Published September 28, 2023
By Christine Reed
The School of Energy Resources (SER) is pleased to welcome Hannah Powers as the College Relations Representative.
In her new role, Powers works directly with SER’s academic program to actively recruit new students to the Energy Resource Management and Development (ERMD) degree program as well as to share other energy education opportunities with non-degree seeking students such as the Energy Resource Management minor and SER’s new undergraduate certificate programs in Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Land Administration.
Growing up on a ranch just outside of Laramie, Powers has been entrenched in both Wyoming culture and the UW community. A recent UW graduate herself, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from UW in Agricultural Communications in May 2023.
During her time in school, Powers was deeply involved in efforts to welcome new students to campus and help them acclimate to student life. She served as an orientation leader and a student ambassador, showcasing the university on both a macro and micro scale. True to her roots, Powers also gained valuable work experience as an intern with the Wyoming 4-H Program where she was engaged in major event planning for the organization and traveled into different Wyoming communities.
Following graduation, she continued working with the admissions office in a full-time capacity, overseeing campus visits and providing information to prospective students and their families.
“I am really excited about this new adventure,” says Powers. “Coming from admissions, I am really pleased that I will continue to work directly with students and share what is special and unique about this college while also sharing about the University of Wyoming.”
Drawing from her own experiences, Powers relates to other students about the importance of curating opportunities that align with interests.
“While I am not coming from a traditional energy background, I have experienced first-hand the importance of an exposure to the industry and how it intersects with every other sector that is important to Wyoming,” she says. “I am excited to hone in on that specific interest in energy and help integrated that into a positive educational experience – whether that be in our degree program, or through a supplemental program like the minor.”
Powers is also eager to introduce opportunities to students across the country and advocate for the university.
“I look forward to the travel aspect of the job” says Powers. “In admissions, students have always come to me, so I am excited to go to them and see where they are comfortable and find out why they are considering UW, a degree in energy, and help make those interests align.”
Power notes that to be truly successful in sharing the opportunities that UW has to offer, it is vitally important to connect with the actual families and communities from which these students are coming.
“Student recruiting is so much more than just speaking with an individual,” she says. “At the end of the day, SER is working to positively impact the entire state and we want to make sure that we are engaging with our students and their communities. It will be really good to get out into the state to garner interest in energy education in the K-12 demographic, but also to connect with parents and working professionals that may be interested in expanding their own opportunities with SER’s added credentials.”
In addition to traveling throughout Wyoming, Powers will also be looking to grow the program outside the state. One of only 11 accredited programs by the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), the Professional Land Management (PLM) concentration of the ERMD degree has a national reputation of excellence.
“We are so thrilled to have Hannah join our academic team,” says SER Academic Director Kami Danaei. “All of the skills that are necessary for sharing what is important about UW and our academic programs are decidedly in her wheelhouse. She is enthusiastic, curious, and has an innate ability to really connect students with their interests. We are confident that she will make an impact sharing our program both locally and nationally.”
