President's Message: Learning Goes Far Beyond the Classroom at UW

 

At the University of Wyoming, we believe education is most powerful when it extends beyond the classroom — when students have opportunities to apply theory to practice, discover new knowledge, and engage directly with the challenges and possibilities of the world around them. This commitment to hands-on, experiential learning is a distinguishing feature of UW, and we’re continually working to become even stronger in this area.

As the landscape of work, research and innovation continues to evolve at a rapid pace, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students graduate not only with strong academic foundations, but also with the confidence and skills that come from real, meaningful experience.

Experiential learning at UW takes many shapes. Whether students are designing robotic systems in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, conducting archaeological fieldwork in Wyoming’s rich cultural landscapes, or collaborating with ranchers and land managers through the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, the common thread is authentic engagement. These hands-on opportunities help students learn how to solve problems, communicate effectively and work as part of a team — competencies that employers consistently rank among the most valuable.

This issue of UWyo Magazine focuses on hands-on learning, highlighting many examples of how our students are gaining valuable experience outside the classroom. I encourage you to explore the stories of these outstanding students and guarantee that you’ll be inspired by their amazing accomplishments.

Undergraduate research is one of the most transformative avenues through which our students experience this kind of learning. UW’s commitment to research is not confined to graduate students or faculty labs; instead, we intentionally create pathways for undergraduates to join in discovery from their very first year. Through programs such as the Wyoming Research Scholars Program, the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium and college-based initiatives across campus, our students are directly involved in advancing knowledge in fields ranging from energy to wildlife biology, from the arts to data science.

These research experiences provide students with a front-row seat to the process of inquiry — formulating questions, gathering data and sharing results. More importantly, they develop resilience and curiosity. They emerge more prepared to lead in a world that demands continuous innovation.

Internships and cooperative learning experiences form another cornerstone of UW’s hands-on education. Thanks to partnerships with industry, nonprofits, startups and government agencies throughout Wyoming and beyond, our students gain access to an extraordinary range of real-world settings. These internships often serve as launching pads for careers, giving students a chance to explore professional paths, build networks and apply classroom knowledge to pressing issues in their chosen fields.

Our Office of Industry and Strategic Partnerships, as well as Advising, Career and Exploratory Studies, work closely with employers to ensure these experiences are substantive and aligned with students’ academic goals. We also have formed a partnership with the Wyoming Business Alliance aimed at enhancing opportunities for student internships and other forms of hands-on learning with Wyoming businesses and industry partners, increasing the likelihood of keeping skilled UW graduates in Wyoming to meet critical workforce needs. And Gov. Mark Gordon has recommended the Legislature fund a new $2.3 million state appropriation to expand our efforts to create new paid internship opportunities for our students in Wyoming.

We also are growing opportunities in entrepreneurship and innovation, recognizing that many of today’s students aspire to create their own futures. Our Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has helped accelerate efforts to provide experiential learning tied to emerging industries, digital skills and economic diversification. Students working in our IMPACT 307 incubator develop and test business ideas while receiving mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and UW faculty members. These are experiences that change lives and strengthen Wyoming communities.

Another dimension of UW’s commitment to experiential learning is international study. Hundreds of our students go abroad each year — with support from the university’s ample scholarship resources through the Richard D. and Lynne V. Cheney Study Abroad Scholarship Endowment — to learn about the world, then bring those experiences back to our state better prepared for life after graduation.

At the heart of all this work is a simple belief: Learning is most powerful when students can connect their education to the world. Our faculty and staff understand this deeply, and they create an environment where students are encouraged to explore, take risks and pursue the questions that matter to them. Their dedication ensures that a UW education remains both rigorous and relevant.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding hands-on learning opportunities for every UW student. This commitment reflects our land-grant mission and our responsibility to serve the people and industries of Wyoming. Most importantly, it reflects our belief in the potential of our students — potential that grows when they are empowered to learn by doing.

Thank you for your continued support of UW. Together, we are building a university where experience fuels discovery, and where discovery creates a brighter future for our students and our state.

Go Pokes!

 

By Ed Seidel, the 28th president of the University of Wyoming