Western Governors University Names Hayley Wood Strategic Partnerships Manager

Online, nonprofit Western Governors University (WGU) is pleased to announce Hayley Wood’s promotion to strategic partnerships manager. With over 12 years of education experience, Wood brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong track record of success to the role.

In her new position, Wood will be responsible for spearheading strategic planning and executing all business-to-business activities in the East Tennessee region across healthcare, nursing, IT, business and education sectors. With her extensive background in mentorship, project management, teaching and implementing innovative, technology-based education programs, Wood will drive impactful collaborations that further WGU’s mission of providing accessible, affordable and quality education to students.

“Hayley’s experience and proven ability to utilize data and technology to cultivate strong partnerships make her an invaluable addition to our team,” said Kimberly K. Estep, Ph.D., regional vice president of WGU’s Southeast region. “We are confident that her expertise will further our efforts in expanding educational opportunities and creating lasting partnerships that create pathways to higher education for our students in Tennessee and across the Southeast.”

Wood is a tenured education professional with more than a decade of experience. She joined WGU in August 2023 as program mentor in the WGU School of Technology’s cybersecurity program, where she utilized data-driven methodologies to improve the educational experiences and degree completion for over 100 college students. Prior to joining WGU, Wood served in Hamilton County Schools for over 10 years as an educator, mentor and homebound liaison. In 2021, she was named the State of Tennessee Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

“I am thrilled to begin this new chapter with WGU as a strategic partnerships manager,” Wood said. “I am excited to harness my passion for education and use my extensive experience in building meaningful collaborations to support educators and empower students to achieve their full potential.”

Wood holds a Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science degree in pedagogy K-12 and a Master of Education degree in secondary education from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

Western Governors University has more than 5,000 students currently enrolled in Tennessee and more than 11,700 graduates throughout the state.