LARAMIE, WYO. (July 31, 2017) – The University of Wyoming is one of six colleges and universities nationwide being honored by University Business magazine in its 2017 Models of Excellence recognition program. 

"Student-athletes, like any demographic on campus, face a unique combination of time management, performance stressors and academic challenges," says Tim Goral, University Business senior editor. "The University of Wyoming's Excellence at 7220 program promotes a healthy lifestyle for its sports players, encouraging these students to be a positive influence on the entire campus."

The University of Wyoming's 7,220 foot elevation is a point of pride for the school. That's why its student-athlete success initiative, Excellence at 7220, references its lofty location. 

Athletes who had graduated told the school that they would have welcomed their own life skills classes. Games and practices forced them to miss such programs offered to other students.

E7220, for short, provides student-athletes with training in three key concepts: leadership, wellness and life skills, says Taylor Stuemky, director of academic services at the University of Wyoming athletic department. "We know the schedules and time demands of student-athletes, and found a way to provide programming catered to that particular population, which have different time demands than regular students," says Stuemky. That starts with holding sessions at times students aren't at practice or games. 

Leadership training is open to student-athletes and staff members. The health and wellness component covers nutrition, stress management and sexual assault. Life-skills training addresses career exploration, financial planning, resumes, job interviews and networking, says Stuemky.

E7220 serves 350 to 400 student-athletes each year, plus around 200 staff and spirit team members.

E7220 also provides professional development for its employees, who are then better equipped to serve as role models for student-athletes. "Many schools serve their students, but not their staff," says Stuemky. "By mentoring our staff, we can better mentor our athletes."

In addition to University of Wyoming, Summer 2017 Models of Excellence honorees include: McDaniel College (Westminster, Md.); Georgia Technical College (Macon, Ga.); University of Louisville (Louisville, Ky.); Endicott College (Beverly, Mass.); and Villanova University (Villanova, Pa.).

Launched in 2015, Models of Excellence is a national recognition program honoring colleges and universities that have implemented innovative, effective and inter-departmental initiatives that are bolstering student success. These are the last of 64 institutions to be honored as Models of Excellence. 

University Business is the leading publication for senior managers at colleges and universities throughout the United States, reaching 75,000 leaders who manage enrollment, technology, business, finance, facilities and academic affairs. More information is available at www.universitybusiness.com.