‘UW in Your Community’ Event Aug. 15 in Jackson

Members of the public will find out more about the University of Wyoming’s presence in Teton County, and UW alumni will connect with their alma mater during a “UW in Your Community” gathering Tuesday, Aug. 15, in Jackson.

The public is invited to the event from 5-7 p.m. in the Jackson Room of the Wort Hotel, located at 50 Glenwood St. Free appetizers will be served, and a cash bar will be available.

UW President Ed Seidel will be in attendance and speak during a brief program, highlighting the university’s collaborative efforts with the state’s community colleges to prepare students for the modern economy and boost entrepreneurism and the state’s economy, among other topics.

Also on the agenda:

-- Ken Sims, a professor in the UW Department of Geology and Geophysics and a National Geographic Explorer, will discuss his team’s research into Yellowstone National Park’s hydrothermal system.

-- Michael Dillon, a professor in the UW Department of Zoology and Physiology and interim director of the UW-National Park Service Research Station at the AMK Ranch, will discuss plans for and activities at the research station in Grand Teton National Park.

-- Dan McCoy, interim director of UW’s Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Initiative, will discuss UW’s work with the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board to measure Teton County Sustainable Destination Management Plan indicators.

-- UW scientists Sarah Collins and Annika Walters, with UW’s WY-ACT: Wyoming Anticipating Climate Transitions project, will discuss water quality and cutthroat trout research at Jackson Lake and in the Upper Snake River system.

-- Jenna Shim, interim dean of the UW College of Education, and Gillian Chapman, Teton County School District 1 superintendent, will discuss the collaborative Master Educator Competency Program, which aims to address teacher attrition while developing in-depth support systems across Wyoming’s K-12 communities.

Also scheduled to speak are current UW students from Teton County.

The Jackson gathering is the ninth in a series of “UW in Your Community” gatherings planned around the state.

“This will be a great opportunity for community members to interact with President Seidel and others from UW, learn about exciting initiatives for students and the state, and see some of the collaborative work UW is doing with local partners,” says Chad Baldwin, UW’s associate vice president for marketing and communications. “UW alumni and everyone across Teton County are invited for what will be a fun evening.”