Input Stories

NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered the Western Governors University commencement address in Elmont, New York, last month and received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, recognizing his—and the NAM’s—contributions to skills-based education in the U.S. At the invitation of WGU President Scott Pulsipher, who previously served alongside Timmons on the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board within the Department of Commerce, Timmons addressed 1,718 students from 48 states. 

Recognizing a manufacturing leader: Before Timmons was recognized onstage, WGU played a video recognizing his leadership, career and advice for graduates. WGU, the largest university in the U.S., serves students from many walks of life, in many stages in their careers and, in many instances, who are the first in their families to graduate from college.

A national leader: As Pulsipher said in his opening remarks:

• “Timmons [is] a national leader whose work has helped elevate the role of manufacturing, workforce development and skills-based opportunities in driving economic growth.
• “As president and CEO of the NAM, Jay has been a leading voice for strengthening the connection between education and industry—championing policies and initiatives that prepare individuals for meaningful, high-demand careers.”

About WGU: The median graduate at the WGU ceremony is 36 years old, and the school offers an average yearly bachelor’s degree tuition of about $8,300. WGU teaches students through a competency-based education model, where students progress by demonstrating skills instead of time spent in a classroom—leading to an education that is more personalized and flexible for students who are balancing education with full-time jobs and other demands.

People who make things: Timmons reinforced this commonality between the university and the NAM in his commencement address.

• “Manufacturers and WGU graduates share the same ethos. Manufacturers don’t wait for perfect conditions. They buckle down and get to work. They prove themselves by what they can do,” Timmons said.

First-generation students: “Fifty percent of you are the first in your family to go to college,” Timmons noted. “Some of you studied all night because you had to work all day. Some of you came back to school midcareer. Some of you are closer to my generation.”

• “Every path you took, every obstacle you overcame, together with your loved ones—it all led you to the seats in this arena. You made the most important bet that a person can make. You bet on yourself.”

Words of wisdom: Timmons gave the students some guiding principles that have helped him “throughout his life,” he said.

• “First: follow your passion, and work relentlessly hard at it.”
• “Second: in the times that test you, remember—it gets better. I promise. Hold onto that.”
• “And third: be authentic.”

Student speakers: Timmons’ address followed two inspiring speeches from WGU students who took nontraditional paths to educational and career success.

• Divine Oshideko recounted the story of his first experience in America, when someone conned him out of $15 of the $18 he brought with him. His hard work garnered him a WGU master’s degree and experience supporting several Fortune 100 companies. He told his fellow graduates, “As you step into your next chapter, remember this: never be somebody’s $15 mistake. Be the reason they believe kindness still exists.”
• Regina T. Myers recounted stories of tremendous personal loss, including the deaths of her brother and nephew, and of overcoming many obstacles to become a college graduate as a grandmother of five. The youngest of 15 children and the first to receive a college degree as of this year, she concluded her speech by saying, “I’d like to leave you with my mantra. Delayed doesn’t mean denied.”

NAM in the News: The Chillicothe Gazette (subscription)—Timmons’ hometown paper, where his mother once served as publisher— covered his commencement address and honorary degree.