Western Governors University (WGU) announced the appointment of Lisamarie Bermudez, of Aberdeen, to the WGU Northeast Alumni Advisory Council. As a nonprofit, accredited online, competency-based university, WGU established the Council to grow and strengthen the university’s connections with key stakeholders in the region. Comprised of leaders and influencers from a variety of sectors in the northeast, they also will provide counsel on the most effective ways WGU can meet its core mission to expand access to career-relevant post-secondary educational opportunities that are respected by employers, by other academic institutions, and by policymakers from Maine to Virginia.
Lisamarie Bermudez holds a bachelor of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies PK-8 grades and a master of arts degree in education K-6 grades, both from WGU. Her desire to be a teacher started at a young age and was only solidified as she worked as a paraprofessional for 10 years with special education students. Bermudez has served in Harford County Public Schools for 22 years and is currently assistant principal at Edgewood High School. During this time, she was twice nominated by the district for teacher of the year and earned a place as Top Five and Top 10 finalist.
“We are thrilled to have Lisamarie join our Advisory Council during this important time of growth and development for the university,” said WGU Regional Vice President Rebecca L. Watts, Ph.D. “Her leadership in the education sector, and her knowledge of how WGU can help advance and train teachers and administrators in her area, will be an immense asset.
“We know she will provide great insight as we work to advance our mission of providing higher education access to historically-underserved communities, like working adults.”
Bermudez said, “When I graduated from community college, I was not able to afford going to a traditional college. After eight years as a paraprofessional, WGU provided me with an affordable education, prepared me to be a highly effective teacher for my students and an educational leader.”
WGU Northeast Alumni Advisory Council was established in 2020 to provide counsel to Regional Vice President Rebecca Watts on geo-specific needs and trends and to help shape the direction and continued success of the university. With impressive, diverse backgrounds, each Advisory Council member brings experience and expertise that will bolster the university’s ability to serve students and ensure WGU succeeds in its principal mission: To expand access to affordable higher education through online, competency-based degree programs that address key workforce needs.
WGU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the in-demand career fields of business, K–12 teacher education, information technology and health professions. For more information about WGU, visitwww.wgu.edu.
About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 123,000 students nationwide and has more than 190,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 23 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
