Campus News

Surprise! Great Falls College grad honored as state partners with Western Governors University

Great Falls College graduate Julia Vogt speaks with Gov. Greg Gianforte. Vogt, a Great Falls College graduate, earned a scholarship to Western Governors University at a ceremony at the capitol.

When Julia Vogt drove down from Belt to Helena, she knew she was going to participate in an important milestone for higher ed in Montana. But she had no idea she’d be awarded a scholarship to Western Governors University by Gov. Greg Gianforte and WGU president Scott Pulsipher.

During a ceremony in the capitol building on Tuesday, Gianforte and Pulsipher signed an MOU establishing a statewide affiliation and increasing access to high-quality, affordable degree programs for more Montanans. Vogt was recognized during that event as a shining example of the partnership’s anticipated impact.

Vogt earned an associate degree from Great Falls College MSU. Now, she is pursuing a degree in software development from Western Governors – a leading nonprofit, online university. She plans to get a job working remotely for a top tech company.

“I transferred to WGU after graduating from my local community college and now am working on a bachelor’s degree in software development,” Vogt said. “WGU makes it possible for me to earn a degree and get a great job – without leaving my hometown or moving out of state.”

Not only does the new WGU Montana affiliation expand eligibility to state financial assistance to WGU students living in Montana, but the online university also has also established the WGU-Montana Partnership Scholarship, which will support 100 students with up to $4,000 in annual financial aid. During the ceremony, Gianforte and Pulsipher called Julia to the podium and – to her surprise - let her know she was among the first two people in the state to receive the scholarship.