Student Profile: Gabriela Garcia
Student, College of Health Professions

Where are you from?
I am from Los Angeles California.

Why did you pick WGU?
I picked WGU because I found it to be a great opportunity to further my education as an educator.

When did you start at WGU?
I started this program back on January 1, 2008.

Your program of study/degree type:
 I will obtain a Master of Science in Health Education.

Your favorite aspect of being a WGU student: One of my favorite aspects of this program is that I can work on my master’s degree at home.

When are you planning to graduate?
I plan to graduate in two years.

More on Gabriela:
Gabriela is a junior high science teacher at the school of Santa Isabel and loves teaching. She enjoys running as a hobby and is training for an upcoming marathon, hoping to beat her personal record time by one hour. She comes from a large family and is the youngest of ten siblings. Gabriela currently has a son of her own named Gabriel.



Faculty Spotlight:Sandra Wise
Dean, College of Health Professions

Where are you from? I am originally from northwest Ohio,near Sandusky—the roller coaster capital of the world. Although I was raised on a farm, I am more of a “city girl” at heart. I have three lovely daughters who are very busy establishing their own careers—none of which are in health care. My husband is retired after a successful career in the hospitality industry.

I received my nursing and health degrees while in Ohio and am a tried and true Buckeye fan. I moved to Denver while in my doctoral program and lived there for 10 years working in the field of Public Health. I then accepted an academic position in Phoenix and lived there for 5 years before moving to St. Petersburg Florida. I came to Salt Lake City from St. Petersburg because of the exciting opportunities here at WGU.

When did you join WGU? I started with WGU on May 19, 2008. My youngest daughter was graduating with her undergraduate degree so the timing was right to consider a possible relocation. WGU’s strategy worked well to provide this opportunity in the spring. The weather is so hot and humid in Florida that it was a welcome relief to reside in Salt Lake City. I have been away from the snow and cold for the last 13 years. I hope I remember how to navigate through the snow and ice.

What do you enjoy about WGU? There are many aspects of WGU that I enjoy. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful as I learn the operations of the University. I also appreciate the commitment of the University and its staff in the delivery of competency-based education that is of high quality and economically reasonable. I enjoy the team atmosphere which allows for a synergistic environment that yields a higher level of productivity and creativeness. Additionally, working with our partners who are primarily from industry provides a level of involvement and networking that assures the effectiveness of the academic programs and, thereby, competency of the graduates.

How do you see WGU’s program different from traditional universities? The most obvious difference is in the competency-based approach to the academic programs. I have always professed to be most concerned about the competency of graduates as they attain their degrees. Now I have the opportunity to “practice what I preach” which is exciting. The role of faculty as mentors is also quite different from traditional universities. Mentors provide a great deal more personal involvement with students which is highly effective in helping students develop competence as well as providing academic relationships that serve as role models for the students. The value and trust WGU has with the Program Councils is not experienced at most universities. The Councils are an integral part of WGU and provide the basic foundation for all the competency-based programs. Such input and involvement is a critical component of success for WGU.

It is my distinct pleasure and honor to be associated with WGU. I look forward to further expansion of health programs for the University and am excited about the opportunities for the College of Health Professions. Just watch us grow.

More on Sandra
Dr. Sandra Wise held the position of Provost at St. Petersburg College, Health Education Center, since 2000. Dr. Wise also has worked as a faculty member and dean at the University of Phoenix, faculty member at Nova Southeastern University and professor at the Medical College of Ohio. In addition, Dr. Wise has experience in numerous clinical settings, including medical centers and public health departments. She received her doctorate in Health Education at the University of Toledo.

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