Mustang Awards

Reese Fullmer

Outstanding Graduate 2020-2021

The Outstanding Graduate is selected by a committee each year. This year, a committee of 10 employees, that included Administrators, Professionals, Faculty, and Staff from multiple areas of campus. The nomination criteria and scoring rubric consists of the students involvement on campus, leadership roles, positive impact on other students, and their ability to positively represent Western in the future.

Her nominators said: “For Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, Reese has been a part of both the Resident Assistant and Student Ambassador teams. This year, Reese has been a lead RA and the lead student ambassador. With the admissions changes that occurred this academic year, Reese really stepped up to the plate. Reese did a fantastic job keeping the ambassador team organized. A lot was asked of her this academic year, and she did an incredible job keeping up. She is professional and outgoing, which has aided her as a student ambassador and as an RA. With her approachable and friendly personality, she makes both prospective and current students feel welcome. Reese always seems to have a smile on her face and is enthusiastic about everything she does. I have no doubt that Reese will represent Western in the most positive light. I know that she loves Western and has made the absolute best of her time here. She is graduating with an AA in Elementary & Early Childhood Education in pursuit of a career in education. I am honored that I have gotten to know Reese at Western as part of her academic journey. With her level of drive, I am confident she will achieve anything she sets her mind on!”

Carly Putnam

Outstanding Graduate 2020-2021

Western Wyoming Community College announced their First Annual Dual Student of the Year in 2021. The goal of Western's Dual and Concurrent program is to provide high school students a head-start, and better prepare them to transition to college or the workplace after high school. Students can explore their options prior to enrolling as a full-time college student and still have the structural support of their high school. All Wyoming students have access to dual and concurrent enrollment at no cost to the student.

Jensen is graduating from high school with 55 college credits and a combined GPA of 3.98. In addition to her of academic studies, she is involved in the High School Theatre Club, National Honor’s Society, and is a Level III College Reading and Learning Association, Peer Tutor through the Tiger Tutors program. Her nominators said: “Carly is a dynamic, dedicated, and caring student. She continually invites college students to participate in volunteering within the community and within on-campus activities. She is part of the Peer Tutor Center where she helps on so many levels, as well as earning an internationally accredited certificate (CRLA). She has served for two years as the President of the ANTS club where she has hosted lunch and learns with other non-traditional aged students to help them engage, socialize, and even help them find scholarships to help avoid student debt. She also actively assists SGA and other clubs such as the Veterans Club and International Club when they need it, and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Spanish Club, and the Garden Club. As a non-traditional student, she is a superb example of someone who is always positively impacting others along with her family. Carly will continue her education in the Honors Program at the University of Wyoming and she will always tell others how beneficial Western has been to her. But above all, she will support and continue to recommend students to attend Western because as she has stated, Western gave her a start to be a better person for her children and herself. Carly deserves to be nominated as Outstanding Graduate because she never gives up, never strays away from who she is, and above all, shows us what Western Grit and resilience really is!”

Alison Jensen, Rock Springs High School Senior

Dual Student of the Year - Western Wyoming Community College

Western Wyoming Community College announced their First Annual Dual Student of the Year for 2021. The goal of Western's Dual and Concurrent program is to provide high school students a head-start, and better prepare them to transition to college or the workplace after high school. Students can explore their options prior to enrolling as a full-time college student and still have the structural support of their high school. All Wyoming students have access to dual and concurrent enrollment at no cost to the student.

Jensen is graduating from high school with 55 college credits and a combined GPA of 3.98. In addition to her of academic studies, she is involved in the High School Theatre Club, National Honor’s Society, and is a Level III College Reading and Learning Association, Peer Tutor through the Tiger Tutors program. “Alison sets the standard high as a role model for other students to follow both inside and outside the classroom. Her perseverance and accomplishment spotlight the true partnership between Rock Springs High School and Western Wyoming College. Together, this opportunity allows Alison to pursue her future plans with ease,” stated Sweetwater School District #1 Superintendent, Kelly McGovern.

Julie Leavitt, Assistant Professor of Nursing

Innovative Educator of the Year

The award winner embeds innovation in their instructional practice to create a more collaborative, student-centered, and active learning experience, thereby demonstrating connectedness with students and their learning.

“Julie incorporated a huge variety of teaching methods while delivering education at a distance. She provided wonderful discussion via Zoom meetings, and also provided a variety of resources. For example, she used video links, Picmonics, graphics with mnemonics, concept maps, group work, jeopardy style reviews, and more. Her feedback encouraged and supported growth and progress, and was helpful in shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. She was able to provide constructive feedback and build confidence. Her positive attitude was contagious and created a great learning environment,” stated a student nomination form.