Announcing members of the 20-member commission this week, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said the panel will develop strategies aimed at meeting America's need for an educated and competitive work force in the 21st century.

The commission will encourage a national dialogue that addresses all aspects of higher education, Spellings noted in statement.

Through public hearings held around the country, the commission will seeks answers to:

* What skills will students need in the 21st century?

* How can the United States stay the world's leader in academic research?

* What is the best way to open higher education and job opportunities to all students?

"It's an honor," said Mendenhall about joining the commission made up of university presidents, business leaders, policy makers and researchers.

WGU incorporates much of what higher education ought to do by emphasizing "competency-based measures rather than just credit hours and seat time, Mendenhall said. WGU also stresses sharing courses with other institutions, rather than institutions being their own silos and doing their own thing," he said.

Based in Salt Lake City, WGU has nearly 5,000 students attending classes over the Internet.

sykes@sltrib.com