Fay to develop partnerships to expand access to higher education in New York City metro area

Online, nonprofit, accredited Western Governors University (WGU) has appointed Tom Fay as strategic partnership manager for its New York City metro area. In the role, Fay will build, cultivate and expand the university’s network by raising awareness of the university’s educational programs and developing partnerships with employers, to expand higher education opportunities for their employees.

Fay comes to WGU with more than 15 years in higher education. Before joining WGU, Fay was director of strategic partnerships at Southern New Hampshire University. At Devry College of New York, he held director-level roles in the admissions and career services offices, as well as with workforce partnerships. In that role, he assisted organizations in upskilling their workforce, leading to improved employee retention and more qualified candidates in talent pipelines. Prior to his career in higher education, Fay spent more than 20 years working in various roles for Pepsi Bottling Ventures, where he served as vice president of sales and marketing for five years.

“Tom’s varied expertise in higher education makes him a valuable addition to our team,” said Rebecca Watts, Ph.D., regional vice president of the northeast region. “His passion for competency-based education, and for improving lives through relationship building, will make a positive difference in helping us to increase student access, improve affordability and enhance the student experience in New York City.”

Fay holds a bachelor of business administration with a concentration in marketing from St. Bonaventure University. He has volunteered with many community organizations, including Little League, Catholic Youth Organization, as well as youth soccer.

WGU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the in-demand career fields of business, K–12 teacher education, information technology and health professions. For more information about WGU, visit www.wgu.edu.

About WGU 

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 123,000 students nationwide and has more than 190,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 23 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.