The Leadership Academy is for high achieving students with prior leadership experience and a desire to foster economic development through innovation and collaboration. Students will explore Wyoming industries, meet with civic business leaders, and learn how to leverage systems leadership to enhance and transform Wyoming’s economy. Prospective students seeking to apply and faculty or staff members aiming to nominate students for this competitive application process can utilize the link provided below.
Aug. 23, 2024: Welcome & Orientation (Laramie, WY)
Sept. 5-6, 2024: Energy Focus (Casper, WY)
Oct. 3-5, 2024: Manufacturing Focus (Sheridan, WY)
Nov. 7-9, 2024: Tourism Focus (Lander, WY)
Dec. 6, 2024: Final Presentations & Graduation (Laramie, WY)
Session 1: Welcome & Orientation
The Leadership Academy kicks off with a one-day orientation during with students meet
their cohort and are briefed on foundational philosophies and principles for the leadership
academy experience, including Systems Leadership, interpersonal engagement, teaming,
and personal ethics. Students will be briefed on three statewide site visits to explore
critical industrial areas driving the state’s economy and form plans to address important
needs therein.
Session 2: 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
can bring about sustainable change.
Session 3: Manufacturing Focus
Wyoming’s tax code and abundance of natural resources create an optimal environment
for manufacturing companies, but infrastructure and the absence of human resources
are missing elements, and the industry has not realized the sustainable growth it
could. Students will discuss how leaders of manufacturing firms can work together
to recruit and retain talent, as well as to develop critical infrastructure.
Session 4: Tourism Focus
Tourism and hospitality remain a major industry in Wyoming because of the State’s
natural beauty and wide-open spaces. However, the industry remains stuck at its current
levels because of low access to human capital and outdated management practices. How
can the tourism industry’s leaders drive real change and attract a new generation
of employees and tourists?
Session 5: Final Presentations & Graduation
The Leadership Academy concludes with students presenting evidence-based solutions
to the problems presented to them during their statewide visits. In attendance will
be leaders within the three explored industries. Finally, students are celebrated
during a closing recognition ceremony.
