BVU, WESCO Industries Forge Strategic Partnership
Collaboration with Buena Vista University offers educational benefits to WESCO Industries employees and their eligible family members.
Buena Vista University (BVU) and WESCO Industries have entered a Strategic Partnership that mutually benefits both organizations as they strive to strengthen the communities and the people they serve.
This partnership allows for employees of WESCO Industries, as well as eligible family members of full-time employees, to receive grant funding to lower the overall cost per credit hour while enrolled in BVU’s convenient online undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost of education for students enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus.
“We are excited to utilize this partnership to keep people in the workforce while they further their education,” says WESCO Industries Human Resource Director Brittany Webb. “That’s a big thing for some individuals—they want to stay in the workforce but also want to go back and take some classes to further their education.”
“Choosing Buena Vista University was one of the best decisions I made for my education and career. BVU offers a unique blend of flexible class options, including both in-person and online formats, which allowed me to balance my full-time job at WESCO Industries with my studies in human services and psychology. The satellite location in Denison was particularly convenient, enabling me to pursue higher education without having to relocate.”
WESCO Industries Assistant Director Deidra Brown ’10
Based in Denison, WESCO Industries is a nonprofit community service agency which provides support to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities and mental health and substance use issues. Since its founding in 1966, WESCO Industries has been driven by its mission of “Empowering and Supporting People in Healthy Communities,” transforming into a leading provider of disability services in Iowa. The organization continues to expand its services and programs to attain its goal of changing the lives of others.
“Choosing Buena Vista University was one of the best decisions I made for my education and career. BVU offers a unique blend of flexible class options, including both in-person and online formats, which allowed me to balance my full-time job at WESCO Industries with my studies in human services and psychology. The satellite location in Denison was particularly convenient, enabling me to pursue higher education without having to relocate,” says WESCO Industries Assistant Director Deidra Brown ’10. “The quality of education at BVU is exceptional. The courses I took significantly advanced my knowledge and skills, directly benefitting my leadership role at work. The faculty is supportive, professional, and deeply invested in the success of their students. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in my academic and professional development. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in 2010, I continued my education, earning a Master of Arts in Human Services in 2012. Now, I am pursuing a doctorate degree in human services and organizational leadership, a testament to the strong foundation BVU provided me. One of my most cherished memories is walking across the stage in Storm Lake to receive my bachelor’s degree with my family cheering me on. It was a moment of immense pride and accomplishment. I wholeheartedly recommend Buena Vista University to anyone looking to start or continue their education. BVU provides a supportive, flexible, and high-quality educational experience that can open doors to numerous opportunities. Whether you are fresh out of high school or returning to education later in life, BVU is an excellent choice for achieving your academic and career goals.”
BVU has long enjoyed strong educational ties in and around Denison, home to Western Iowa Tech Community College, a campus that has collaborated with BVU for decades. Students enrolled in a program through WITCC can seamlessly transfer their credits toward their bachelor’s degree at BVU. Students receive personalized support including admissions and enrollment counseling and academic advising right in Denison through BVU’s office on the WITCC campus.
“Buena Vista University is thrilled to collaborate with WESCO Industries, an organization focused on creating a world of inclusion, empowering people, and providing support for healthy communities,” says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. “BVU believes an accessible and affordable education remains at the heart of building up individuals and communities, and by offering educational benefits, we look forward to witnessing the opportunities this collaboration creates for WESCO Industries’ employees and their eligible family members.”
For more information about BVU’s Strategic Partnerships and partner opportunities, please visit the BVU website at bvu.edu/strategic-partnerships or contact Strategic Partnerships at StrategicPartnerships@bvu.edu.