I have led and worked with teams that have built two of this century’s most creative and impactful higher ed institutions: Northeastern University’s Roux Institute and Western Governors University.
At the Roux Institute, we are building a new model for talent and economic development in partnership with more than 200 organizations. The Roux’s education programs help people and businesses develop competencies they need to lead, grow, and compete. Our research teams produce new discoveries that help partners to innovate. And our programs for entrepreneurs help startup founders to grow and sustain their businesses. Learn more or consider joining us at roux.northeastern.edu.
At WGU, I was a member of the founding team that pioneered online competency-based education, enabling access to postsecondary education and career growth for 500K+ learners and alumni/ae since 2000. We developed and scaled a new learning paradigm that has evolved to become the gold standard in online, personalized learning. My WGU experience spanned 14 years and included leadership of the university’s enrollment, faculty, and product divisions. Learn more at wgu.edu.
I am the first member of my family to experience postsecondary education and, like many of the people I have served, I am a lifelong learner. I enrolled in my first university course via an evening program at age 22 and worked as a carpenter during the 1990s to pay my way through college. I earned associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in general education and political science, respectively, at Weber State University (and built 70+ houses along the way). While working to build WGU in the early 2000s, I earned a master’s degree in public administration via a weekend program at the University of Utah and, subsequently, a doctorate in education via a hybrid program at Pepperdine University.
My experiences building two higher ed startups informs my approach and helps me to lead by example. I perform well and find joy in my work when facing unique challenges and able to experiment. I am inspired by colleagues who are energized by the opportunity to turn obstacles into meaningful results. I have experienced that optimism and the power of creative people working together can yield transformational change and impact – in a centuries old industry and in people’s lives.
My wife Charlet and I reside in Freeport, Maine. We are the parents of three children. Two are graduates of Northeastern University; the other is currently enjoying 9th grade.
Contact: c.mallett@northeastern.edu
Chris Mallett, EdD 