WGU Alumni Podcast

On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we sit down with WGU alum Aryhel Freeman, a multidisciplinary security and intelligence professional whose career has spanned law enforcement, counterintelligence, insider threat, and security leadership. Aryhel shares how his path from the football field to the intelligence community shaped his approach to leadership, risk assessment, and helping organiz...

On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we sit down with WGU alum Miesha Adams to explore how a pivotal middle school experience sparked a mission that’s now changing lives across Atlanta and beyond. As the founder of Operation Level Up Leadership Youth Edition, Miesha is building a pathway for students in Title I schools to develop leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and see what’...

From helping entrepreneurs get their first idea off the ground to supporting major employers expanding in the region, WGU graduate Brian Fleming spends his days focused on one mission: building communities where people want to live, work, and start businesses. As executive director of the Sherburne County Economic Development Authority (Minnesota), Brian works behind the scenes to strengthen local...

On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we share how distinguished graduate Hope Kiehl identified a critical gap in life skills education and turned it into a statewide movement. A first-generation graduate and family and consumer sciences educator, Hope transformed that realization into action—modernizing life skills education through hands-on instruction, digital tools, and classroom experien...

After decades in consulting, Rob Berg didn’t slow down—he doubled down. From sacrificing meals to buy books in his early years to earning his master’s at WGU later in life, Rob’s career has been fueled by curiosity, courage, and a belief that growth doesn’t expire at 50. In this episode, Rob shares why technology never transforms organizations—people do. We explore his human-first approach to AI,...

After earning his BSN in the Philippines, Daniel Velez built a life and career in the United States rooted in service, discipline, and family legacy. Two decades later, already serving in executive leadership, he made a surprising decision: return to school. In this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, Daniel shares how he pursued his MSN while leading senior living operations in Michigan, balancing...

After nearly two decades in marketing, Steve Sandberg felt a quiet pull toward something more meaningful. What began as curiosity became action and that ultimately led him to a high school math classroom. In this episode of the WGU Alumni podcast, Steve shares how he walked away from a comfortable career to earn his master’s in secondary math education at WGU, navigating licensure requirements, pa...

Two-time WGU grad Dax Rich was laid off, one day before his birthday. Suddenly, everything was on the line. Dax had to choose: spiral or level up. In this episode, Dax shares how preparation before crisis, disciplined habits, and hands-on AI tools helped him rebuild confidence and land his next role in just 60 days. We talk career resilience, leadership clarity, and why systems beat motivation whe...

Chicago public servant Brian Mueller went from digging water lines to leading the team that keeps the city running—and he did it while earning two WGU degrees late at night after his kids went to bed. He shares how a career-altering injury pushed him toward education, how competency-based learning fit a union schedule, and how real-world field experience became the backbone of his leadership style...

Michelle Mills joins us to share how she finished her WGU degree while living in an RV during deployments—and how that experience fueled her mission to fix underemployment for military spouses and veterans. She talks about building a firm that uses location-agnostic, role-based compensation, tripling pay for military-connected talent, and how returning to school helped her rebuild confidence, iden...

WGU Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Robert Sullivan joins the alumni podcast to explore what happens after graduation—how a WGU degree becomes real momentum through lifelong career support, community, and connection. He walks us through the services alumni can tap into at any stage, from resume reviews and interview prep to region-based events and local networks that help graduates stay relev...

Nevada Chief Information Officer and Marine Corps veteran Tim Galluzi joins us to talk about his journey from combat tours to the cabinet table—and how a WGU MBA in IT Management helped him turn technology into a force for public good. He shares what it took to elevate IT to a cabinet-level department in Nevada, why that move matters for cybersecurity and collaboration, and how he’s building a cul...

On the next episode of the WGU Alumni podcast, Ashley Emsweller Hungate — public servant, farm mom of four, and WGU alum—shares her journey of turning nonstop motion into focused momentum. From mini donkeys braying during proctored exams to leading culture and talent at Indiana’s Management Performance Hub, Ashley shows how purpose and practicality can thrive together. She shares how earning an MB...

Staff Sergeant Destiny Hunter of the U.S. Army Reserves shares her journey as a WGU Distinguished Graduate and founder of Kuinua Tech, a company creating innovative technology solutions with military efficiency while supporting veterans and underserved populations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Destiny completed her WGU master’s program while actively serving in the military The origin st...

Christie Jandora, a 2024 Distinguished Graduate at WGU, is the Director of Emergency Trauma Services at Ascension, overseeing 500 associates across five Florida counties. She joins the WGU Alumni podcast to share her journey that has been marked by resilience, passion, and purpose.   On the latest episode, learn how Christie: Plans to make an impact as the President-Elect of the Florida Emergency...

Anna and Chris Decker share their inspiring journey of completing WGU degrees together while raising two small children and working full-time jobs. Their competitive spirit, teamwork approach, and unwavering support for each other enabled them to achieve academic success despite numerous challenges. On this episode you’ll learn how the Deckers: • Balanced parenting duties while taking turns studyi...

3-time WGU graduate Juan Longoria shares his inspiring journey of education and mentorship, illustrating that it’s never too late to pursue one's dreams. His dedication to helping others through his nonprofit, REVJLO Charities, and the new Lo Nuestro Collective embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and community upliftment. On this episode you'll hear about:  • Juan’s educational achi...

Kristian Sevison’s journey reveals how pursuing education later in life can lead to personal growth and newfound opportunities. He shares his motivation for returning to school, overcoming personal fears, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. • Unpacking the theme of it's never too late  • Kris's motivation for returning to school • Overcoming self-doubt and personal fea...

From teenage mom to chief nursing officer, first-generation college graduate Shanell Murphy shares her inspiring story of resilience and success and how her commitment to nursing education has paved the way.  On this podcast, we explore her growth from her early days in Charleston, South Carolina, to her healthcare leadership chapters in Cleveland, Ohio, including her involvement with the American...

Discover the transformative power of education through the story of Skye Gilham, a WGU distinguished graduate who has dedicated herself to empowering her Blackfeet Native American community in Montana.  As Skye reveals her journey from academia to serving her community at Blackfeet Community College and beyond, she highlights the breathtaking beauty and challenges of life in Northwest Montana. Her...

Join us as we celebrate the journey of distinguished graduate Kevin Phelps, Glendale's visionary CEO and city manager, as he transitioned from a successful entrepreneur to a public service leader. Discover how Kevin's return to education at Western Governors University, leveraging its unique competency-based model, played a role in his career evolution. His story is a testament to the id...

What if you could redefine success on your terms, no matter where you start from? Join us on the latest episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast as Linzie Starr III, an IT professional and recent WGU distinguished graduate honoree, who climbed the ranks without formal education, shares his inspiring journey and professional advice. From an accidental foray into the tech world to becoming the Director of...

What does it mean to truly embrace the mantra "Never Too Late"? Hear the inspiring journey of Roxanne Thalman, a change maker, US Air Force veteran,   former elected official, and proud WGU alumna.   A standout WGU distinguished graduate, Roxanne leads in the workforce as well as within the community, where she's the director and long time volunteer of the largest 4th of July Parade...

What happens when a determined educator channels her passion into transformative advocacy? Meet Adriana Richard, a distinguished graduate from WGU, who has turned her life experiences into a force for change.  On this episode of the WGU Alumni podcast, we explore Adriana's journey from shifting to an online education during the pandemic to founding a national organization, T1D to the Third, w...

Jessica Shelley, a soon to be four-time WGU graduate, rejoins the WGU Alumni Podcast following the recognition of being named a 2024 WGU Distinguished Graduate. The CEO and co-founder of Dailies, shares her journey as a passionate educator to a thriving entrepreneur. Her story is proof that it's never too late to chase your dreams. We explore the motivations and challenges Jessica faced while...