Dr. Richard Cummins to Join WGU Washington as Chancellor

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Western Governors University announced today that Dr. Richard Cummins, who has served as President of Columbia Basin College since 2008, will lead WGU Washington as Chancellor, effective April 10. Cummins succeeds former WGU Washington Chancellor Jean Floten, who retired last month.

While at Columbia Basin College (CBC), Cummins led the development of a number of programs, including bachelor's degrees, that expanded access to higher education programs in the Tri-Cities area. He worked closely with other community college leaders in the state to develop and implement competency-based courses and programs based on the WGU model.

"Rich Cummins is well known in Washington as a higher education innovator who has leveraged data to improve student success," said WGU President Scott D. Pulsipher. "His ability to build partnerships that benefit students, graduates, and the community will enable WGU Washington to continue its growth and success throughout the state."

Cummins joined CBC as a faculty member in 1990. During his time at CBC, he served as dean, vice president of instruction, executive vice president, and acting president before being appointed president in 2008. In addition, Cummins has been a Commissioner for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 2014. He earned a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

WGU Washington, established by the State Legislature in 2011, now has 10,000 students and more than 7,600 graduates. State-endorsed and nonprofit, the online, competency-based university offers more than 60 bachelor's and master's degrees in business, information technology, K-12 teacher education, and health professions, including nursing.

About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 77,000 students nationwide and has more than 75,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In less than 20 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

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Contact for media inquiries:                                                 
Joan Mitchell – VP of Public Relations                                      
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SOURCE Western Governors University