Dan McCoy

Interim Director, Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative

Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources

(307) 766-5009  |  dan.mccoy@uwyo.edu  |  College of Business, Rm. 222

 

Education and Certifications

PhD Education, University of Wyoming (2019)

MA Education, University of Wyoming (2013)

BS Recreation Management, University of Montana (1997)

Semester in Patagonia, National Outdoor Leadership School (1994)

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), National Recreation and Park Association

Wilderness First Responder (WFR), NOLS

Leave No Trace Master Educator, Center for Outdoor Ethics

Level I Mountain Bike Instructor, Bicycle Instructor Certification Program (BICP)

 

Background and Expertise

Dan McCoy became the Interim Director of the WORTH Initiative in March of 2022. Previously he was an Associate Lecturer and Degree Coordinator for the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Degree in the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. He has extensive experience in the fields of outdoor leadership, education, and recreation. He ran the University of Wyoming Outdoor Program from 1999 to 2017, building it into a first-class resource for outdoor equipment rentals, outings, and trainings for UW students, staff, and faculty and overseeing the Half Acre Gymnasium climbing wall. As Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, starting in 2008, Dan oversaw aquatics, safety training, fitness programs, personal training, and facility operations. In addition, he was part of the planning team for an award winning $31.5 million renovation and addition to Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center.

Dan helped create the Outdoor Leadership Minor and the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Degree in the Haub School. In addition, Dan has been an instructor for the UW Department of Kinesiology and Health, a board member of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE), a member of the City of Laramie Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan Advisory Committee, and the Wyoming State Advocate for the Center for Outdoor Ethics, Leave No Trace. Prior to his time at UW, Dan worked for the Wilderness Institute in Missoula as a Field Instructor, Longacre Expeditions as a Course Director, and Sweet Briar College as the Outdoor Program and Student Activities Coordinator.

 

Teaching

• UWYO 1001: FYS Outdoor Leadership

• ENR/ORTM 2800: Outdoor Leadership

• ORTM 1000: Foundations of Recreation and Tourism

• ORTM 2050: Program Planning, Design, and Delivery

• ORTM 4903: Capstone

• ORTM 4902: Recreation Venue Operations

• ORTM 4970: Internship

 

Selected Accomplishments

Top Prof, UW Mortar Board, 2022

Person of Influence, Challenge Coin Recipient, UW Veterans Services Center, 2021

Graduate Student Commencement Speaker, 2019

Promoting Intellectual Engagement (PIE) Award, 2019

Promoting Intellectual Engagement (PIE) Award Nominee, 2017

Outstanding Staff Award, Division of Student Affairs, 2007