Western Governors University (WGU) announced the appointment of Jamie Swann to the WGU Northeast Alumni Advisory Council. As a nonprofit, accredited online, competency-based university, WGU established the Council to grow and strengthen the university’s connections with key stakeholders in the region. Comprised of leaders and influencers from a variety of sectors in the northeast, they also will provide counsel on the most effective ways WGU can meet its core mission to expand access to career-relevant post-secondary educational opportunities that are respected by employers, by other academic institutions, and by policymakers from Maine to Virginia.

Jamie Swann holds a master of science degree in nursing from WGU and has been involved in healthcare for 28 years, in a variety of specialties. As director II of Government Business Division special programs at Anthem, Inc. in Richmond, she leads a Virginia Medicaid-managed care program that caters specifically to individuals that require additional assistance to remain living in the community, due to age or disability. In her role, she partners with state government and providers across the state and oversees 200 case managers. She and her husband of 31 years have three daughters.

“We are thrilled to have Jamie join our Advisory Council during this important time when so many people need higher education opportunities to align with employer and industry needs,” said WGU Regional Vice President Rebecca L. Watts, Ph.D. “Jamie’s leadership in the healthcare sector, her knowledge of healthcare policy, and how WGU can help advance and train the healthcare workforce in Virginia will be an immense asset.”

Swann said, “Nursing is an incredibly versatile career. When it was time for me to attend graduate school, I knew I would have to do it while working and without putting my family in debt. WGU fit the bill perfectly. I was able to complete my degree, gain a deeper understanding of my role in the healthcare system, and complete meaningful school projects that increased my visibility at work. I am such a cheerleader for WGU and am thrilled to serve on the Advisory Council.”

WGU Northeast Alumni Advisory Council was established in 2020 to provide counsel to Regional Vice President Rebecca Watts on geo-specific needs and trends and to help shape the direction and fulfillment of the university's mission. With impressive, diverse backgrounds, each Advisory Council member brings experience and expertise that will bolster the university’s ability to serve students and ensure WGU succeeds in its principal mission: To expand access to affordable higher education through online, competency-based degree programs that address key workforce needs.

WGU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the in-demand career fields of business, K–12 teacher education, information technology and health professions. For more information about WGU, visit www.wgu.edu.

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 129,000 students nationwide and has more than 210,000 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 just 24years, 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.