WASHINGTON, D.C. – Western Governors University (WGU) and the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE) have partnered to strengthen representation, leadership and opportunities for professionals within higher education while expanding pathways for educators and future leaders.
Through the collaboration, WGU will support AABHE initiatives focused on leadership development while offering its Maryland Rising Together Scholarship to AABHE members and their networks interested in pursuing degree programs at WGU. The scholarship aligns with the mission and vision of AABHE and WGU. The partnership was highlighted during AABHE’s 2026 Annual Conference in Baltimore, “Pathways to Higher Education: Navigating Change” where higher education leaders from across the country will gather to discuss leadership, innovation and opportunity across the education workforce landscape.
WGU also served as a sponsor for the conference, where Dr. K.L. Allen, Northeast regional vice president at WGU, delivered remarks on expanding opportunities for people to become educators and grow into leadership roles within higher education.
“If we want a stronger pipeline of professionals, especially from historically underrepresented groups, we must expand access to higher education and create clear pathways for advancement,” Allen said. “This partnership with AABHE will help ensure more educators and professionals have the preparation, support and access to lead, in the classroom and within the education field.”
The partnership also reflects WGU’s commitment to preparing future educators through the WGU School of Education, the largest conferrer of educators in the nation. Through flexible competency-based learning, the university helps aspiring and current educators to enhance their teaching or pursue administrative roles. WGU is dedicated to addressing the growing workforce needs in education.
“We are pleased to partner with Western Governors University to further our mission of supporting and uplifting professionals across higher education, especially educators and scholars who often serve students with needs that institutions have historically overlooked or inadequately supported” said, Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste, president for AABHE. “This partnership with WGU will strengthen leadership development, professional growth and the networks that help educators and administrators succeed within the institutions they serve.”