December Principle
Fairness is a cornerstone of a just society, fostering trust, cooperation, and societal harmony.
It ensures that individuals are treated equitably, irrespective of their background
or circumstances, promoting a sense of inclusivity. In various realms, be it law,
economics, or interpersonal relationships, fairness serves as a moral compass, guiding
ethical decision-making. Its presence cultivates a sense of security and stability,
encouraging individuals to contribute their best efforts to collective endeavors.
Fairness also mitigates social unrest, as perceived injustices can lead to dissent
and upheaval. Embracing fairness promotes a healthier, more resilient society, where
opportunities and burdens are distributed equitably, fostering sustainable progress
and shared prosperity.
December Bulletin
Former United Bancorporation of Wyoming CEO W. Richard Scarlett III and WyoTech President
Jim Mathis were inducted into the prestigious Wyoming Business Hall of Fame during
the 2023 Governors Business Forum in Laramie on November 14th.
Established in 2013, the Wyoming Business Hall of Fame acknowledges leaders who have
demonstrated significant ethical business excellence while positively impacting their
communities. The event is a collaboration among the Daniels Fund, University of Wyoming
College of Business, Wyoming Business Council, and Wyoming Business Alliance/Wyoming
Heritage Foundation.
Richard (Dick) Scarlett, former CEO of the United Bancorporation of Wyoming (UBW),
is an Army veteran who graduated from UW. The Scarlett family of Wyoming had deep
roots in the ranching business. However, after graduation, Scarlett broke ranks and
left the family ranch to start a career in banking. Years later, he formed the UBW.
Wells Fargo Bank acquired UBW in 2008, along with over $2 billion in assets and hundreds
of employees. Scarlett’s career and determination have earned him a reputation of
integrity and community support.
Jim Mathis is a WyoTech graduate who served many roles at the school, including President
from 1998-2002. Enrollment grew from 600 to over 2,100 during his presidency. WyoTech
was sold in 2002, at which time Mathis departed and worked in education roles across
the U.S. He returned to purchase WyoTech In 2018. With his expertise, student enrollment
has grown alongside the school’s campus. In 2018, there were only 12 students enrolled,
and now there are more than 850. Mathis is also a rancher in Platte County and a team
roping enthusiast.
Governor Mark Gordon commended Scarlett and Mathis, stating, "Through their service
to higher education and their leadership in the business community, both Dick and
Jim have demonstrated their commitment to Wyoming and a dedication to improving the
lives of others."
Cindy DeLancey, President of the Wyoming Business Alliance/Wyoming Heritage Foundation,
praised the honorees, noting, "These two business leaders represented some of Wyoming’s
finest citizens. Both gave so much to Wyoming and to the business community; it was
wonderful to see them recognized by their peers."
Kent Noble, Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Faculty Fellow at the UW College of Business,
celebrated Scarlett and Mathis for their commitment to principled leadership, citing
their impact on economic development and their inspirational role for future business
leaders.
Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell remarked on the honorees' embodiment of
Wyoming's can-do attitude, emphasizing their humble beginnings, visionary approach,
strong work ethic, and accomplishments that benefited current and future generations
of Wyomingites. He highlighted their dedication to Wyoming's students and workforce
needs as they built successful businesses, contributing to the state's prosperity.
Community Involvement
Recently, the UW Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics participated in
the 2023 International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB) Torch Awards
for Ethics. Four businesses were honored for their outstanding commitment to leadership
character and organizational ethics. Each was honored at the BBB Trust Summit on November
16, 2023.
The winners are:
- The Congruity Group – Dayton, OH
- Rescue One Air – Tempe, AZ
- GBQ Partners, LLC – Columbus, OH
- Optima Tax Relief – Santa Ana, CA
Presented annually since 1996, the BBB International Torch Awards for Ethics recognize
businesses in North America that maintain outstanding dedication to upholding ethical
business practices and promoting trust in the marketplace.
“It's truly inspiring to be part of a process that honors those who not only meet
but exceed the high ethical standards set by the Better Business Bureau,” said Kent
Noble, Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Faculty Fellow. “Recognizing and celebrating
their dedication to leadership character and organizational ethics reinforces the
crucial role that integrity plays in shaping a trustworthy marketplace.”
“The International Torch Awards for Ethics is one of the most important programs we
do each year,” said Kip Morse, IABBB President and CEO. “BBB sets standards to make
trust a fundamental component of the American marketplace, but these businesses are
out there every day making it happen. By awarding them the 2023 International Torch
Award for Ethics, we are demonstrating to the business community that adhering to
Better Business Bureau ethical standards is the hallmark of successful, competitive
companies.”
Student Learning
University of Wyoming Ethics Club members selected four Albany County nonprofit organizations
to participate in the spring semester SparkTank competition for the chance to receive
funds from the student-led project.
Club members recently met to view and discuss the SparkTank 2024 nomination videos
for next spring’s “Shark Tank”-style competition, an annual event hosted by the UW
College of Business. The competition is tailored for nonprofit organizations and engages
UW Ethics Club students to strategically determine the allocation of funds raised
by both the Ethics Club and “Sales Seminar” students.
The four finalists are SAFE Project, Laramie Interfaith, Stork Support and Tele-Hope. They went through a rigorous selection process from a pool of highly deserving organizations,
says Kent Noble, UW Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Faculty Fellow and an Ethics Club
adviser.
“Albany County is truly privileged to host such a thriving nonprofit community, and
we express our sincere appreciation for the impactful work our nonprofit partners
contribute to this space,” says McKenna Kail, UW Ethics Club president from Lander.
Each year, Ethics Club students invite all Albany County-based nonprofits -- focusing
on essential needs, such as food, shelter, safety and clothing -- to submit applications
to receive funds. The comprehensive process encompasses soliciting nominations; receiving
pitches from the nonprofits; selecting the finalists; making on-site visits; participating
in an on-campus question-and-answer session; and receiving guidance for presentations.
The final step culminates with the “Shark Tank”-style competition.
“Since its inception six years ago, SparkTank has evolved into a cornerstone for supporting
charitable causes, raising an impressive $400,000 that has positively impacted 20
nonprofit organizations,” Noble says. “The clarity and passion in their presentations
resonated deeply with our students. It is abundantly clear that the causes they champion
hold immense importance, and their unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration
to us all.”
SparkTank 2024 is scheduled Thursday, April 25, at UW’s Marian H. Rochelle Gateway
Center.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to witness each finalist secure a portion of
the funds raised by UW’s Ethics Club and ‘Sales Seminar’ students, making this event
a powerful catalyst for positive change,” Noble says.
For more information, email Noble at knoble@uwyo.edu.
Outreach
The University of Wyoming's Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics (PBLE)
recently played host to a distinguished guest, Dr. Stephen Courtright, the Director
of Executive Education and Henry B. Tippie Research Professor at the University of
Iowa. The purpose of Dr. Courtright's visit was to share his extensive expertise in
executive education, aligning with PBLE's commitment to expanding its engagement with
government and business clients in this dynamic realm.
Executive education has become a pivotal avenue for organizations seeking to enhance
the leadership skills of their executives and key decision-makers. Dr. Courtright,
a renowned expert in the field, brought valuable insights and strategies to the forefront
during his session at UW. His wealth of experience, coupled with his role as a Tippie
Research Professor, allowed participants to gather knowledge from cutting-edge research
in leadership and executive development.
The collaboration between UW's PBLE and Dr. Courtright exemplifies the center's dedication
to staying at the forefront of leadership education. The event not only provided a
forum for knowledge exchange but also served as a testament to UW's commitment to
fostering partnerships that enhance the leadership capabilities of professionals in
both the public and private sectors.
As PBLE continues to expand its footprint in executive education, such engagements
with distinguished experts like Dr. Stephen Courtright underscore the center's commitment
to delivering high-impact, principled leadership education that resonates across industries.
This endeavor aligns seamlessly with UW's mission to be a hub of innovation, knowledge-sharing,
and ethical leadership development, contributing to the growth and success of organizations
within and beyond Wyoming.
