Alumni Spotlight – David Meyers

As an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Indian Reservation, David’s life has been one of resilience, dedication, and service to his community. Growing up in the Fort Washakie community, David cultivated a love for the outdoors, hunting, basketball, fitness training, and home improvement projects. But his most cherished role is spending time with his grandchildren. 

David’s academic path began at Central Wyoming College (CWC), where he earned an Associate of Arts in Psychology and Native American Studies in 2007. He continued his education at the University of Wyoming through its extension office near CWC, graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Science.

Before stepping into higher education, David worked various trade jobs, gaining invaluable hands-on skills. During his time at CWC, he served as a special education paraprofessional with Fremont County School District #38 while also working at Arapahoe Charter High School, supporting students with vocational training. These experiences laid the foundation for a career dedicated to service and wellness.

After 12 years, David transitioned into a new role as the Youth Wellness Coordinator for the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Health program. Here, he focused on developing youth wellness initiatives and participated in the “Growing Resilience” community gardening project in collaboration with the University of Wyoming. His leadership and commitment to improving the well-being of his tribal community led him to his current position as Director of Eastern Shoshone Tribal Health, a role he has held since 2017. Under his leadership, the program has expanded to address health disparities, offer preventive measures, and provide crucial support services. In 2023, the program relocated to a central location, making health education and support more accessible to the community. David remains committed to building a healthier and more sustainable future for his people.

David’s decision to attend CWC came at a pivotal moment in his life. It was a stepping stone for his sobriety, providing the structure and focus he needed to transform his life. He embraced campus life, actively engaging in courses and events, and formed lasting relationships with faculty and fellow students. His experience at CWC laid the foundation for both his career and personal growth.

Reflecting on his time at CWC, David acknowledges the impact of his education on his current role. “The professors helped build a structure of learning that I still hold onto and utilize today in my personal and work life,” he shares. “I was intrigued by each Native American course, angered by the history, but motivated to make a difference. Psychology, on the other hand, provided me with the tools to understand and help others in my community.”

Now, 18 years since he first embarked on his journey toward a better quality of life, David continues to apply the lessons he learned at CWC. His commitment to family, education, and community service remains steadfast, serving as an inspiration to those looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities.