University of Wyoming Receives $5M Gift to Advance Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation

The University of Wyoming (UW) is set to revolutionize the state’s tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation sectors thanks to a $5 million gift from Jay and Karen Kemmerer, Wyoming News Now reports.

With matching funds from the state bringing the total impact to over $6 million, this contribution will elevate the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative into a full-fledged institute. The newly named Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute aims to boost education, innovation, and workforce development in Wyoming’s second-largest industry — tourism.

The WORTH Initiative, originally launched in 2021 through UW’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, was created to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in outdoor recreation and tourism. As Wyoming’s largest private employment sector, the tourism industry generated $4.8 billion in 2023 and supports more than 33,000 jobs across the state.

With the establishment of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, UW plans to become the premier hub for outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality education in the Rocky Mountain region. According to UW President Ed Seidel, the initiative has the potential to reshape Wyoming’s economy.

“The Kemmerers are remarkable stewards of Wyoming’s economy and legacy… 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 said.

The multi-million-dollar contribution will fund a series of new initiatives and enhancements aimed at driving student success, supporting faculty, and advancing research and development. According to Dan McCoy, director of the WORTH Institute, “This is a historic milestone for WORTH and the university. 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.”

The primary initiatives of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute include:

• Expanding student opportunities: Students will have access to Wyoming-based internships, career counseling, global learning experiences, and hands-on industry projects.
• Supporting faculty excellence: Faculty members will benefit from fellowships, access to visiting professors, and enhanced professional training opportunities.
• Advancing research and innovation: The institute will facilitate applied research on Wyoming’s outdoor and tourism sectors, driving new solutions and strategies for growth.

The Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute will have a profound impact on Wyoming’s economy, education, and workforce development. By providing new learning pathways and innovative research opportunities, UW will play a central role in supporting the state’s visitor economy and its stakeholders. These stakeholders include ranchers seeking to diversify revenue streams, local businesses looking for sustainable growth opportunities, and tourism operators working to attract visitors year-round.

Jay Kemmerer’s ties to Wyoming date back to the 1890s when his family expanded its coal operations into the state, contributing to Wyoming’s economic growth and workforce development. In 1981, after selling the family’s mining interests to Gulf Oil, Jay shifted his focus to reinvesting in Wyoming.

In 1992, he led the purchase of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, transforming it into one of the world’s most renowned ski destinations. The Kemmerer family has since invested over $350 million into Wyoming’s tourism industry, including the preservation and restoration of the historic CM Ranch near Dubois. Their support of education also began in 1992, with the establishment of the John L. Kemmerer Jr. Scholarship, which offers financial aid to high-achieving high school graduates from Kemmerer and Cokeville.

In 2017, the Kemmerer Family Foundation funded the development of UW’s outdoor recreation and tourism management curriculum, which has since graduated 53 students and enrolled 73 current students. Now, with the establishment of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, the Kemmerer family’s contributions to Wyoming’s education and economic development will continue to shape the state for generations to come.

The creation of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute reflects the broader mission of UW to foster innovation, economic growth, and educational excellence. As the institute scales up, it will support tourism and hospitality — industries essential to Wyoming’s financial well-being.

“We are thrilled to be investing in the important UW priority of supporting Wyoming’s second-largest industry of tourism and outdoor recreation… We are honored to be recognized for our contributions to tourism in Wyoming with the naming of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute,” said Jay and Karen Kemmerer.

The new institute will position UW as a leading force in outdoor recreation education, offering vital resources to the community while fostering student success and supporting industry professionals. By helping to build a pipeline of skilled graduates, UW aims to meet the growing demand for well-trained workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors, ultimately strengthening Wyoming’s economy.

With a significant $5 million gift from Jay and Karen Kemmerer, coupled with matching state funds, the University of Wyoming is set to launch the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute. This new institute will bolster Wyoming’s tourism, outdoor recreation, and hospitality industries, supporting students, faculty, and stakeholders statewide. The Kemmerer family’s enduring legacy continues to drive growth, innovation, and economic resilience for Wyoming, solidifying its place as a leading destination for outdoor adventure and authentic Western hospitality.