Wichita Resident Receives Bachelor's Degree from WGU

Andrew Kon, a resident of Wichita, has graduated from Western Governors University (WGU) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – IT Management. Kon participated in the nonprofit, fully online university's commencement ceremony in late February, where he and thousands of other graduates were recognized and celebrated for their achievements.

Kon graduated high school in 2003 and spent 12 years at Best Buy, working his way up the management ladder. During his time there, Kon got married, had two children and decided he wanted to go back to school to further his education to advance his career and create a better life for his family. During his last few years at Best Buy, he decided to go back to school to earn an associate degree in cyber security, taking advantage of the company’s tuition assistance program.
After graduating with an associate degree, Kon set off for a career in IT at a local company, starting as a technical project manager. After showing personal drive and determination to grow within the company, he was promoted shortly after being hired and has since been promoted nearly every other year.

Kon had always wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree and thought a degree in IT management would be a natural fit, given his extensive management experience. He heard about Western Governors University and found its flexible online format, affordable flat-rate tuition model and competency-based education approach – which allows students to use their prior knowledge and experience to advance through courses at their own pace and graduate faster – to be a perfect fit. Kon enrolled and was able to put the competency-based approach to work right away, using his years of experience to complete several courses in just a few weeks.

“I did my research and saw WGU offered what I was looking for at a reasonable price, and the positive motivation from my advisor and the course instructor allowed me to accelerate a bachelor's degree from four years down to two years,” Kon said. “Having the support of my family, colleagues, friends and mentors allowed me to complete this accomplishment. WGU has given me something that has made me, as well as everyone in my life, proud.”

Kon experienced first-hand growing up that hard work and determination can make it possible to achieve goals. Kon's mother, a Vietnam refugee and single mother, worked tirelessly to operate a restaurant and ensured he had everything he needed for a bright future. This helped shape him into the person he is today and pushed him toward graduating with his bachelor’s degree.

“Being able to walk at the commencement ceremony was a high point in my life,” Kon added. “It allowed my two little boys to see what can be achieved with hard work, along with the words of wisdom from all the wonderful speakers. My boys are looking forward to being future night owls, and I am excited for them.”

There were 577 undergraduate and 603 graduate degree recipients from 46 U.S. states who participated in the recent commencement ceremony. Approximately 73% of the graduates come from at least one of the following historically underserved populations: first-generation college students, students of color, rural residents and low-income earners. Graduates earned degrees in business, K–12 education, information technology and health professions, including nursing.

About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 130,000 students nationwide and has more than 270,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 24 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at wgu.edu.