Alumni Spotlight – Judd Rogers

As a multigenerational Wyoming native, Judd Rogers chose to attend CWC to pursue his Geographic Information Science (GIS) degree which allows him to combine his passion for living an active lifestyle and exploring the wilderness with his interest in mapping and outdoor education. He graduated from CWC in 2017.

At the age of 18, Judd embarked on his career with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).  His career with NOLS led him to work in Chile at NOLS Patagonia, where fate led him to meet his beloved wife of 26 years. The couple had two children together. In 2010, Judd and his family returned to their current home in Lander, WY.

“My heart belongs to the wilderness and I find solace in backpacking, mountain biking, and embarking on explorations of our beautiful planet,” he said.  Judd later brought his family back to Lander, WY and worked as the Director of Alumni and Development at NOLS World Headquarters.

After working for NOLS for 33 years, Judd retired from the organization in 2024. He is now serving as the Executive Director of the Wyoming PBS Foundation. “I now have the privilege of leading initiatives that capture and share Wyoming’s diverse cultural heritage and stories on a global platform. From my beginnings as a mountaineering instructor to serving as the Director at NOLS Patagonia and NOLS Southwest, my experiences shaped my leadership skills and passion for outdoor education. Embracing this new chapter, I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise to support Wyoming PBS in its mission to showcase the essence of Wyoming to audiences statewide,” he stated.

CWC’s program in GIS has played an impactful role in Judd’s career. During his time at CWC, he was able to do coursework in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and the Patagonian Andes. He chose CWC because it offered an accessible education, tailored support, and created connections that played a significant role in his career trajectory. “CWC is not just a college; it’s a game-changer for Central Wyoming. As a proud alum, I can attest to the significant impact it has had on my life and career. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to make the most of their education. In my humble opinion, the value you get for your investment in CWC is unbeatable.”