Interdisciplinary Education at UW’s Haub School Prepares Evanston Student for Conservation Challenges

Growing up surrounded by natural wonder in Uinta County shaped Riley Ovard’s relationship with the outdoors and his vision for the future. Now at the University of Wyoming’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, he’s discovered that same sense of wonder through the program’s integration of science, policy, economics and social perspectives.

“It’s super multidisciplinary. You’re not stuck in one way of thinking,” Ovard says. “The professors challenge you to consider different perspectives, which makes you adaptable to any situation.”

That adaptability is exactly what Ovard is looking for in his future career. While still exploring options, he’s been drawn to wildfire management and envisions working as a fire ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service.

“I want to work somewhere where I feel part of a community and where I’m making a positive impact,” he says.

Beyond the classroom, the people have been the most rewarding part of his university experience.

“All the friends I’ve made, the experts I’ve met -- it’s all been formative,” he says. “I’ve gotten more from that than any class.”

Ovard graduates in May with a B.S. in environmental systems science and a concurrent major in environment and natural resources. He also will graduate with minors in sustainability and outdoor leadership as well as a certificate in geographic information science.

When asked what makes him a “Haubie,” Ovard’s answer includes community and an acceptance of people.

“It’s the focus on community and the journey, not just the destination,” Ovard says. “That willingness to accept people, no matter who or where they’re from. That’s the Haub spirit.”

Three Decades of Impact

The Haub School prepares the next generation of natural resource professionals while serving Wyoming’s wild and working lands and communities. The school has 1,275 alumni spanning 1996-2025, with many working across the state in government, private industry, nonprofits and education. The Haub School offers six undergraduate and seven graduate programs integrating science, policy, law, economics and community engagement.

The school brings approximately $2 million annually in research funding to Wyoming while supporting communities through four dedicated centers and institutes. Recent milestones include a $5 million gift from Jay and Karen Kemmerer in 2025 to establish the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Institute, supporting the state’s second-largest industry.

Programs including the Wyoming Conservation Corps have trained over 150 young adults and veterans since 2021, while the Biodiversity Institute connects people of all ages to Wyoming’s wildlife through more than 40 annual programs reaching over 3,500 participants statewide. The Ruckelshaus Institute facilitates collaborative, long-term solutions to natural resource challenges, offers professional workforce development and publishes the award-winning Western Confluence magazine, which reaches nearly 4,000 readers in Wyoming. 

To learn more, visit http://uwyo.edu/haub.

Tomé Scholars Program Now Accepting Applications

Established in 2021 through a major gift from UW alumni Carol and Ramon Tomé, the Tomé Scholars to Fellows Program provides exceptional students with full-ride, four-year scholarships and experiential learning opportunities to address complex environmental challenges.

Recent expanded support from the Tomé Foundation has doubled the number of scholars on campus. Applications for the upcoming academic year are due Sunday, March 15.

To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/haub/academics/academic-advising/tome-scholars-to-fellows.html.