enrollment in the state rose by an impressive 60% over three years, cementing his reputation as a champion of opportunity for those who have been historically underserved.

But Dr. Allen’s vision for veterans mirrors a philosophy that has defined WGU since its founding. From the outset, the university’s creators recognized that higher education in the 21st century would need to adapt to the realities of adult learners—many of whom juggle full-time jobs, family obligations, or, in the case of veterans, the complexities of transitioning from military to civilian life. For these individuals, the traditional campus experience of dormitories and lecture halls was never feasible.

Instead, WGU reimagined higher education, crafting a model centered around flexibility and practicality. With its hallmark competency-based learning approach, WGU enables students to leverage their existing knowledge and experience to advance at their own pace, focusing on areas where they need the most growth. This approach has proven especially valuable to veterans and their families, who often require adaptable schedules to balance competing priorities.

WGU’s commitment to its students exemplifies its one-on-one mentoring system, where faculty members act as guides and coaches. These mentors provide academic instruction and personalized support, ensuring students feel connected and empowered throughout their educational journey.

The university’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Since 2007, WGU has been repeatedly recognized as a top school for its ability to meet the unique needs of service members, offering affordability, flexibility, and robust online support services. Its competency-based programs have also earned accolades from the U.S. Distance Learning Association, which has honored WGU 10 times for its innovation and leadership in online education. Among these distinctions is the university’s “Take a Break Program,” celebrated for balancing student service with the rigorous standards of assessment integrity.

WGU’s dedication to veterans extends well beyond its curriculum. In 2014, the university partnered with the National Military Family Association to launch the WGU Military Appreciation Scholarship, a $2,000 award renewable for up to four terms. Since then, the university has continued to expand its financial aid offerings, including the Salute to the Armed Forces Scholarship, which now provides up to $3,000 for eligible students—a significant reduction in tuition costs for many recipients.

Today, WGU boasts nearly 180,000 enrolled students worldwide across all 50 states and U.S. military bases. Its alumni network exceeds 350,000 graduates, a testament to the institution’s reach and impact. A 2023 Gallup survey found that WGU students rated their educational experience 25% higher than the national average for quality of interaction with faculty and 8 points above average for overall satisfaction. Perhaps most tellingly, 96% of respondents said they would choose WGU again if given the chance.

For veterans, this sentiment carries a particularly profound meaning. Returning to civilian life often involves starting over, rebuilding careers, and finding a new purpose after serving their country. WGU’s success in helping veterans navigate these transitions underscores its vital role as an educational institution tailored to their needs.

WGU is also a shining example of what bipartisan cooperation can achieve in American higher education. At its founding, former Colorado Governor Roy Romer, a Democrat, articulated a vision for a university that measures performance rather than time or prestige. “Universities measure the wrong thing. They measure time. They measure prestige. I wanted to base a degree on performance – and that was a real revolution,” he said. His counterpart, then-Utah Governor Michael Leavitt, a Republican, echoed this sentiment. “WGU is about fundamental change in the way higher education is delivered. It’s right, it’s real, and it’s efficient. It’s what higher education will require to succeed in the future.”

As Americans reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans, institutions like WGU remind us that true gratitude is best expressed through action. By bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, WGU empowers veterans to thrive in their next chapter—and in doing so, it reaffirms the enduring value of education in transforming lives.