WGA and WGU with Jim Ogsbury

WGU Sage Advice with Chris Bonnell

In this episode of the Sage Advice podcast, host Chris Bonnell interviews Jim Ogsbury, former Executive Director of the Western Governors Association (WGA). They discuss the powerful bipartisan collaboration between the WGA and Western Governors University (WGU), and their shared mission to impact the Western states and beyond.

WGA, a non-partisan group of leaders focusing on policy rather than politics, was founded in 1984 to develop policies that address significant challenges such as natural resources, human services, economic development, international relations, and state governance. The association represents the governors of 19 states and three Pacific territories, with their policy recommendations carrying significant influence in Congress.

Ogsbury emphasizes the effectiveness of the Western governors and applauds their collaborative, bipartisan efforts, highlighting several initiatives achieved during his tenure. These include a multi-state agreement on charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, a coordinated approach to regional invasive species, and the launch of the Reimagining the Rural West initiative.

One of WGA's significant achievements, according to Bonnell, is the creation of WGU, an innovative online, competency-based educational model built from the ground up. Established in the late 1990s, WGU filled the gap in post-secondary educational opportunities identified by the governors, and has been a pioneer in the online education space.

While independent, WGU maintains a robust and symbiotic relationship with WGA, providing substantial support and contributing to the association's policy enterprise. The partnership led to the establishment of the Western Governors Leadership Institute, an incubator for young leaders in the West. This institute organizes leadership forums where delegates engage in dialogues with political leaders, promoting a shared commitment to uplifting those eager to learn.

Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of bipartisan collaboration and how the WGA's work, supported by WGU, impacts not just the Western states, but the entire nation. The commitment to promoting meaningful and impactful policies, irrespective of political differences, remains a vital takeaway from this episode.