The University of Wyoming (UW) is poised to revolutionize outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality in the state through a transformative $5 million gift from Jay and Karen Kemmerer. With matching state funds, the total impact exceeds $6 million, establishing the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute as a cornerstone for innovation, education, and economic growth in Wyoming’s tourism sector according to an article by Wyoming News Now.
Tourism, Wyoming’s second-largest industry, contributed $4.8 billion to the state’s economy in 2023, supporting more than 33,000 jobs.
The newly renamed institute, previously the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative, aims to expand its role in addressing the growing demand for skilled graduates and professionals in outdoor and tourism-related fields.
“We are thrilled to be investing in the important UW priority of supporting Wyoming’s second-largest industry of tourism and outdoor recreation,” the Kemmerers said.
“We are honored to be recognized for our contributions to tourism in Wyoming with the naming of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute,” Kemmerers added.
Since its launch in 2021 by UW’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, the WORTH Initiative has focused on workforce development, applied research, and outreach.
The transition to an institute will enhance its impact by fostering deeper collaborations and providing comprehensive resources for students and stakeholders.
“This is a historic milestone for WORTH and the university,” said Dan McCoy, director of the WORTH Institute.
“Thanks to the Kemmerer family’s generosity, we now have the resources to elevate our programs and services, empower students, and deliver even more tangible benefits to the state’s visitor economy,” McCoy added.
The Kemmerer family’s roots in Wyoming date back to the late 19th century, with their contributions spanning from coal mining to tourism. In 1992, Jay Kemmerer acquired the Jackson Hole Ski Corporation, transforming it into the globally acclaimed Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
This commitment to Wyoming’s visitor economy has included over $350 million in investments and the preservation of historic landmarks such as the CM Ranch. Their partnership with UW began in 1992 with the creation of the John L. Kemmerer Jr. Scholarship and has since expanded to include developing curricula in outdoor recreation and tourism management.
“The Kemmerers are remarkable stewards of Wyoming’s economy and legacy,” said UW President Ed Seidel.
“Their vision and leadership ensure that UW will continue to play a pivotal role in preparing students and professionals to excel in the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation industries, which are critical to our state’s future,” Seidel added.
The Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute will build on this legacy, offering students internships, career counseling, and global learning opportunities while supporting faculty through fellowships and visiting professorships.
It will also focus on advancing research and innovation to address the unique needs of Wyoming’s tourism and outdoor sectors.
This monumental gift not only ensures long-term support for UW but also secures the future of Wyoming’s tourism and outdoor recreation industries.
The institute’s mission extends beyond academia, providing essential resources to local ranchers, businesses, and agencies seeking sustainable and innovative solutions.
“This gift underscores the Kemmerer family’s enduring commitment to Wyoming’s success,” Seidel said.
“Their contributions to UW and our state are nothing short of extraordinary, and this institute ensures their legacy will continue to shape the future of Wyoming for generations to come,” Seidel added.
The creation of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute underscores the pivotal role outdoor recreation plays in fostering economic diversification, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in Wyoming, setting a new standard for regional excellence in tourism and hospitality.
