Anne Stevens
Anne Stevens, a clinical assistant professor of psychology and director of the University
of Wyoming Psychology Center (UWPC), has been awarded UW’s Laramigo Award for Community
Engagement in recognition of her impact on mental health across campus, Laramie and
the state.
The award recognizes the contributions of UW faculty and staff members to the university
and Laramie communities. The award, created by anonymous donors in 2022, offers a
stipend to a UW employee and a Laramie-based nonprofit organization of the recipient’s
choice.
“Dr. Stevens’ work has, without doubt, saved lives and helped members of our community
get through the darkest of moments,” says Sean McCrea, a UW psychology professor and
department head. “Her work to make our schools and our campus safer and more caring
places is inspirational and worthy of this prestigious recognition.”
Since taking the helm of the UWPC, Stevens has helped to expand its clinical services,
with several additional graduate assistants now providing therapy and assessments
to campus and community members statewide, including via telehealth. The center serves
hundreds of clients annually, and Stevens maintains her own caseload of clients.
She also has built partnerships with the Albany County Attorney’s Office, Wyoming
Department of Family Services and Ivinson Memorial Hospital to coordinate care for
children and families and respond to evolving community needs.
“Dr. Stevens exemplifies the spirit of this award through her meaningful integration
of university service and community engagement,” says Tara Clapp, an academic professional
lecturer in the UW Department of Psychology.
Additionally, Stevens has led and supported several key mental health initiatives,
including suicide prevention programming with the JED Foundation and training for
UW’s Saddle Up student onboarding program. The UWPC also partners with Jason’s Friend
Foundation to provide telehealth services for families impacted by pediatric cancer.
“Dr. Stevens has also been instrumental in numerous efforts to provide services and
transformative programs that benefit youth across the state,” McCrea says.
An expert in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, Stevens has delivered trainings
to the Laramie Police Department and Albany County School District 1 and helped bring
the National Safe Supportive Schools Learning Collaborative to Laramie.
One of her most notable efforts is implementing Campus Connections at UW, a program
developed with Clapp that pairs UW student mentors with at-risk middle and high school
students. Participants receive therapy from doctoral students under faculty supervision,
with early data showing improvements in school attendance and academic performance.
Campus Connections has been adapted at UW with the support of the program’s original
developers at Colorado State University and the Etchepare Family Foundation.
“It is not an exaggeration to say this program is life-changing for youth,” McCrea
says.
“Anne is a person who says, ‘Yes, let me see what we can do,’ rather than, ‘I don’t
think so, let me get back to you.’ Her ‘we’ll find a way’ attitude demonstrates the
commitment she has to Laramie and the state of Wyoming,” says Steve Slyman, interim
assistant superintendent for Albany County School District 1.
Stevens earned her Ph.D. from UW, a master’s degree from Appalachian State University
and bachelor’s degree from Davidson College.
“Dr. Stevens’ work in these areas is having a tremendous impact on youth in our community and providing foundational experiences in community service for our graduate and undergraduate students,” says Scott Turpen, dean of the UW College of Arts and Sciences.
