Wichita Resident Receives Master’s Degree from WGU

Michaela Krebs, a resident of Wichita, has graduated from Western Governors University (WGU) with a Master of Science in Nursing - Leadership and Management. Krebs participated in the nonprofit, fully online university’s commencement ceremony on Oct. 22, where she and hundreds of other graduates were recognized and celebrated for their achievements.

Krebs earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2017 and immediately knew she wanted to continue her education. As she transitioned into working life, she decided to take some time off before enrolling in a new program. When she was ready to move forward, she researched schools that would provide her with the flexibility she needed and allow her to work at her own pace. That’s when she found WGU. The fully online, nonprofit university follows a competency-based education model, which allows students to use their prior knowledge and experience to advance through courses at their own pace and graduate faster. WGU was a perfect fit for Krebs, and she was able to complete her coursework and graduate in less than a year.

“It was a daunting task to enter into an MSN program with little working experience to support me, but I had a whole lot of dedication, determination and drive,” said Krebs. “Western Governors University met all of my needs and even exceeded my expectations. I was able to continue working full-time, while picking up plenty of extra shifts, and still graduate in under two terms.”

Now that she has earned her MSN, Krebs plans to continue working up the management track at the current hospital where she is employed.

“I am so incredibly thankful to WGU, my family, and my friends for being so patient with me and supportive of me throughout the past year as I diligently worked to complete my education.”

There were 301 undergraduate and 356 graduate degree recipients from 40 U.S. states who participated in the 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/or 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 135,000 students nationwide and has more than 297,000 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 25 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.