WGU names provost-academic v.p.

Western Governors University has named Craig Swenson as its new provost and vice president of academic affairs.

Swenson will join Utah's online university after serving as provost for the University of Phoenix system.

"I really like the nonprofit objectives of expanding access and improving quality in higher education, through technology innovation," Swenson said. "I believe that WGU is the most innovative higher education institution in the U.S., with a single-minded focus on improving the cost and quality of higher education, and I want to be a part of that."

WGU offers online competency-based degree programs. The private nonprofit university was founded and is supported by 19 governors. WGU offers bachelor's and master's degrees in business, information technology and teacher education.