Applications & Nominations
Prospective Students:
Apply Now
Community Members:
Class of 2026 - Student Applications are due by April 1st
Class of 2026
Coming Soon!
Dates & Locations
- May 1, 2026: Orientation (Laramie, WY)
- Aug. 27-28, 2026: Education & Healthcare Focus (Cheyenne & Laramie, WY)
- Sept. 16-18, 2026: Tourism Focus (Jackson & Lander, WY)
- Oct. 7-9, 2026: Agriculture & Manufacturing Focus (Buffalo & Sheridan, WY)
- Oct. 29-30, 2026: Energy Focus (Casper, WY)
- Nov. 20, 2026: Mock Presentations (Laramie, WY)
- Dec. 4, 2026: Final Presentations (Laramie, WY)
Session Details
Session 1: Orientation
The UW Leadership Academy kicks off with a half-day orientation during which students
meet their cohort and set a strong foundation for the year ahead. During this session,
students receive an overview of the program, review key expectations, and are briefed
on foundational principles for the leadership academy experience, including Systems
Leadership, interpersonal engagement, teaming, and personal ethics.
Session 2: Education & Healthcare Focus
Education and healthcare are essential to the state’s long-term strength and well-being,
yet persistent challenges such as rural access, workforce shortages, and resource
constraints continue to shape outcomes across both industries. Education—from K–12
to higher education—plays a critical role in developing Wyoming’s future workforce
and supporting thriving communities, while healthcare ensures the vitality of those
communities through accessible, high-quality care. In this session, students will
explore how leaders in education and healthcare are seeking to address complex, interconnected
needs, strengthen talent pipelines, improve service delivery in rural and frontier
regions, and build partnerships that support greater opportunity statewide.
Session 3: Tourism Focus
Tourism remains a major industry in Wyoming because of the state’s natural beauty
and wide-open spaces. However, this industry faces challenges such as low access to
human capital, outdated management practices, and infrastructure limitations. Students
will discuss how leaders in this industry 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 4: Agriculture & Manufacturing Focus
Wyoming’s tax code and regional market access create a strong foundation for both
agriculture and manufacturing yet challenges such as market volatility and workforce
education have constrained long-term, sustainable growth in these sectors. Agriculture
remains a cornerstone of Wyoming’s economy, while manufacturing offers opportunities
to add value to new industries and products. In this session, students will explore
how leaders in agriculture and manufacturing are working to strengthen supply chains,
recruit and retain talent, and build partnerships that support economic resilience
and growth across the state.
Session 5: 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
are pursuing sustainable options through renewable energy while continuing to leverage
the reliable natural resources that have long powered Wyoming’s success. Participants
will also examine how leaders balance economic growth with environmental stewardship
while navigating a complex regulatory landscape.
Session 6: Final Presentations
The UW Leadership Academy concludes with students presenting evidence-based solutions
to the problems presented to them during the program. In attendance will be civic
and business leaders within the explored industries and communities visited. Finally,
students are celebrated during a graduation ceremony.
Important Information
- Leadership Academy is an upper division three-credit course, with course hours occurring during the meeting dates.
- All lodging & meals for each session will be provided.
- Transportation will be provided for students to and from offsite sessions.
- Attendance at all meeting sessions is expected.
- Excused absences for other classes will be provided for all participants in the program.
- To apply, students must be enrolled at the University of Wyoming, Laramie campus, during the Fall 2026 semester.
