Directory

Board of Trustees

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Denise Laursen

 

 

Denise Laursen

Board President
dllaursen@tctwest.net
Powell
Term expires: 2026

After earning an associate degree from NWC, Denise earned a BS degree from the University of Wyoming in Family and Consumer Science and later completed a MS in science. In 1985, she started her long teaching career in her hometown of Powell, teaching FACS in the middle school, later teaching at PHS. Denise enjoys gardening, sewing, weaving, baking, camping, and most of all, learning new ideas and techniques. Together with her husband Dan, they take pleasure in going on new adventures with their two children and their families.




RJ Kost

 

RJ Kost

Board Vice President/Secretary
rjkostsenate@gmail.com
Powell
Term expires: 2028

Born in Greybull, Kost is a near lifelong resident of the Bighorn Basin with a decades long career serving the citizens of Park County, first as a high school educator and later as Wyoming State Senator for District 19 from 2019-22. He holds bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and physical education/health from Rocky Mountain College, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wyoming. He began his educational career in 1975, teaching math and coaching multiple sports in Dubois before moving to Powell in 1982, where he continued as a math teacher and football and wrestling coach. Kost later served as Curriculum Coordinator for Park County School District #1 from 2006-18.




Bob Newsome

 

Bob Newsome

Board Treasurer
newsome@codyice.com
Cody
Term expires: 2028

Born in Cody, Bob attended NWC in the late ’60s. He followed his life-long passion for outdoor adventure by starting Sunlight Sports, which he ran for nearly 40 years. His volunteerism led to five decades of community involvement, including Search and Rescue, teaching climbing classes for youth groups and rescue skills at the Cody Fire School, Sleeping Giant Ski Patrol and The Yellowstone Recreations Foundation. Bob has traveled world-wide to pursue outdoor adventures. A life-long learner, Bob takes NWC welding classes and believes the college offers excellent learning opportunities. He and his wife, Sandy, and son, Wiley, live in Cody.





John Housel

 

John Housel

Trustee
housellaw@tctwest.net
Cody
Term expires: 2026

With a long and varied legal career, Cody native John Housel is a devout proponent of higher learning. He is a strong advocate for greater presence of NWC in Cody and for increased enrollment of Cody students. He is an outdoor enthusiast with interests in civic betterment, history, geology and Shakespeare. He has two children.






Tara Kuipers

 

Tara Kuipers

Trustee
tarakuipers@gmail.com
Cody
Term expires: 2028

Tara Kuipers is an independent consultant for planning and leadership development, serving businesses and nonprofits across the United States. After being raised in South Dakota and earning an M.S. in Counseling and an M.S. in Postsecondary/Adult Education from the University of Wyoming, she has called Cody home since 2009. Tara’s hobbies include hiking, cycling, skiing, rafting, and traveling with her husband, Jarren.






Shane Ogden

 

Shane Ogden

Trustee
shaneogdenwy@gmail.com
Meeteetse
Term expires: 2028

Shane is the current superintendent at Park County School District #16 in Meeteetse, Wyoming.  He began his educational career teaching German and coaching tennis and soccer in Idaho.  He has been an administrator since 2006.  As an educator, Shane focuses on instilling the skills in students that will make them successful whichever direction they choose to explore. His focus on student-centered learning has allowed him to serve on multiple state boards and action groups. Shane and his wife Amber have six children and call Meeteetse their dream home.





Mark Wurzel

 

Mark Wurzel

Trustee
mwurzel@pvhc.org
Powell
Term expires: 2028

Born and raised in California, but educated in Indiana and Arizona, Mark has now called Wyoming home for 30+ years. He and his wife Patty have three college-age daughters. He’s been a family physician in Powell since 1989, first in his own practice and then in ExpressCare since it opened in 2004. He helped bring education of medical students to Powell in the late ’90s and since that time has annually taught medical students.