The inaugural University of Wyoming Leadership Academy came to a successful conclusion last month, with participating students delivering final presentations addressing key industries and challenges pivotal to Wyoming’s economy.

The event culminated in a graduation ceremony celebrating the 20 students, including Powell’s Owen Fink, who completed this transformative experience. Representing eight colleges across the UW campus, these undergraduate students have laid the foundation for future cohorts of this groundbreaking initiative.

The UW Leadership Academy is a collaborative effort between the College of Business and Leadership Wyoming. This immersive, co-curricular program is designed to prepare high-achieving students with prior leadership experience to become Wyoming’s future economic and civic leaders. Through industry exploration, direct engagement with civic and business leaders and a focus on systems leadership, the academy equips participants to advance economic development through innovation and collaboration.

“It has been inspiring to watch these students dive into Wyoming’s industries and embrace the challenges with such enthusiasm and creativity,” says Mandy Fabel, executive director of Leadership Wyoming. “This partnership with the University of Wyoming highlights the power of connecting young leaders with opportunities to drive real change in our state.”

The UW Leadership Academy’s curriculum spanned five sessions over the fall semester, focusing on some of Wyoming’s key industries ­— energy, manufacturing and tourism — and concluded with students presenting innovative solutions to real-world challenges in each of these industries. The sessions were hosted in Casper, Lander, Laramie and Sheridan, providing participants with firsthand exposure to the state’s diverse economic landscape.

“The UW Leadership Academy is about creating transformational leaders who understand Wyoming’s unique opportunities and challenges,” says Chris Haller, director of UW’s Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics and lead instructor for the academy. “This first cohort has set an incredible standard for leadership and collaboration, and I have no doubt they will make a lasting impact on our state.”

The UW Leadership Academy will continue next year, with sessions scheduled from August to December. The program invites applications from high-achieving students with a passion for leadership and economic development. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to nominate students for this competitive opportunity starting at the beginning of the spring semester.

For more information about the UW Leadership Academy, visit www.uwyo.edu/ethics/leadership-academy/ or call Haller at (307) 766-6271 or email chris.haller@uwyo.edu.