INDIANAPOLIS – WGU Indiana Chancellor Alison Bell has been named a Visionary finalist in the EdTech Awards 2021, the largest recognition program in education technology that recognizes outstanding contributions in transforming education through technology to enrich the lives of learners everywhere. Chancellor Bell was a Higher Education Technology Leader finalist in 2020 and this years’ recognition honors her visionary leadership where students of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life have the opportunity to achieve their dreams through access to higher education.
“I am humbled to be named a finalist in this national program alongside so many other trailblazers who are creating the tools and opportunities that today’s students need to succeed,” said Alison Bell, Chancellor of WGU Indiana. “Our mission is to create pathways between talent and opportunity and through access to technology and connectivity, anyone with the desire to earn a degree can do so.”
In 2020, Chancellor Bell ushered in WGU Indiana’s 10th anniversary and their 10,000th graduate. Since 2010 and thanks to her unwavering leadership, WGU Indiana has eased the financial burden of higher education for Hoosiers—70% of whom represent underserved populations—by awarding scholarships totaling more than $5 million. These efforts have contributed to a generational shift in higher education where nearly half of all WGU Indiana students have been first-generation college students.
Furthermore, Alison has long advocated for solutions to the nationwide digital divide, where 44% of American households with income under $30,000 don’t have access to broadband services. As communities continue to navigate challenges due to COVID-19, Alison is urging communities and leaders to recognize that equal access to high-speed internet is an essential need by connecting with local groups who are also invested in connectability. She has partnered with WGU’s scholarship team to implement the Online Access Scholarship Program, available to more than 14,800 qualifying students which covers internet installation, monthly access costs and a refurbished laptop in addition to a Resiliency Grant, which can be used for tuition, fees and instructional materials, available to new WGU students battling unforeseen financial challenges and allows them to continue their course of study.
Celebrating its 11th year, the US-based program is the largest recognition program in all of education technology, recognizing the biggest names in edtech—and those who soon will be. The EdTech Awards recognize people—and the products they produce and lives they shape—with three main honors: The EdTech Cool Tool Awards, EdTech Leadership Awards, and EdTech Trendsetter Awards. The list of 2021 finalists and winners can be found here.
“After a year like no other—to all those innovators, leaders, and trendsetters in K-12, higher ed, and workforce learning staying connected, productive, persistent, and getting us closer despite all challenges: we salute you” said Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest, Victor Rivero. WGU Indiana is a fully online university and offers more than 60 accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, K–12 education, and health professions, including nursing. For more information on WGU, visit wgu.edu.
