Haub School Alumni Highlights

April, 2024

Casey Terrell (him/him)

Degree: Bachelor's of Science in Political Science, 2015, and Juris Doctorate in Law/Master's of Art in Environment & Natural Resources (JDMA), 2018

 

What position are you currently in?

“I'm counsel with the law firm of Hirst Applegate in Cheyenne, WY.”

 

What does this position look like?

“It's private law practice. I help my clients with whatever civil needs they have. I focus on energy and commercial work, both litigation, so dealing with lawsuits, that type of thing. On the other hand it's transactional, meaning helping folks contract and set up businesses, and conduct real estate transactions.”

 

How did you find this position?

"I actually started out studying music. I later decided I wanted to do something different. I got my associate's degree in music from a community college in Wyoming. After that, I wanted to go to law school, so I got my political science degree. One of the reasons I went to the University of Wyoming is because they had a dual degree program between the Haub School and Law School. Once I was at the Haub School and during law school, I interviewed and got a position with a different law firm in Sheridan, Wyoming. I recently transitioned to my new firm." 

 

How did the Haub School prepare you for this career?

“One of the things that the Haub School does really well is focusing not only on substantively addressing problems but also spending time discussing and teaching their students how to approach problems and engage in problem-solving. I remember when I was at the Haub School, there were many discussions about a Wicked problem, like really complex problems. These are often what we're facing nowadays. Especially in my line of work, I daily encounter challenging situations where folks have competing interests, and I am tasked with navigating those, as best I can while advocating for my client. The problem-solving skills that the Haub School provided me with have been invaluable in that venture.”

 

What were some of your most memorable experiences being a Haubie?

“The one experience that stands out is when I did a j-term course in the Canary Islands. That was such a wonderful experience. I am from Wyoming and grew up in Wyoming, I traveled abroad a little bit but not a bunch. The opportunity to go to a place with a culture and landscape that was completely different from my own and connect with it ecologically, on its most basic level. That was a super formative experience for me that I still think about often. I really appreciated that. 

The other thing that stuck out to me is the Haub School community, particularly being there for students, being super supportive, and being super interdisciplinary. Wherever you came from, regardless of what your other interests or degrees were, everybody at the Haub School is a community. It was super helpful and something that you don't always have in college. Having the Haub School not only as an academic exercise but also as a community is something that was memorable to me.”

 

 

Did you have any mentors or advisors at the university who played a significant role in guiding your career path?

“Wow, there’s too many to mention. The first one that comes to mind is Temple Stoellinger. She was one of the first ones who demonstrated and led by example, as far as how one could have both the Haub School perspective and still a foot in the world of practicing law. 

Doug Wachob, who is no longer at the Haub School, but he was there when I was there. He was a great personal mentor, as well as many of you know, an academic guiding light. 

Professor Righetti did a fantastic job. Between her and Temple, they're sort of the gold standard as far as interdisciplinary studies at UW. They provided a lot of great advice. 

Another mentor that comes to mind is Dr. Jessica Western, she was great about encouraging me to think about international perspectives and showing me the interconnectedness of our world.”

 

Describe the transition from being a student to becoming an alumni  of the Haub school, how has your relationship with the school changed?

“One of the most impressive parts about the Haub School to me is that in a lot of ways, it hasn't changed. I still feel like I'm part of the community, I still keep in touch via email, and I get email updates from the Haub School. I try and interact with everyone when I can. Last year, there was a Haub School reception in Sheridan that I went to. I had the opportunity to still be a part of that community, meet with folks, continue learning about their missions, and what I can to help. In some ways, there haven't been changes. That's what I like about it. Once a Haubie, always a Haubie!

I would say it's changed in the sense that now my perspective has changed from ‘Okay, I've been the beneficiary of so many great experiences and opportunities and the leadership of others.’ And now I'm starting to pivot and put more thought and energy into how can I do that for other folks. ‘How can I help them move the ball forward?’ I want to continue to share what I view to be one of our university's greatest resources, which is Haub School students and graduates.”

 

 

What advice would you give to a current student or recent graduate?

“It may sound over-simplistic, but I would say, ‘Do it!’ If you're thinking about taking a class that's maybe a little outside your typical studies or your comfort zone, just do it, because it's going to expand your world. If you're thinking about taking a trip abroad for a course, do it, because there's only so many times in your life, you'll get to do that. 

When it comes to alumni, if you're considering applying for a job, just do it and take the chance. Coming back to the fact that the Haub School does such a great job of preparing us to tackle any problem, that translates into so many fields that aren't necessarily about natural resources. Take whatever your passion is, and if you have an opportunity there, even if it may scare you a little bit, just do it, give it a shot.”

 

 

Final thoughts?

“I'm super impressed with the growth that I've seen in the Haub School both in my time being directly involved with it, and then keeping tabs on it as an alumni. In particular, I continue to be impressed with the creative partnerships and ways that the Haub School gets involved with the entire state. Hats off to the folks at the Haub School for all the work they do, and the impact that they have on students.  I'm super excited to see where it goes because the sky is really the limit.”

“I'm a Haubie because the world needs innovative problem solvers.”

 

Casey's story has been edited for length and clarity. All image credits go to Casey.