Knoxville area residents graduate in WGU’s In-Person Commencement Ceremony
December 14, 2021

Joins over 7,750 alumni living in Tennessee

KNOXVILLE — On Saturday, Nov. 20, Western Governors University (WGU) celebrated the resilience and dedication of more than 1,000 new graduates who have earned their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in recent months with an in-person commencement, the first in nearly two years.

Local residents Jerry Sharon, Barbara Ann Hartley and Caitlin Fogarty received their bachelor’s degree in IT, master’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance and master’s degree in nursing education, respectively, from Western Governors University (WGU) at the university’s commencement ceremony in Las Vegas, Nev. As a nonprofit accredited online university, WGU offers more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

“Having the opportunity to take part in WGU’s commencement and watch graduates like Jerry, Barbara Ann and Caitlin accept their degrees in-person in Las Vegas is a special experience for all of WGU’s staff, students, and families,” said Kim Estep, Vice President of WGU’s Southeast region. “This day is a defining moment in our students’ lives, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

Approximately 76% of graduates come from historically underserved populations, including first-generation college students, students of color, rural residents, and/or low-income earners. Most WGU graduates work full time, juggling school and family life while completing their degree programs in business, K–12 education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

In Tennessee, nearly 4,500 students are enrolled in WGU, which has conferred over 7,750 degrees in the state.

To learn more about WGU’s 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the fields of information technology, business, K-12 teacher education and healthcare, visit www.wgu.edu.