Wheatland Student Finalist for UWs Tobin Award

Tyler Shockley, of Wheatland, was among four finalists for the 2018 Tobin Memorial Award as the University of Wyoming’s outstanding graduating man.

The annual award is based on academic excellence and achievement, service to the university, participation and leadership in the community and campus activities, and citizenship qualities. He is the son of Missy Shockley and Marty Shepard. 

Gabe Selting, of Laramie, received the Tobin Award, while Sophia Kwende, of Cameroon, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient as the outstanding graduating woman during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

Shockley will graduate with degrees in agricultural business and accounting. He says he is grateful that he has connected with faculty members and is able to seek out advice and recommendations.

“There was no shortage of stories of my parents’ and grandparents’ time spent on campus, and I started to gain exciting ideas of what the university might offer,” Shockley says. “Listening to family stories about UW set the bar high; however, I can confidently say that my experience has lived up to expectations.”

A nominator says Shockley is gifted, active and service-oriented, and serves in leadership roles at UW.

“He is highly self-motivated, organized and very focused. He has worked extremely hard and has shared himself with so many,” the nominator says. “Ty is undoubtedly a future leader for the state of Wyoming and beyond, and will be a proud and active UW alumnus.”

Another nominator recognizes how helpful Shockley was by assisting other students on difficult concepts when he knew the material.

“Ty reflects every single quality we look for in our UW students -- he’s hard-working, dedicated, smart and caring,” the nominator says. “I feel that he is truly a gifted and talented person who I am grateful to have known.”

Shockley plans to expand his own cattle business while working for Fagnant, Lewis and Brinda P.C. in Lander, according to a nominator.