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University of Wyoming Expands Outdoor Recreation and Hospitality Programs

The University of Wyoming has announced the establishment of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, a move poised to impact Wyoming’s outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries. 

A $5 million gift from Jay and Karen Kemmerer, along with state matching funds, brings the total investment to over $6 million, as reported by High Plains Journal.

This initiative aims to advance innovation, education, and workforce development in tourism, which is Wyoming’s second-largest industry.

The WORTH Initiative, now elevated to institute status, is part of the university’s strategic vision to position itself as a regional leader in outdoor recreation education. 

The new institute is expected to drive economic growth by equipping future industry professionals with the skills needed to address evolving market demands.

A centerpiece of the WORTH Institute’s offerings is its focus on workforce training tailored to the tourism and hospitality sectors. 

Its programs include a hospitality track within the Bachelor of Science in Business (B.S.B.) in Management degree, which provides specialized training for hospitality management roles. 

This program reflects the industry’s growing need for leaders capable of navigating the complexities of modern tourism.

Additionally, the institute oversees the Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management, a collaborative effort launched in 2018. 

This degree program has enrolled over 80 students and serves as a critical pipeline for skilled professionals in outdoor recreation and tourism. 

The creation of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute signals a deeper commitment to bolstering Wyoming’s tourism economy. 

By prioritizing workforce development, applied research, and industry engagement, the institute aims to address labor shortages and support the sector’s long-term growth. 

The institute’s enhanced focus on collaboration with tourism and hospitality businesses presents opportunities for industry professionals to influence curriculum development, participate in applied research projects, and engage in community outreach initiatives.

These efforts aim to align academic offerings with the practical needs of the industry, ensuring that the workforce pipeline remains robust and relevant.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: University of Wyoming Expands Outdoor Recreation and Hospitality Programs! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/wyoming/university-of-wyoming-expands-outdoor-recreation-and-hospitality-programs/