The inaugural University of Wyoming Leadership Academy has come to a successful conclusion, with participating students delivering final presentations addressing key industries and challenges pivotal to Wyoming’s economy.

The event culminated in a graduation ceremony celebrating the 20 students who completed this transformative experience. Representing eight colleges across the UW campus, including two students from the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, these undergraduate students have laid the foundation for future cohorts of this groundbreaking initiative.

The UW Leadership Academy is a collaborative effort between the College of Business and Leadership Wyoming. This immersive, co-curricular program is designed to prepare high-achieving students with prior leadership experience to become Wyoming’s future economic and civic leaders. Through industry exploration, direct engagement with civic and business leaders, and a focus on systems leadership, the academy equips participants to advance economic development through innovation and collaboration.

“It has been inspiring to watch these students dive into Wyoming’s industries and embrace the challenges with such enthusiasm and creativity,” says Mandy Fabel, executive director of Leadership Wyoming. “This partnership with the University of Wyoming highlights the power of connecting young leaders with opportunities to drive real change in our state.”

The UW Leadership Academy’s curriculum spanned five sessions over the fall semester, focusing on some of Wyoming’s key industries — energy, manufacturing, and tourism — and concluded with students presenting innovative solutions to real-world challenges in each of these industries. The sessions were hosted in Casper, Lander, Laramie, and Sheridan, providing participants with firsthand exposure to the state’s diverse economic landscape.

“The UW Leadership Academy is about creating transformational leaders who understand Wyoming’s unique opportunities and challenges,” says Chris Haller, director of UW’s Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics and lead instructor for the academy. “This first cohort has set an incredible standard for leadership and collaboration, and I have no doubt they will make a lasting impact on our state.”

Members of the inaugural class, listed by hometown and area of study, are:

• Bailey, Colo. — Kaelin Goss, a junior in animal and veterinary science (equine option) with a minor in leadership.
• Bozeman, Mont. — Zoe VandenBrink-Lemley, a senior in secondary English education with a minor in photography.
• Bridgeport, Neb. — John Pappas, a sophomore in psychology with a minor in entrepreneurship.
• Brighton, Colo. — Jessimine Jewett, a junior in management, marketing, and professional sales with a minor in leadership.
• Buford — Thaddaeus Christensen, a junior in mechanical engineering with a minor in honors.
• Burns — Daljit Kaur, a sophomore in accounting and economics with a minor in honors.
• Casper — Brett Lane, a senior at UW-Casper in organizational leadership with minors in health leadership, organizational leadership, and agricultural leadership; and Marie Scott, who just finished a Bachelor of Applied Science in organizational leadership with a health leadership certificate.
• Cheyenne — Brooklyn Lebeda, a junior in management and professional sales with a minor in leadership.
• Huntersville, N.C. — Connor Fleming, a junior in energy resource management and development.
• Keenesburg, Colo. — Josh Buchholz, a junior in secondary English education.
• Laramie — Grace Dorrell, a junior in marketing and professional sales.
• Lander — Shane Dawson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business and economics.
• Lovell — Jacob Grant, a junior in economics.
• Powell — Owen Fink, a sophomore in economics, finance, and management.
• Shoshoni — Korbin DeWitt, a sophomore in entrepreneurship with a minor in leadership.
• Ten Sleep — Tanner Jenkins, a senior in management and marketing with a minor in leadership.
• Wheatland — Chloe Palmer, a senior in elementary education.
• Worland — Ivan Martin, a sophomore in computer science and economics with a minor in honors and mathematics.
• Wright — Shelby Smith, a sophomore in management, marketing, and professional sales.

The UW Leadership Academy will continue next year, with sessions scheduled from August to December. The program invites applications from high-achieving students with a passion for leadership and economic development. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to nominate students for this competitive opportunity starting at the beginning of the spring semester.

For more information about the UW Leadership Academy, visit www.uwyo.edu/ethics/leadership-academy/ or call Haller at (307) 766-6271 or email chris.haller@uwyo.edu.

About UW’s Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics

The Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics is committed to developing the next generation of ethical leaders and organizations in Wyoming and beyond. The center’s higher purpose is to build principled leaders for a better tomorrow.

About Leadership Wyoming

Leadership Wyoming is a nine-month program for leaders across the state to learn about the industries, communities, challenges, and opportunities facing Wyoming. Graduates of the program become part of an alumni network of about 1,000 leaders in the state, with continued leadership and networking opportunities.

This story was originally published on UW News.