Student Spotlight – Alex Jackson

Eight years ago, what was intended to be a single summer in Jackson, Wyoming, turned into a permanent home. Drawn by the mountains and the promise of adventure, Alex arrived as many do: seeking exploration. What she found instead was a sense of belonging. It was here that she met her husband, built a life rooted in the outdoors, and embraced a lifestyle shaped by skiing, rafting, and a community that proved impossible to leave.

Before Jackson, her path looked very different. After earning a business degree from Appalachian State University, Alex entered the corporate world in Texas managing contractors for large oil companies. However, the work never quite resonated with her personally. “I was constantly dreading it,” she shared. “I knew my heart wasn’t in it.”

That realization led her away from the corporate
track and into seasonal work, first as a ski instructor and later as a whitewater rafting guide. While that lifestyle brought freedom and joy, the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic provided space for reflection. Alex began asking herself a vital question: what kind of long-term career did she truly want?

The answer began with a single step: a six-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course through Central Wyoming College. “That program changed everything,” Alex said. “It gave me the confidence to step into healthcare and see that this was where I belonged.”

After completing her certification, she began working at St. John’s Health in Jackson, gaining firsthand experience in a hospital uniquely shaped by its environment. Serving both a local population and a steady influx of visitors, the hospital offers a level of care and complexity
rarely found in a community its size.

While working, she began completing her prerequisites, connecting with CWC advisors who helped map out a clear path forward. With their support and a firm determination to stay rooted in Jackson, Alex was accepted into the college’s Jackson-based nursing program in 2024. She is now preparing to graduate this May and all completion was done in Jackson Hole.

Alex’s experience at CWC has reshaped her understanding of what a small college can offer.
Describing the experience in three words— impressive, personalized, and engaging—she reflects on the depth of support she found along the way. “At larger universities, it’s easy to get lost,” she said. “At CWC, they know you. They help you build a plan, stay on track, and navigate everything else life brings with it.”

That sense of connection extends into the classroom, where faculty play a central role in student success.

She is quick to share that every instructor in the program has made an impact, acting as both teachers and role models who are deeply invested in their students’ growth.

Among them, nursing instructor Anna Baler stands out as both a mentor and an example of professional excellence. “Anna is constantly improving the program and encouraging us to do the same,” she said. “It creates a mindset that learning doesn’t stop when you graduate; it’s something you carry throughout your career.”

As Alex looks ahead, her next step is already in motion. She plans to continue her education through the University of Wyoming’s ADN-to-BSN program, an innovative pathway that allows working nurses to complete their bachelor’s degree in less than a year. “It’s such an accessible and affordable option,” she noted. “CWC really removes barriers so you can move
forward without being weighed down by debt.”

Long-term, she hopes to continue serving in rural and frontier healthcare settings like Jackson, where skilled nurses are essential and deeply valued. “There’s such a need in these
communities,” Alex said. “I’d love to keep building my skills, specializing, and giving back in places like this.”

Reflecting on her journey, she is quick to point to the moment that started it all: the decision to reach out to the CWC admissions staff. “Make the call,” Alex advises. “Talk to admissions. Start the conversation. That one step can truly change your life.”

From an outdoor guide to a future nurse, Alex’s story is a reminder that finding the right path doesn’t always happen immediately, but with the right support, it leads exactly where you are meant to be.

Alex was also selected as the 2026 Student of the Year. You can read more about her journey on County 10: https://county10.com/central-wyoming-college-names-alex-jackson-as-2026-student-of-the-year/