In this impactful episode of the VERS podcast, we feature Daniel Avegalio, a Marine Corps veteran and trailblazer in higher education, as he shares his journey from military service to community college administration and his current role at Western Governors University (WGU). With 16 years of experience advocating for military-affiliated students, Daniel’s insights are both inspiring and practical.
Daniel’s Story: From the Corps to Higher Ed Leadership
After serving in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2010 and completing three deployments to Iraq, Daniel faced the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. His determination led him to a student worker role at American River College, where he discovered a passion for supporting veteran students. Over time, Daniel advanced to becoming a college dean, leveraging his leadership skills to implement veteran-focused initiatives.
Western Governors University: A Haven for Military-Affiliated Learners
Now a key leader at WGU, Daniel works with the university’s growing population of 29,781 military-affiliated students (as of October 2023). WGU stands out for its competency-based education (CBE) model, enabling students to earn degrees at their own pace by demonstrating subject mastery. This flexible approach aligns perfectly with the needs of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and working adults balancing education with other commitments.
WGU’s Support Systems and Initiatives
Daniel highlights WGU’s comprehensive support network, designed to help students and alumni succeed at every stage:
- Program Mentors: Dedicated advisors guiding students through academic and career goals.
- Career Services for Life: A lifetime resource offering resume assistance, interview prep, and job placement. - Peer Networks: Peer-to-peer support groups foster connections among military-affiliated students.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like the Naval Community College and the VA expand educational opportunities in cybersecurity, health sciences, and more.
Championing Veteran Success Daniel reflects on the challenges military students face, from identity shifts to balancing educational and personal responsibilities. His mission is clear: to ensure veterans have access to the resources and mentorship needed to thrive. His work at WGU includes building partnerships with employers, hosting career webinars for military spouses, and mentoring other institutions to replicate WGU’s success.
WGU Alumni: A Lifelong Community
With over 360,000 alumni nationwide, WGU fosters ongoing engagement through career development initiatives, employer partnerships, and networking opportunities. Military-affiliated alumni comprise 16% of the student body, demonstrating WGU’s strong commitment to this community.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is a must-listen for veterans, military families, and higher education professionals seeking innovative approaches to education and career success. Discover how WGU’s competency-based model and veteran-centric strategies are transforming lives and paving pathways to meaningful careers.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Daniel’s transition from Marine Corps service to higher education leadership.
- WGU’s innovative competency-based education model.
- Comprehensive support systems for military-affiliated students.
- Building sustainable partnerships with employers and veteran organizations.
- Lifelong career services and alumni engagement at WGU.
https://www.wgu.edu/ https://www.wgu.edu/student-experience/military.html #vetsos #VeteranEducation #MilitaryToCivilian #HigherEducation #CompetencyBasedLearning #WesternGovernorsUniversity