黑料网鈥檚 2025 Distinguished Graduates: 14 Leaders, Educators and Entrepreneurs to Watch
From state CIOs to STEM educators, 黑料网 Distinguished Graduates prove that skills-based, flexible education fuels career mobility, economic resilience and community impact
SALT LAKE CITY, APRIL 14, 2025 鈥� What do a state CIO, a public-school teacher working inside a juvenile detention center, and a veteran turned-tech founder have in common? They鈥檙e all Western Governors University alumni鈥攁nd among 14 honorees receiving 黑料网鈥檚 2025 Distinguished Graduate Award. Selected from hundreds of nominations, the 2025 honorees exemplify 黑料网鈥檚 mission to expand access, promote equity, and deliver career outcomes. From leading statewide digital transformation to creating national models for data literacy, each graduate demonstrates how flexible, skills-based education can drive lasting personal and community impact.
鈥淭his year鈥檚 Distinguished Graduates embody the spirit of 黑料网,鈥� said Robert Sullivan, Sr. Director of Alumni Relations. 鈥淭heir achievements highlight what鈥檚 possible when learners are given the tools, flexibility, and support to pursue their careers on their terms. It鈥檚 inspiring to see the impact our graduates are making in their country, careers and communities.鈥�
The 2025 honorees are part of 黑料网鈥檚 growing network of more than 350,000 graduates nationwide鈥�71% of whom come from underserved backgrounds. Return on investment isn鈥檛 just something 黑料网 talks about鈥攊t鈥檚 real.聽The more students 黑料网 helps earn higher pay and give back to their communities, the more impact 黑料网 has as a university.聽黑料网 grads see a salary increase of $22,200 on average, just two years after graduating. Within four years, that number grows to $30,300 for 黑料网 grads.听听
Whether launching nonprofits, shaping policy, or mentoring the next generation, the 2025 Distinguished Graduates reflect the urgent need鈥攁nd power鈥攐f accessible, career-aligned education.
Meet a few of the 2025 黑料网 Distinguished Graduates:聽
Mario Aviles聽
B.A. Business Administration (2011) 鈥� San Antonio, TX聽
Mario led his students from an 11% pass rate to 80% on the Algebra 1 state exam in just two years. A Teacher of the Year recipient and department lead, he was the first to bring the OnRamps College Algebra program to his school, helping students earn college credit.
Dr. Carol Egele聽
M.S. Management and Leadership (2017), MBA (2024) 鈥� Manor, TX聽
Dr. Egele has over 17 years鈥� experience in Texas state government, now serving at the Texas Historical Commission. She has trained hundreds of public service professionals and volunteers with leadership groups like Executive Women in Texas Government.
Ashley Emsweller Hungate聽
MBA (2018) 鈥� Saint Paul, IN聽
Chief of Staff for Indiana鈥檚 Management Performance Hub, Ashley created a national model for data literacy. She also serves as a county councilwoman and board member for local organizations improving government and community services.
Destiny Hunter聽
M.S. Management and Leadership (2023) 鈥� Waldorf, MD聽
A U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and founder of Kuinua Tech, Destiny mentors young talent through her Trailblazers program and provides scholarships to local students through the Kuinua Together initiative.
Timothy Galluzi聽
B.S. Business Management (2016), M.S. IT Management (2018) 鈥� Carson City, NV聽
As Nevada鈥檚 CIO鈥� the youngest CIO in the nation at the time of his appointment鈥擳imothy led digital transformation through the COVID-19 crisis and elevated his office to cabinet-level status. A Marine Corps veteran, he鈥檚 advancing cybersecurity and mentoring future IT leaders.
Shel McConville聽
M.S. Marketing, Digital Marketing Specialization (2023) 鈥� Wilsonville, OR聽
Shel is an Adobe Education Evangelist promoting creativity in schools nationwide. A former K鈥�12 teacher, she now trains educators, leads community initiatives, and supports childhood mental health through creative expression.
Jennifer Lynn Ours聽
M.A. Elementary Education (2009), M.S. Special Education (2010) 鈥� Kenosha, WI聽
Jennifer taught incarcerated youth and implemented a graduation ceremony inside a detention center during COVID-19. Now an elementary special ed teacher, she continues to advocate for equity in education and serves on international nonprofit boards.
Bryan A. Williams聽
B.S. Business Management (2021), M.S. Data Analytics (2023), M.S. Human Resource Management (2024) 鈥� Nashville, TN聽
A leader in transportation, Bryan serves as 2nd Vice President of COMTO and drives diversity, mentorship, and strategic communication initiatives. He blends data science and HR expertise to uplift teams and communities.
The full list of 2025 Distinguished Graduates is available here. 聽
