ST. LOUIS – WGU Missouri is pleased to announce that Dr. Jim Chandler, of Wentzville, has joined the nonprofit, online university as Strategic Partnerships Manager. In his new role, Chandler will work to expand WGU’s partnership network and further develop employer relationships across the state of Missouri, while raising awareness of the university’s educational programs.
Chandler brings more than 25 years of academic leadership experience to WGU Missouri. For nearly a decade, he served as superintendent of schools for two school districts in Missouri. Up until his retirement in 2017, he served as superintendent for the Warren County R-III School District in Warrenton. There, he was responsible for collaborating with the board of education to lead the district, which was made up of over 3,200 students and 510 employees across five schools and early childhood and alternative centers. Chandler also served four years as superintendent of schools for Winfield R-IV School District in Lincoln County, which is made up of four schools, 1,550 students and 240 employees. His efforts leading both districts resulted in growth in language arts, math and science, and led to an increase in test scores, attendance and graduation rates.
His background also includes serving as a high school principal, assistant principal, district activities director and physical education teacher, as well as the director of career and adult education for the Nevada R-V School District and as an adjunct instructor at William Woods University. He has also coached basketball, football and golf over the years and most recently served as the head women’s basketball coach at Blackburn College in Carlin, Ill.
Chandler holds an Educational Doctorate (Ed. D.) in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University, an Educational Specialist (Ed. S.) degree in Educational Leadership from William Woods University, a Master of Arts in Secondary Administration from William Woods University and a Bachelor of Arts in K-12 Physical Education from Blackburn College.
“We are so thrilled to welcome Jim to our team,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “WGU's partnership efforts are vital to increasing student access, improving affordability and enhancing the student experience, and his extensive background in education and executive leadership makes him the perfect fit for the strategic partnerships manager position. We look forward to working with him as we continue our efforts to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education in the state of Missouri.”
