Margaret Spellings Praises Walden University for Setting Accountability Standards

Dallas—January 23, 2010—Margaret Spellings, former U.S. Secretary of Education and domestic policy advisor to President George W. Bush, praised Walden University today for its ability to address workforce needs by constantly evaluating its programs’ relevance.

Speaking to graduates at Walden University’s 2010 Winter Commencement, Spellings said, “You’ve had a rigorous education because Walden ensures that academic learning produces real-life benefits. This school asks the toughest question: Is our program working? Here at Walden, the answers are resoundingly positive.

“By asking the tough questions, Walden ensures that its programs serve its students and graduates,” she continued. “We need more higher education institutions to embrace this kind of accountability; more colleges to focus on customers’ satisfaction, responding to the needs of the workforce and the marketplace; and to back up their claims of greatness with specific, student-oriented results.”

Spellings cited Walden’s surveys of employers and a recent study comparing the effectiveness of Walden-educated teachers in Tacoma, Wash., as examples of how all universities should examine whether their programs serve students’ needs after graduation.

About Walden University
For 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 40,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of 45 online and campus-based universities in 20 countries.

Walden offers more than 40 degree programs with more than 180 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include: health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org.