UW Leadership Academy Announces Fall 2026 Cohort

The University of Wyoming Leadership Academy has selected its fall 2026 cohort, marking the program's third class and its most competitive selection process to date.

"The Leadership Academy continues to build momentum as a premier experiential leadership program designed to prepare students to lead with purpose, integrity and impact across Wyoming and beyond," organizers say.

The program is a collaborative initiative between UW's Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics and Leadership Wyoming. Under the direction of Chris Haller, director of the Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics, students engage in immersive learning experiences that connect leadership development with Wyoming's industries, communities and future opportunities.

This year's cohort reflects the broad reach and growing influence of the academy across the university campus. For the first time, students from every UW college and school are represented in the program. The cohort also includes students from every academic stage -- freshman through senior -- creating a dynamic environment where emerging leaders can learn alongside experienced student leaders.

"The response to this year's Leadership Academy was incredible," Haller says. "This was our most competitive applicant pool yet, and the selected students represent the very best of UW's leadership potential. What makes this cohort especially exciting is the diversity of perspectives, experiences and academic interests represented. These students are eager to engage with Wyoming's challenges and opportunities while learning how to lead with principle and purpose."

The fall 2026 cohort includes students from both Wyoming and across the country, blending in-state and out-of-state perspectives. More than 40 majors and minors are represented throughout the class, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of leadership and the academy's commitment to bringing together students from a wide range of backgrounds and career aspirations.

The fall 2026 student cohort members, listed by hometowns, are:

-- Bend, Ore.: Cannon Lockrem, agricultural business, with a concentration in livestock management.

-- Brookings, S.D.: Cassie Fenske, agricultural business, with a minor in public law.

-- Burlington: Jordan Broederlow, physiology, with minors in chemistry and honors.

-- Casper: Corbin Dow, finance, with a minor in entrepreneurship.

-- Casper: Madeline Elston, architectural engineering, with a minor in music.

-- Cheyenne: Sidney Armbrust, environment and natural resources and economics, with minors in sustainability and international affairs.

-- Cheyenne: Meredith Paul, international studies and political science, with a minor in economics.

-- Cheyenne: Mia Gerig, marketing and management, with minors in leadership and digital marketing.

-- Cheyenne: Sammi Jensen, economics, with a minor in mathematics and financial banking services.

-- Cheyenne: Zane Pickel, secondary social studies education and history.

-- Cody: Bliss Bonner, environment and natural resources, and journalism with minors in honors and Spanish.

-- Douglas: Cadence Vollman, professional land management, with a minor in land surveying.

-- Hays, Kan.: Haley Werth, entrepreneurship, finance and professional sales.

-- Laramie: Michael Bingham, accounting, finance and management, with a leadership focus and minor in human resources.

-- Laramie: Kamrie Bingham, management, with a minor in interior design.

-- Laramie: Jace Pierantoni, construction management.

-- Laramie: John Rose II, economics, with minors in Chinese and honors.

-- Laramie: Austin Quillinan, energy resource management and development, with a concentration in professional land management and environment and natural resources.

-- New London, N.H.: Ben Clough, outdoor recreation and tourism management, and environmental and natural resources.

-- Parker, Colo.: Allison Scott, accounting, finance and management, with a minor in leadership.

-- Pinedale: Michael Lance, applied software development, with a minor in computing.

-- Powell: Abby Wambeke, agricultural business.

Throughout the semester, students will participate in site visits, workshops, leadership discussions and collaborative projects focused on key Wyoming industries and communities. The academy experience is designed to strengthen ethical decision-making, communication, teamwork and civic engagement while preparing students to become impactful leaders in their professions and communities.

Academy dates, focus areas and locations:

-- Aug. 26-28: Education and Healthcare -- Laramie and Cheyenne.

-- Sept. 16-18: Tourism -- Jackson and Lander.

-- Oct. 7-9: Agriculture and Manufacturing -- Buffalo and Sheridan.

-- Oct. 29-30: Energy -- Casper.

-- Dec. 4: Final Presentations -- Laramie.

For more information about the UW Leadership Academy, visit the website or call Chris Haller at (307) 766-6271 or email [email protected].

About UW's Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics

The Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics develops ethical, principle-centered leaders equipped to create positive change in organizations, communities and society. The center is committed to fostering leadership grounded in integrity, service and responsible decision-making.

About Leadership Wyoming

Leadership Wyoming is a statewide leadership development program that connects leaders from across Wyoming to explore the industries, communities and issues shaping the state's future. Its alumni network includes more than 1,000 professionals dedicated to civic and professional leadership.