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 Nursing Association. 

Shanell has earned three degrees from WGU – her bachelor’s of science in nursing, her master’s in business administration with concentration in healthcare management, and most recently her master’s in nursing leadership and management. In September of 2024, Shanell was named a distinguished graduate of WGU.

She is currently completing a book that documents her experiences and next has plans to embark on pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice. 

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 story is a testament to the impact of education, showcasing how integrating online learning and technology can uplift communities.

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 idea that it’s never too late to pursue education and new opportunities, blending professional wisdom with academic growth to inspire others with his resilience and adaptability.

We explore the exciting future of Glendale, Arizona, under Kevin's leadership, to unveil  ambitious plans to transform the city into a dynamic entertainment hub. We dive into the details of the state's largest resort project, set to open in 2025, complete with a concert amphitheater, a lagoon with beaches, and the U.S.'s first Mattel adventure park. 

This engaging conversation is filled with leadership wisdom and personal growth insights from Kevin. From sharing career advice and reflecting on the significance of mentorship to contemplating retirement and future endeavors, Kevin's experiences offer invaluable lessons on adaptability, fostering positive organizational culture, and the power of strong relationships. His reflections on friendships and community support reinforce the importance of surrounding oneself with passionate individuals to achieve greatness. Listen as Kevin's story unfolds, providing a blueprint for lifelong learning and success.

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 Program Management at the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Linzie's story is a testament to resilience and the power of forging your own path. His experience in IT at Kaiser Permanente and Southern California Edison ignited a passion that would eventually lead him back to school during the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in both a bachelor's degree and an MBA in IT management from WGU.

In this episode, we also embrace themes of balance and gratitude, discussing how intense work should coexist with periods of rest and the joy of life's simpler pleasures. Linzie speaks candidly about standing firm in professional environments, advocating for innovation and efficiency through open dialogue and constructive conflict. 

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 in Texas. 

On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, you'll learn about her transformative work in change management and community service as well as her embodying the essence of pursuing dreams at any stage of life. 

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, which supports children with Type 1 Diabetes. Her involvement with Girls on the Run showcases her dedication to mentoring young girls, encouraging them to believe in themselves and their resilience. 

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 pursuing multiple master's degrees, balancing family responsibilities, and transitioning from teaching to entrepreneurship. 

Imagine facing immense pressure in your job during a global pandemic and deciding it's time to make a bold career change. That's exactly what Dr. Brady McNulty did, transitioning from pharmacy to cybersecurity. In this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we explore Brady's inspiring story of resilience and reinvention. Hear how his interest in hacking culture and his Navy background fueled his passion for a new career, all while receiving unwavering support from his wife.

This episode highlights Brady's personal growth proving that it's never too late to chase your dreams.

On this new season of the WGU Alumni Podcast, we’re sharing the inspiring stories of our distinguished graduates who went back to school to pursue a degree and better their lives. Over the next few months, you’ll hear graduates who took control of their future and decided it’s “never too late”.

We’re so excited for you to meet them. We have stories of pharmacists who became cybersecurity experts, teachers in Title 1 schools making a difference, entrepreneurs chasing their dreams, and so many graduates having a huge impact in their communities, and much much more.

As always, I’ll be joining you on this journey. I’m your host Jeff - a proud WGU graduate, leader of alumni engagement at WGU and I’m also a serial podcaster…

We hope the next several episodes will inspire you too to realize “it’s never too late” to go after your dreams.

On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, learn how Cole Frandsen-Smith, a 2023 WGU graduate in Human Resource Management, has become a strong champion for education, inclusivity, and the power of community.

Also, learn how Cole's life, and that of his family's, has been enriched by the example of his mother and how her referring Cole to WGU has had a ripple effect upon many others.