The Associated Press | Posted: Thursday, November 3, 2005 12:00 am
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Building an executive education institute in Jackson would draw not only executives but dollars to Wyoming, the dean of the University of Wyoming College of Business says.
Brent Hathaway also told Cheyenne business leaders Wednesday that the institute would improve business education both at UW and the state's community colleges.
Although state lawmakers authorized looking into setting up a business school in Jackson, a steering committee has called for creating an executive training program to be called the Teton Institute of the University of Wyoming.
The committee estimated that the project would cost $46 million but would eventually bring a surplus of $96 million.
James Willms, chairman of the College of Business Advisory Council, said plans call for nothing to be built for at least five years.
"What's being proposed right now is what I'd call a baby-steps approach," Willms said. "The idea would be to take steps to establish Wyoming's reputation and then have executive education-type programs."
The prospect of creating the institute drew praise from some at Wednesday's meeting.
"If planning can go forward based on the results of the steering committee, I think it would be a wonderful benefit to the state of Wyoming," said Sen. Kathryn Sessions, D-Cheyenne.
Randy Bruns, CEO of Cheyenne LEADS, said the proposed institute had tremendous potential for the state and for Cheyenne.
"Because anytime you attract high-level corporate executive attention to the capabilities of a this state outside of tourism, you create opportunities to bring business and business opportunities here," Bruns said.
Information from: Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com