Jamie Iiams named Program Manager for CWC GEAR UP Wyoming

Central Wyoming College is pleased to announce that Jamie A. Iiams has been named Program Manager for GEAR UP Wyoming, effective September 2, 2025.

Iiams has been part of the GEAR UP Wyoming team since 2019, serving as an Academic Coach and Grant Support Specialist. She brings more than six years of direct experience working with students and families to navigate college preparation, financial aid, and academic success pathways.

“Jamie has been an integral part of the GEAR UP family for years,” said Dr. Coralina Daly, Vice President of Student Affairs at Central Wyoming College. “Her dedication to students and deep knowledge of the program make her an outstanding choice to lead GEAR UP Wyoming into its next chapter.”

A graduate of Utah State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Family, Consumer, and Human Development, Iiams also studied Human Services at Central Wyoming College before earning her degree. She is a proud graduate of Lander Valley High School.

“I am honored to step into this role at such an exciting time,” said Iiams. “GEAR UP Wyoming is celebrating 20 years of supporting students, and I look forward to building on that legacy by continuing to expand opportunities for students across the state.”

GEAR UP Wyoming is 100% federally funded through a U.S. Department of Education grant, serving students statewide from seventh grade through their freshman year of college.

Central Wyoming College will take part in a statewide event at the University of Wyoming on September 26, 2025, honoring 20 years of GEAR UP Wyoming’s work helping students prepare for college success.

The celebration will feature a college and career fair designed for first-year students, offering resources and support for those who have declared a major as well as those still exploring academic and career pathways. The event will also include networking opportunities with campus resources and feature Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Baktash Ahadi as a keynote speaker.

Since its launch in 2005, GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) has provided academic success and college access services to Wyoming students from seventh grade through their first year of college. The federally funded program has supported thousands of students in navigating high school graduation, college applications, FAFSA, scholarships, and test preparation.

“GEAR UP has made a generational impact in Wyoming,” said Jamie Iiams, newly appointed Program Manager for GEAR UP Wyoming. “This 20th anniversary celebration is both a chance to reflect on the program’s success stories and to look ahead at how we can continue advocating for educational opportunities for all students.”

GEAR UP Wyoming is funded 100% through a U.S. Department of Education grant of more than $4 million annually, with additional in-kind and scholarship contributions provided by state and community partners.

To learn more about Central Wyoming College’s GEAR UP Wyoming programs, visit www.cwc.edu/gearup.