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Critical Decisions Affecting the Development of Western Governors University

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Abstract

Interviews conducted with individuals involved in the early development and current operation of the Western Governors University allowed identification of 12 themes concerning early, formative decisions and decision-making processes. These themes were subsequently grouped into 5 categories: (1) politics, (2) organizational models, (3) changing mission, (4) multiple missions, and (5) experiencing innovation. Several factors, including the need to obtain financial support and to operate independently as a degree-granting institution, were influential in the decision to focus on competency-based curricula rather than providing a repository for distance learning courses offered by institutions in the West.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Higher and Adult Education, The University of Memphis, Egypt

    Katrina A. Meyer Ph.D. (Associate Professor)

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  1. Katrina A. Meyer Ph.D.
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Dr. Katrina Meyer is an Associate Professor of Higher and Adult Education at The University of Memphis. Her Ph.D. is from the University of Washington, and her research interests include online learning and virtual universities.

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Meyer, K.A. Critical Decisions Affecting the Development of Western Governors University. Innov High Educ 30, 177–194 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-005-6302-7

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