By Hailey Carr
When Anne Wood received an email from Mr. Heath Hornecker from Casper College on a quiet Friday evening, she had no idea it would change her life.
“You know, they say opportunity doesn’t knock twice. Well, I think it knocked three times on my door, so I decided I should probably answer it,” Anne recalls with a laugh. That decision led her 2,000 miles from her hometown near Buffalo, New York, to become an agribusiness instructor in Casper, Wyoming, a choice she now holds dear.
Anne’s journey to Casper wasn’t straightforward. Seven years ago, she applied for a position at the college but ultimately accepted a role closer to home. Four years later, Casper College reached out again, just as she was navigating professional uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though hesitant about the cross-country move, Anne felt drawn to the opportunity. She packed her life into a single trip and embraced a new adventure.
Trading Buffalo’s urban landscape for Wyoming’s wide-open plains, Anne found herself on a mission that transcended teaching. “Being part of this community has given me a bigger sense of purpose,” she says with a smile. “I didn’t have that same feeling at any other college.”
Anne’s life has been shaped by hard work and resilience. Growing up, financial struggles taught her the value of perseverance. “Nothing was ever handed to me,” she says. “I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved, whether it was funding my education, moving for a job, or even just making ends meet.” Her determination carried her through years of working multiple jobs while pursuing her education and navigating the ups and downs of her teaching career.
“It’s humbling to know where I came from, but it’s also empowering to see how far I’ve come,” Anne reflects. These challenges have given her a unique perspective, which she brings into the classroom.
Anne didn’t always dream of being an educator. As a child, she wanted to become a veterinarian, inspired by her love of horses. But a candid conversation with a college advisor changed her course. “He told me, ‘You like horses too much to be a vet. You want time for them,’” Anne recalls. That insight guided her toward a career in teaching.
Her passion for education began unexpectedly while pursuing her master’s degree at West Virginia University. Hoping to reduce her tuition costs, Anne applied for a teaching assistant position in the biology department and discovered a hidden talent. “I realized, oh, I’m okay at this. This is kind of fun,” she says. From there, her teaching career flourished, spanning community colleges and online programs across the East Coast.
Since joining Casper College, Anne has found profound fulfillment in her role. To her, teaching agriculture classes is about more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering collaboration and personal growth. “What I love most is watching students grow,” she says. “They come from such diverse backgrounds—rodeo kids, livestock kids, and those who’ve never set foot on a farm. Seeing them learn from each other is amazing.”
Anne takes pride in moments when students surpass expectations. “I get to learn who my students are, figure out what they know, and guide them on their path forward,” she says.
Her ambitions extend beyond the classroom. As a participant in Casper College’s leadership program, Anne hopes to take on higher leadership roles in her future. Drawing on her experience with diverse student populations, from inner-city learners to military communities, she is committed to helping students achieve their goals.
“My hope is to guide this diverse group of learners to succeed, whether they’re mastering AI cattle management or diving into accounting,” she says.
Anne’s teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application and connection. “Agriculture isn’t just about growing crops or raising livestock—it’s about understanding the business and communications side too,” she explains. “I want my students to leave here equipped with real-world skills, ready to tackle the challenges of this industry.”
Her unique background, rooted in New York State and enriched by Wyoming’s culture, allows her to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This blend of experiences helps her relate to students from all walks of life, whether they’ve grown up on a ranch or are entirely new to agriculture.
Anne’s students speak highly of her, praising her dedication and approachability. “She doesn’t just teach us—she mentors us,” says student Karina Mysse. “She’s always willing to help and genuinely cares about our future.”
For Anne, teaching at Casper College isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. “If I can help even one student find their path and succeed, I know I’ve done my job,” she said.
In a state where agriculture is a way of life, Anne Wood is planting the seeds for a brighter future, one student at a time.