Indiana’s eighth state university recognized with Nike, Apple and Coca-Cola

INDIANAPOLIS (March 4, 2013) – Since its inception in June 2010, WGU Indiana has become known for its innovative model and approach to educating Hoosier adults, and it now has the ranking to substantiate it. In this month’s issue of Fast Company magazine, Western Governors University is ranked among the publication’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, sharing the list with global business giants Nike, Apple, Google, Coca-Cola and Amazon. WGU is the only accredited, degree-granting university ranked in the top 50.

The Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s most significant, high-profile editorial effort of the year. The editorial team spends months gathering and sifting data to identify those enterprises that exemplify the best in business from across the economy and around the world. The result is a list that dares to be different, emphasizing progressive business models and an ethos of creativity, according to the publication.

“It’s exciting to talk about our university in the same breath as iconic brands like Nike and Apple,” WGU Indiana Chancellor Allison Barber said. “Fast Company chose WGU because of the impact we’re having on higher education. We’ve created an innovative learning experience that’s personalized for each student’s path towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Whether it’s using technology to improve learning, developing curriculum with the input of top employers, or creating a model that pairs a mentor with each student, WGU Indiana is innovating higher education for the benefits of its students, graduates and those yet to enroll.”

Mike Langellier, president and chief executive officer of TechPoint, agrees. “Innovation increasingly happens at the intersection of technology and other industries,” Langellier said. “For the future of our nation, few examples are more important than those at the intersection of technology and education. I’m glad to see work in this arena deserving of Fast Company’s 50 Most Innovative Companies list, and I’m thrilled to see that work being done by a university invested in Indiana. Kudos to WGU and keep up the good work!”

At WGU Indiana, enrollment occurs at the beginning of every month, and students take as many classes as they’re able to within each six-month term. In the university’s competency-based model, students can potentially accelerate through their degree program by moving more quickly through material they already know, thus saving time and money. WGU Indiana’s flat-rate tuition is $2,890 for most programs and has not increased since the university’s inception. Students also enjoy free text books and are eligible for both state and federal financial aid.

Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March 2013) is on newsstands now and is available online at fastcompany.com/MIC as well as in app form via iTunes. To learn more about WGU Indiana, call 877-214-7014 or visit indiana.wgu.edu.

About WGU Indiana
WGU Indiana is the state’s nonprofit, online university established by the State of Indiana to expand access to higher education for Indiana residents. Using a competency-based model that allows students to proceed at their own pace and curriculum developed with input from leading employers, WGU Indiana offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Business, Education, Information Technology and Healthcare Professions, including Nursing. In 2012, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education recognized WGU Indiana in its Reaching Higher, Achieving More agenda for its excellence in academic quality. The university was also recognized as one of Fast Company’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2013.

About Fast Company
Fast Company is the world's leading progressive business-media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, ethonomics (ethical economics), leadership, and design. In print and through digital and social channels, as well as live events, Fast Company reports on and addresses the most progressive business leaders. Editor Robert Safian was named AdWeek's Editor of the Year in 2009. Under the leadership of publisher Christine Osekoski, Fast Company made AdWeek’s Hot List for three consecutive years, and FastCompany.com executive editor Noah Robischon has tripled traffic and revenue. Fast Company is owned by Joe Mansueto, founder, chairman, and CEO of Morningstar, a leading provider of independent investment research.