UW Announces 2026-27 Reflective Dialogue Fellows Cohort

The University of Wyoming has selected its second cohort of faculty and staff leaders for the 2026-27 Reflective Dialogue Fellows Program, an initiative dedicated to cultivating constructive dialogue, trust and relationship-rich leadership across campus.

Originally launched in 2025 as the President’s Reflective Dialogue Fellows Program, the yearlong professional learning community equips university leaders with practical strategies to navigate complex institutional challenges, bridge differing viewpoints and foster environments where colleagues can listen, learn and collaborate effectively. The initiative aligns directly with UW’s Statement of Principles, which underscores UW’s commitment to serving as a model for respectful, thoughtful and productive discourse in a context of free inquiry and expression.

The Reflective Dialogue Fellows Program is supported and coordinated by UW’s Free Expression, Intellectual Freedom and Constructive Dialogue Program. 

The 2026-27 fellows group is co-led by Christi Boggs, interim director of the Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning, and Erin Olsen, director of community engagement. 

“The practices I gained as a Reflective Dialogue Fellow have shaped how I collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a more relationship-rich campus,” Olsen says. “Perhaps most meaningful, though, was the community I found with fellow leaders across UW. Coming back as a co-leader has been a wonderful opportunity to help create that same experience for others. The program has reminded me that meaningful leadership begins with how we show up for one another.”

“I’m looking forward to incorporating more reflective dialogue as I work with students, faculty and community members to create a more accessible campus,” says John Porter, director of Disability Support Services and a member of this year’s cohort. “This fellowship is another reminder of the passionate staff and faculty who care deeply about our students and one another. I’m grateful to be part of this group as we continue to strengthen our skills and work together to make UW a more welcoming community.”

The cohort began its year with an intensive two-day opening retreat Sept. 14-15 at the Old Corral Hotel in Centennial. Throughout the 2026-27 academic year, fellows will convene for monthly in-person dialogue sessions to develop advanced dialogue skills, reflect on real-world leadership challenges within their units and build cross-campus networks. 

The 2026-27 Reflective Dialogue Fellows are: 

-- Danielle Cover, associate dean of academic support in the College of Law.

-- April Heaney, director of the LeaRN Program.

-- Brandon McElroy, a professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics and Faculty Senate chair-elect.

-- Carolyn Pepper, vice provost/dean of graduate education and a professor in the Department of Psychology.

-- John Porter, director of Disability Support Services.

-- Richard Rariden, assistant director of the Wyoming Union and the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership.

-- Taylor Stuemky, senior associate athletics director of internal operations/senior woman administrator.

-- Melanie Vigil, associate dean of students. 

By embedding reflective dialogue into their daily leadership, the fellows aim to help build a university culture where members across departments feel valued, connected and empowered to work together constructively.