Spotlight
Media
Publications:
Documents:
Audio/Podcasts:
Biography
Patrick (Pat) Partridge is President of WGU Academy, where he’s responsible for the independent nonprofit entity’s operations and external relations. Partridge received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Virginia, earning his MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration in 1982. He spent several years in general management and entrepreneurial roles in cable television, wireless and publishing – including general manager of two cable television operations, vice president of operations, and part owner of a private cable TV company.
Prior to leading WGU Academy, Partridge served as Chief Marketing Officer at Western Governors University (WGU), overseeing the university’s marketing, public relations, enrollment, scholarships, alumni, and admissions departments. Beginning at WGU in 2002, when the university had about 400 students, he directed strategic marketing and enrollment programs that helped the university grow its online student body to over 115,000 students and more than 140,000 graduates throughout all 50 states.
Areas of Expertise (7)
Adult Education
Distance Learning
Higher Education
Leadership
Marketing
E-Learning
Marketing Strategy
Education (2)
University of Virginia - Darden Graduate School of Business Administration: M.B.A., Business Administration 1982
University of Virginia: B.A., Arts 1976
Links (1)
Selected Media Appearances (7)
How colleges are changing remedial education
Education Dive online
2019-06-19
"Traditional approaches to college preparedness are increasingly scrutinized because their outcomes are poor, by and large," said Patrick Partridge, president of WGU Academy, the new remedial education platform offered by Western Governors University, one of the nation's biggest online colleges.
Western Governors Addresses College Readiness Gap with New Academy
Campus Technology online
2019-05-01
Although students intending to enroll at WGU are the first target for the academy, the new organization hopes to set up partnerships with other institutions "to scale its impact," the university stated. The goal is to reach many more students who need foundational support that will help them succeed in their college careers. The academy is headed by Patrick Partridge, who has led WGU's own successful student outreach, enrollment and admissions operations for 15 years.
Western Governors U Launches College Readiness Pathway
Inside Higher Education online
2019-04-10
“College readiness -- or the lack of it -- is one of the primary barriers to opportunity for many Americans, particularly those who are part of underserved or disadvantaged populations,” Patrick G. Partridge, WGU Academy president, said in a press release. “WGU Academy will provide an affordable -- and scalable -- solution by closing the gap in college readiness,” he said.
New Scholarship to Help Small Business Employees Complete Business Degrees Online
Small Business Trends online
2019-01-31
“Small businesses are vital to the U.S. economy,” said Patrick Partridge, WGU Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment. “To help them compete with larger companies, these businesses need employees who have completed their degrees from a high-quality college or university. WGU is committed to help these businesses and their employees meet their goals by offering rigorous degree programs that prepare employees for work in the real world. This scholarship program will allow more employees of small businesses, which often can’t offer tuition reimbursement, the opportunity to finish their bachelor’s degrees.”
WGU Awarded Seventh Straight Best of State Medal for Best Online Education
MarketWatch online
2015-05-13
"We love being headquartered in Utah and are proud to be part of the culture of innovation and high emphasis on education that defines this state. Receiving this award furthers WGU's mission to provide a quality online education to all residents, whether in Utah or elsewhere in the country," Partridge said. "And we are very humbled to have been recognized for the seventh year in a row."
Online courses are here to stay
USA Today online
2015-01-08
“We make the emphasis on learning and base our assessments on learning and not something like showing up to the online class every Tuesday at 3 p.m.,” says WGU chief marketing officer Patrick Partridge. “We really have to put the emphasis on the complete learning experience, so its not just the lectures or the content, but it lets the individual take the course in their own way.” Partridge stressed that factors like providing a campus mentor to each student and having the professor available for extra help are vital to assessing student learning.
Jazz and Western Governors University to Grant Four Individuals Free Tuition for One Year
NBA.com Utah Jazz online
2013-12-27
“With tuition of about $6,000 per year and financial aid available, WGU offers an affordable option for adults returning to college,” said Patrick Partridge, WGU’s chief marketing officer. “This contest in partnership with the Jazz is a great way for us to spread the word about WGU here in Utah.”
Social