McCoy Named Director of WORTH Initiative at UW

Dan McCoy has been named director of the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Initiative at the University of Wyoming, effective Sept. 1.

McCoy has been with WORTH since its inception in 2022, serving as interim director.

"This appointment recognizes Dr. McCoy's exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing Wyoming's second-largest industry, tourism," UW President Ed Seidel says. "Under his guidance, WORTH has grown into a pivotal program that supports the outdoor recreation and tourism sectors across the state. His promotion to director is a testament to his hard work, vision and the impact he has made on the university and the broader Wyoming community."

McCoy has an extensive background in outdoor leadership, education and recreation management. He holds a Ph.D. in education from UW (2019) and an M.A. in education (2013) and a B.S. in recreation management (1997), both from the University of Montana.

Before taking on the role of interim director of the WORTH Initiative, McCoy was an associate lecturer and degree coordinator for the outdoor recreation and tourism management degree in UW's Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. He also led UW's Outdoor Program from 1999-2017, transforming it into a premier resource for outdoor equipment rentals, outings and training for students, staff and faculty.

As director of the WORTH Initiative, McCoy will continue to enhance Wyoming's outdoor recreation and tourism sectors, focusing on applied research, workforce development, outreach and community engagement.

"I am thrilled and honored to continue to support these important industries through our work," McCoy says. "We have accomplished so much in the last two years with a wonderful team; I look forward to helping to shape the future of the WORTH Initiative."

For more information about the WORTH Initiative and its programs, visit www.uwyo.edu/worth/.