The Leadership Academy, a collaboration between the College of Business and Leadership Wyoming, is an immersive co-curricular experience for University of Wyoming students that helps prepare them to be economic and civic leaders.
The Leadership Academy is for high achieving students with prior leadership experience and a desire to foster economic development through innovation and collaboration. Students will explore Wyoming industries, meet with civic business leaders, and learn how to leverage systems leadership to enhance and transform Wyoming’s economy.
Prospective students seeking to apply and faculty or staff members aiming to nominate students for this competitive application process can utilize the link provided below.
Session 1: Orientation & Education Focus
The UW Leadership Academy kicks off with a two-day orientation during which students
meet their cohort and are briefed on foundational philosophies and principles for
the leadership academy experience, including Systems Leadership, interpersonal engagement,
teaming, and personal ethics. Students will also be introduced to Wyoming’s education
industry, examining the challenges and opportunities within the state’s K-12 and higher
education systems. Discussions will cover topics such as rural education access, teacher
recruitment and retention, and improving student success.
Session 2: Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Focus
Tourism and Outdoor Recreation remain a major industry in Wyoming because of the state’s
natural beauty and wide-open spaces. However, both industries face challenges such
as low access to human capital, outdated management practices, and infrastructure
limitations. Students will discuss how leaders in these industries can drive real
change, attract a new generation of employees and tourists, and leverage Wyoming’s
outdoor resources to expand opportunities and build sustainable practices.
Session 3: Manufacturing & Community Services Focus
Wyoming’s tax code and abundance of natural resources create an optimal environment
for manufacturing companies, but infrastructure and the absence of human resources
are missing elements, and the industry has not realized the sustainable growth it
could. In addition, Wyoming’s community services sector, including non-profit organizations,
plays a vital role in addressing the state’s social and economic challenges. Students
will explore how leaders in manufacturing and community services can work together
to recruit and retain talent, develop critical infrastructure, and foster partnerships
that address community needs.
Session 4: Energy Focus
Wyoming’s energy industry has a rich history of leaning on the state’s abundant natural
resources, but social, economic, and technological changes present challenges and
opportunities that must be confronted. Students will discuss how leaders in this industry
can bring about sustainable change, by transitioning to renewable energy sources,
balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, and navigating the complex
regulatory landscape.
Session 5: Final Presentations & Graduation
The UW Leadership Academy concludes with students presenting evidence-based solutions
to the problems presented to them during their statewide visits. In attendance will
be leaders within the explored industries and communities visited. Finally, students
are celebrated during a closing recognition ceremony.
Class of 2024: More »
