Kent mayor issues proclamation in honor of WGU Washington Week

Online university recognized for expanding access to high-quality, affordable education

  • Monday, November 4, 2019 4:26pm
  • News
Dana Ralph. COURTESY, city of Kent

Dana Ralph. COURTESY, city of Kent

Kent Mayor Dana Ralph recognizes WGU Washington’s significant, positive impact on Kent and South King County communities by proclaiming Nov. 10-16 WGU Washington Week.

The proclamation will be made Tuesday, Nov. 5, during the Kent City Council meeting.

“WGU Washington’s mission is to increase access to affordable bachelor’s and master’s degrees that help address key, workforce needs,” said Dr. Tonya Drake, chancellor of WGU Washington. “We are thrilled to be making a difference in Kent and the surrounding area – and honored to be recognized by our three-time graduate Mayor Ralph in this way.”

Accredited and nonprofit, WGU Washington is the only legislatively endorsed online university in the state. Since it launched in 2011, WGU Washington’s statewide enrollment has increased to more than 12,600 full-time students – including more than 2,700 in King County and 200 in Kent. More important, the university has awarded more than 17,500 bachelor’s and master’s degrees to individuals across Washington – including nearly 4,200 in King County and more than 250 in Kent.

“Like many of my neighbors, I am a graduate of WGU Washington,” Ralph said. “Together, we are proof that Kent residents can earn degrees and advance in their careers – without having to quit our jobs or leave the city for classes. And we apply what we’ve learned in our work every day, strengthening this community and helping drive the region’s economy forward.”

Ralph has earned three degrees from WGU Washington, including a master of business administration earlier this year. In 2015, she earned a bachelor’s in business management, as well as a master’s in management and leadership.

As part of the WGU Washington Week celebration, university employees, students and graduates will host an event for members of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, volunteer at Northwest Harvest’s Kent warehouse and hold a special WGU Night during the Seattle Thunderbirds game on Nov. 16.

Learn more at wgu.edu.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Competing for the 8th Congressional District: Carmen Goers, left, and Kim Schrier. COURTESY PHOTOS
Adam Smith and Kim Schrier will retain Congress seats | Election 2024

Smith represents the 9th Congressional District and Schrier represents the 8th Congressional District.

Pictured left to right: Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D), Rep. David Hackney, and Rep. Steve Bergquist (Courtesy of Democratic Caucus)
Democratic incumbents in lead for 11th Legislative District

Bob Hasegawa, David Hackney and Steve Bergquist have strong leads, with Hasegawa and Hackney running unopposed.

Debra Entenman and Kyle Lyebyedyev. File photos
Entenman and Stearns lead in 47th District | Election 2024

The district includes Kent, Covington and Auburn.

File photo
Kent School District levy is failing at the polls | Election 2024

Early election results show voters rejecting the proposed Capital Projects and Technology Levy.

Larry Best, a customer coordinator for quality assurance who has worked at Boeing for 38 years, stands outside of Angel of the Winds Arena with a “vote no” sign on Monday in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists approve contract, ending 52-day strike

After voting no twice, 59% of union members approved the latest contract.

Photos from the United States Attorney's Office Western District of Washington press release.
Kent man arrested in connection to violent drug trafficking gang investigation

Law enforcement seized more than 20 kilograms of fentanyl, 60 firearms, and more than $130,000 in cash.

Courtesy Photo, King County
Son accused of fatally shooting mother’s boyfriend in Kent back in jail

Dondre Butler has 3 violations in 13 months of electronic home detention after charged with murder in 2022

t
Kent Police targeted street patrols result in arrest of two felons

One driver spotted in a vehicle with no plates; another driver reportedly in a stolen vehicle

t
Kent cold case murder suspect back in state after governor’s warrant | Update

Kenneth Kundert fought extradition from Arkansas after August arrest in 1980 killing of Dorothy Silzel

t
City of Kent eyes November opening for Reith Road roundabouts

Two more roundabouts will bring total in city to six; three more in future plans

t
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire honors this year’s 20 retirees

17 firefighters and 3 staff members retire; firefighters served between 24 and 35 years