Dr. Rich Cummins
WGU Washington Chancellor Appointed to Association of Washington Business’ Board of Directors
Appointment to help strengthen the strategic alignment between AWB and the online, nonprofit university
KENT, Wash. — (Sept. 21, 2017) The Association of Washington Business (AWB) today named WGU Washington Chancellor Dr. Rich Cummins to its board of directors. The appointment was formalized during the AWB’s annual Policy Summit in Cle Elum, Wash. which brings together business and political leaders to address challenges facing employers statewide.
Cummins brings to the board decades of leadership in higher learning and an unwavering commitment to education as a means to a well-trained and productive workforce. Cummins became chancellor of WGU Washington in 2017 to help the nonprofit university increase statewide access to affordable, high-quality bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in areas vital to the local economy – including business, nursing, IT and teaching. Online and legislatively-endorsed, WGU Washington primarily serves working adults and traditionally underserved student populations. Since it was created by Olympia lawmakers in 2011, the university has graduated nearly 10,000 Washingtonians. WGU Washington’s current, annual enrollment is more than 10,000 students.
Prior to his current role, Cummins worked for nearly three decades as a faculty member and administrator at Columbia Basin College, including nearly ten years as president.
“WGU Washington was created in part to be a resource to Washington businesses and prepare the state’s workforce for the demands of the 21st-century, knowledge-based economy,” said Cummins. “I’m thrilled to join the AWB’s board to help strengthen the strategic alignment between the Association and WGU Washington, and work with fellow board members to develop policies and practices that contribute to a healthy economic climate.”
The AWB’s board of directors represents the association’s membership comprised of businesses, local chambers of commerce, hospitals, private schools and universities. The board establishes, reviews and communicates AWB’s policies, positions and general procedures to its members. Its actions are guided by AWB’s bylaws, mission statement, goals and objectives, as well as ongoing assessments of member needs and desires.
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WGU Washington is an online, competency-based university designed to expand access to higher education for Washington residents. In 2011, the Washington State Legislature created WGU Washington in partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University.