Western Governors University (WGU) announced the appointment of Derrick M. Johnson, II, CMP, DES 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.

Derrick Johnson is chief diversity officer and director of event strategy at Tally Management Group, where he develops and connects the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives of organizations with an evolved and sustainable vision for experience design. As a first-generation college graduate who earned a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Florida, Johnson also holds a master of science in business leadership and management from Western Governors University.

In addition, Johnson earned a certification in Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, the Digital Event Strategist Certification from the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). As a board director for PCMA, Johnson facilitated its Digital Event Strategist Certification course in 2020, guiding thousands of planners through an evolved digital mindset during the pandemic. He also serves as chair of the board for the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association and sits on the board of directors for the Lesbian and Gay Band Association.

“We are thrilled to have Derrick 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. “Derrick’s leadership in the meetings/events and DEI sectors, and his knowledge of how WGU can help advance and train the communities in his area, will be an immense asset.

“We know he will provide great insight as we work to advance our mission of providing higher education access to historically-underserved communities, like working adults.”

Johnson said, “WGU was an integral part in my professional advancement, giving me the tools and confidence to elevate others. As a first-generation college graduate, I am grateful I had the option to pursue an affordable and high-quality graduate education, while working full-time, and with advisory support to ensure my success. WGU was a perfect match.”

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 24 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.