Judge Steven and Dana Cranfill Social Justice/Music Scholarship

Steven and Dana Cranfill have deep roots in the Bighorn Basin, but their love story began in the Wyoming State Capitol, when Representative Steven Cranfill served Washakie County, and Dana’s father, Cal Taggart, was the senator from Big Horn County. Dana was the House Judiciary Committee’s secretary when the couple met in January of 1977. A month later, they were married in the Wyoming Capitol Rotunda. What a beautiful Wyoming love story! Steve was born in Greybull, Wyoming and raised in Worland. Dana was born and grew up in Lovell, Wyoming. They were both very involved in high school activities; Steve focused on sports, while Dana was active in band and choir. They both served in student government before graduating and attending college. Steven graduated from Weber State University and acted as a Probation and Parole Officer for the State of Wyoming before obtaining his law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He practiced law in Cody for 20 years and was the Judge for the Fifth Judicial District for the State of Wyoming until he retired in 2017. He stays active, serving on local and regional boards and committees, including a stint as a member of NWC’s Board of Trustees. In the Fall of 2024, Steve was appointed as the Magistrate for the Park County Drug Court. He served until the end of June 2025. Following high school graduation, Dana traveled to Europe performing in a band and choir of students representing all 50 states of the United States. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. She worked as a secretary for over 40 years before retiring in 2020. She is active locally in PEO, church, and the Cody Music Club. Judge and Mrs. Cranfill are active supporters of Northwest College and the NWC Foundation. Their scholarship supports students in disciplines that match each of them. They also enjoy spending time with their daughters and grandchildren.