Published June 07, 2024
By Christine Reed
School of Energy Resources (SER) Academic Director Kami Danaei is one of 42 Wyoming citizens selected for the Leadership Wyoming Class of 2025.
Leadership Wyoming is the foremost organization for bringing together Wyoming leaders and highlighting important issues facing the state.
Launched in 2000, the program is designed to serve as an educational forum for community leaders around Wyoming to mature their leadership abilities, broaden their perspectives and perceptions, and to work collaboratively in order to cultivate a deeper understanding of the diverse sectors within the state.
Over the course of nine months, participants will travel throughout Wyoming to visit communities and learn about pressing topics relevant to the area such as education, natural resources, tourism, healthcare, government, cultural diversity, technology, manufacturing and community building.
A native of Kemmerer, Wyo., Danaei is a first-generation college student, first attending Central Wyoming Community College prior to the University of Idaho for a bachelor’s in communication in 2008. She then returned to Wyoming and earned both her master’s in communication and her doctoral degree in education from UW, which she earned in 2010 and 2018, respectively.
As a former instructor, academic adviser and higher education administrator, Danaei has developed leadership skills and a drive for excellence in academic roles at both Western Wyoming Community College and UW. She joined SER in 2021, and assumed leadership of the Energy Resource Management and Development degree program as part of overseeing Academics at SER.
Under her tenure, the Academic Program has grown exponentially with the addition of an academic minor, a 3+3 program with the College of Law, and two new certificate programs. Student enrollment has dramatically increased as well as alumni career placement, and industry-student engagement.
“Being selected as a class of 2025 Leadership Wyoming participant fills me with immense pride,” says Danaei. “This opportunity not only opens doors to personal and professional growth, but also allows me to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a difference in Wyoming communities and industries.”
“I am thrilled to embark on this journey, eager to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful change, and I deeply admire the care and thought that has shaped the Leadership Wyoming program and for its exceptional commitment to cultivating visionary leaders and fostering an environment of continuous learning and impactful change in Wyoming,” she adds.
Danaei is the third member of the SER leadership team to be selected for the program following SER Executive Director Holly Krutka (class of 2022) and SER Senior Director of Research Scott Quillinan (class of 2024).
“Having experienced the impact Leadership Wyoming has had on me, I’m thrilled that Kami will represent the School of Energy Resources among the ranks of the Class of 2025,” says Krutka. “She has demonstrated astute leadership abilities, is extremely knowledgeable about the higher education in Wyoming and is dedicated to serving the state. I’m confident that Kami will thrive in the program and use her experiences to benefit SER, UW and Wyoming.”
To see a complete roster of the class of 2025 or to learn more about Leadership Wyoming, visit their website: https://leadershipwyoming.org/.
