Western Governors University (WGU) announced the appointment of Sherry Norquist 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.

Sherry Norquist holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Old Dominion University and a masters in nursing leadership from Westerns Governors University. Norquist currently provides strategic oversight for Sentara Healthcare’s Corporate Social Responsibility, which includes driving awareness for Sentara’s grant opportunities that align with community needs. She has more than 20 years of experience in nursing leadership, business operations and patient experience.

“We are thrilled to have Sherry 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. “Sherry’s leadership in healthcare and community engagement, and her knowledge of how WGU can help advance and train the workforce in her areas, will be an immense asset.

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

Norquist said, “WGU provided a realistic and affordable opportunity to complete my degree, while parenting and working full-time.I know so many colleagues who have successfully garnered better jobs from the flexibility and affordability of WGU, and it’s a personal goal of mine to encourage others to embark on their higher education degrees, which will help them grow personally and professionally.”

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 133,000 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.