Big Horn County

Joseph Shumway

Vice President/Branch Manager, Big Horn Federal Savings Bank

UW degree: Bachelor’s in business finance, with minors in banking/financial services and Spanish (2005)

Joseph is a volunteer firefighter, a Lovell Area Chamber of Commerce board member and past president, a board member of the Lovell Inc. economic development group, and on the Wyoming Department of Education advisory committee for fine and performing arts curricula. He is also a youth adviser in his church and a youth football and basketball coach.

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How did your experience at UW prepare you for your career and role in your community?

“I loved my experience attending UW! I found the classroom environment to be excellent because of the personal touch that my professors provided. I was able to interact with them on an individual basis, which helped me to be successful in my schoolwork, and this also helped to prepare me for interpersonal relationships in the business world. I don't think I would have had this same positive experience at another university. I was a member of the Collegiate Chorale and Centennial Singers during college, which gave me the opportunity to develop my musical talent, form long-lasting friendships and share unforgettable experiences in the performing arts. My involvement in music at UW helped increase my self-confidence and prepared me for occasional stressful or nerve-wracking times in my career and in other roles that I fill in my community.”

 

Why should Wyoming students attend their state’s university?

“The University of Wyoming provides a perfect educational balance, with all of the benefits and resources of a large university and an individualized experience and personal touch of a smaller one. As I have returned to Laramie since I graduated, I have enjoyed seeing the growth of campus infrastructure throughout UW. It seems like there's always something new when I return. I’m jealous that I didn't get the chance to attend classes in the new business building. For current Wyoming residents, the Hathaway scholarship program is second to none.”

 

What does it mean to you to be a UW Cowboy?

“For me, being a UW Cowboy comes with a sense of quality in all things. People see cowboys as tough. Cowboys are independent and determined. Cowboys are survivors, even through difficult times, and they have some of the best stories to tell because of it. Cowboys don't just look for the easy way out, and they are willing to work until the job is done. Sometimes that means working all day and all night if needed. Being a UW Cowboy encompasses all of these things. They're high quality, independent, tough, resilient, hard-working, good people ... with great stories to tell.”

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