The University of Wyoming Leadership Academy completed its second year with a cohort of 19 undergraduate students. The semester-long program ended with a series of final presentations that highlighted innovative ideas, industry collaboration and the growing impact of this statewide leadership initiative.
The UW Leadership Academy is a collaborative effort between the College of Business and Leadership Wyoming. This immersive, co-curricular program is designed to prepare high-achieving students to become Wyoming’s future leaders. Through industry exploration, engagement with civic and business leaders, and a focus on systems leadership, the academy equips participants to advance economic development through innovation and collaboration. This year’s program expanded its curriculum from three industries to five, engaging students in education, tourism, outdoor recreation, manufacturing and energy.
Throughout the semester, students met with business and civic leaders, toured Wyoming communities and explored the challenges and opportunities facing each sector. The final presentation event brought together multiple representatives of every key industry studied, giving students the opportunity to share their recommendations directly with Wyoming leaders and decision-makers.
“This cohort demonstrated a remarkable blend of creativity, professionalism and courage,” says Chris Haller, director of the Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics and lead instructor for the academy. “They not only learned about Wyoming’s industries, but they also embraced the responsibility of contributing to them. Watching these students present to leaders from across the state was truly inspiring.”
Mandy Fabel, executive director of Leadership Wyoming, values the continued growth of the partnership with the College of Business and UW Leadership Academy.
“The academy’s expansion into five industries this year shows the increasing relevance of this work for Wyoming’s future,” Fabel says. “These students asked meaningful questions, engaged deeply with community leaders and demonstrated the kind of leadership capacity our state needs. Their curiosity and commitment give me tremendous hope for what comes next.”
Sessions were held throughout the fall across multiple Wyoming communities -- Laramie, Jackson, Lander, Sheridan and Casper -- giving students firsthand exposure to the geographic and economic landscape that shapes leadership in the state. The program concluded in Laramie with presentations focused on real-world challenges sourced directly from Wyoming industry partners.
The fall cohort members selected, listed by hometown and major, are:
-- Sheridan: Ava Prairie, finance and marketing; and Rater Tomlinson, economics and
marketing.
-- Conifer, Colo.: Colin Cleary, management and professional sales, with a minor in
leadership.
-- Hoover, Ala.: Ella Cluff, management and marketing.
-- Mead, Colo.: Ethan Graham, journalism with minors in entrepreneurship and leadership.
-- Fuerstenau, Germany: Hannah Ludlage, management with a minor in communication.
-- Gillette: Ivan Sapien, management and marketing with a minor in leadership.
-- Fort Collins, Colo.: Karmella Peters, management and marketing with a minor in
leadership.
-- Casper: Kolten Harmsen, energy resource management and development with a minor
in reclamation and restoration ecology; and Sam Neville, management, marketing and
professional sales with a minor in leadership.
-- Laramie: Kyler Russow, management, marketing and professional sales with minors
in honors and energy resource management and development.
-- Buffalo: Lily Crago, agricultural communications and political science.
-- Cheyenne: Lily Leman, history and Spanish with minors in honors and interdisciplinary
pre-law; Oakley Simons, management, marketing and professional sales with minors in
honors and leadership; and Tristan Patterson, finance with a minor in Interdisciplinary
pre-law.
-- Arvada, Colo.: Rebecca Straughan, economics and finance with a minor in professional
sales.
-- Lander: Sarah Drewry, venture master’s in business administration.
-- Dixon: Skylynn Ready, entrepreneurship and management with a minor in agricultural
business.
-- Virginia Beach, Va.: Thaddeus Blackburn, professional sales with a minor in leadership.
“The wide range of interests and backgrounds in this group elevated the experience for everyone,” Haller adds. “Each student brought something distinct and, collectively, they have continued to advance the Leadership Academy’s impact.”
The UW Leadership Academy will return for its third cohort in the fall of 2026. The program invites high-achieving students with a passion for leadership and economic development to apply. Faculty, staff and community members will be invited to nominate students starting at the beginning of the spring semester.
For more information about UW Leadership Academy, visit the website, call Haller at (307) 766-6271 or email chris.haller@uwyo.edu.
About UW’s Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics
The Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics is committed to developing the next generation of ethical leaders and organizations in Wyoming and beyond. The center’s higher purpose is to build principled leaders for a better tomorrow.
About Leadership Wyoming
Leadership Wyoming is a nine-month program for leaders across the state to learn about the industries, communities, challenges and opportunities facing Wyoming. Graduates of the program become part of an alumni network of about 1,000 leaders in the state, with continued leadership and networking opportunities.
