Four from UW Named to Leadership Wyoming Class

Four University of Wyoming employees are among 49 residents -- representing 19 Wyoming communities -- selected for the 20th Leadership Wyoming class.

They are:

-- Stephanie Anderson, professor and School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies chair.

-- Shannon Polk, executive director of board relations and deputy secretary, UW Board of Trustees.

-- David Sprott, College of Business dean.

-- Jack Tennant, UW Foundation director of annual giving.

An orientation session for new class members is scheduled Aug. 7-9 at UW. Since 2001, nearly 800 class members from throughout the state have graduated from the program, including former Gov. Matt Mead; former first lady and federal judge Nancy Freudenthal; U.S. Sen. John Barrasso; Adjutant General Luke Reiner; and nearly 20 state legislators.

New class members also will attend seven other programs throughout the year: a retreat in Jackson Sept. 12-14; a “Natural Resources” program in Gillette Oct. 16-18; the Dec. 11-13 “Education” session is in Rock Springs; Casper will host the “Healthcare” program Jan. 9-11; “Government” is the theme for the Feb. 20-22 session in Cheyenne; the Wind River Indian Reservation is the site for the March 18-20 session focusing on “Cultural and Economic Diversity”; and “Graduation/Philanthropy” is April 30-May 2 in Sheridan.

An optional/make-up session is planned Nov. 12-14 in Cheyenne.

The Wyoming Heritage Foundation and UW launched the Leadership Wyoming program in 1999 as a way to grow and develop leaders in the state, and it has steadily grown over the years.

Leadership Wyoming gives participants an opportunity to better understand general public policy issues, economic and social diversity, and the challenges facing the state. The experience prepares them, through shared mutual interests and the leadership skills developed, to be active in building a better Wyoming, according to the organization’s mission.

Every year, a diverse group of approximately 45-50 Wyoming leaders is selected to participate in a challenging, interactive and thought-provoking nine-month educational program.

Training sessions provide a practical, nonpartisan, hands-on understanding of a broad spectrum of public policy issues, and participants develop an appreciation for trusteeship, with lasting commitments to civic involvement at the state and local levels.

For more information about the program, call (307) 577-8000 or visit the website at www.leadershipwyoming.org.