Going the Distance

Online and continuing education help UW reach every corner of the state.

By Micaela Myers

Long before the internet, the University of Wyoming found ways to reach citizens who wanted to continue their education from wherever they lived. Today, courses are offered online or through hybrid options, such as weekend intensives in Laramie or Casper. Additional degree offerings and certificates launch each year. This education is critical not only to the students but also the businesses they serve, which cannot grow without a trained workforce.

“Online learning allows people to remain on their career path, employers to manage less turnover and fill skill gaps, and the state to grow an increasingly skilled workforce to attract new Wyoming businesses,” says Vice Provost of Online and Continuing Education Matt Griswold.

Learn more at www.uwyo.edu/online.

Deane Konowicz, Air Force

Col. Deane Konowicz is the vice commander of the 20th Air Force at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne and earned his Master of Public Administration in 2005.

“The distance-learning option was the only feasible way for me to earn a graduate degree as an active-duty officer,” Konowicz says. “The MPA program taught me the value of being an inclusive leader. As a senior leader, it is my job to understand the institution to the fullest, so that I can execute our mission, lead and develop our airmen, manage the Air Force’s resources in a responsible manner, and constantly improve our units and capabilities. UW has made me more effective in each of these areas.”

Konowicz spent over half of his 24-year career in Wyoming and loves the outdoor recreation, open skies, history and traditions. He met his wife here and was stationed in Cheyenne with his brother, also a UW graduate.

“I love that I have had the opportunity to serve in the greatest and most capable Air Force the world has ever seen, all while showing my daughters all 50 states and many countries,” Konowicz says. “We are proud and happy to have called Wyoming home through much of that service.”

Roxanne DeVries Robinson, Town of Jackson

Roxanne DeVries Robinson is the assistant town manager in Jackson, Wyoming, and her graduate degree through Online and Continuing Education in 1998 helped her get there.

“I began working for the town of Jackson in 1990, and I could see that a master’s in public administration would help me be more competitive for advancement opportunities,” she says. The coursework directly applied to her job, and the weekend intensives meant she could network with fellow students while still working full time. Her two daughters are now UW students as well.

DeVries Robinson loves her job, which involves assisting the town with all areas of administration, including human resources. Recruiting employees and helping them grow and thrive is one of her greatest joys.

“The majority of those who choose to work in government are true public servants,” DeVries Robinson says. “My advice to UW students is to look for employment opportunities that allow you to serve the public. Public service careers are interesting and make a difference in people’s lives.”