KENT – The mayor of Kent, Dana Ralph, will recognize WGU Washington’s significant, positive impact on Kent and south King County communities by proclaiming Nov. 10-16, 2019, WGU Washington Week. The proclamation will be made tomorrow, Nov. 5, during the Kent City Council meeting.

“WGU Washington’s mission is to increase access to affordable bachelor’s and master’s degrees that help address key, workforce needs,” said Dr. Tonya Drake, Chancellor of WGU Washington. “We are thrilled to be making a difference in Kent and the surrounding area – and honored to be recognized by our three-time graduate Mayor Ralph in this way.”

Accredited and nonprofit, WGU Washington is the only legislatively endorsed online university in the state. Since it launched in 2011, WGU Washington’s statewide enrollment has increased to more than 12,600 full-time students – including more than 2,700 in King County and 200 in Kent. More important, the university has awarded more than 17,500 bachelor’s and master’s degrees to individuals across Washington – including nearly 4,200 in King County and more than 250 in Kent.

“Like many of my neighbors, I am a graduate of WGU Washington,” said Ralph. “Together, we are proof that Kent residents can earn degrees and advance in their careers – without having to quit our jobs or leave the city for classes. And we apply what we’ve learned in our work every day, strengthening this community and helping drive the region’s economy forward.”

Ralph has earned three degrees from WGU Washington, including a Master of Business Administration earlier this year. In 2015, she earned a bachelor’s in business management, as well as a master’s in management and leadership.

As part of the WGU Washington Week celebration, university employees, students and graduates will host an event for members of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, volunteer at Northwest Harvest’s Kent warehouse, and hold a special WGU Night during the Seattle Thunderbirds game on Nov. 16.