This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Skip Navigation skip menu and banner
University of Wyoming

History of Program

The education of adults has been part of the University's primary mission since its founding in 1887. The concerns of adult learners have helped guide the direction of UW both on campus and throughout Wyoming. The number of adult students on campus continues to grow as greater numbers of individuals over the age of twenty-five return to continue or further their eduction. The only four-year institution of higher education in the state, UW serves as both a land-grant and liberal arts university. Following on the heels of the Morrill and Hatch Acts (establishing UW's agricultural college and experiment stations), the Wyoming University Extension Association and Extension Centers were established in 1891.

In the 1920's the University of Wyoming defined adult education as the "purposeful and sustained effort for the increase of knowledge, skill, or appreciation." This definition provides the foundation and backdrop for graduate study in adult education at UW and the recognition that learning is a lifelong process concerned with both meeting specific needs and with enriching life.

In January 1999, the Department of Adult Learning and Technology was formed from the Division of Lifelong Learning and Instruction. Joining the faculty of adult and post secondary education and instructional technology, Michael Day, professor of adult education, agreed to serve a three year period as department head. Faculty members included Donna Amstutz, Caroline Sherritt, John Cochenour, Landra Rezabek, Guy Westhoff and Donna Whitson. Kris Brewer joined the department as an office associate in that same month.

A 50th Anniversary Symposium and celebration was held October 5-7, 2000 in scenic Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Faculty, friends, and alumni celebrated 50 years of academic study devoted to adult education and instructional technology. Contemporary issues impacting the futures of both disciplines presented by 34 educators and students provided the forum for Symposium. The Symposium conluced with a celebration banquet on Saturday evening.

Please click here to visit the Symposium webpage.


Last Modified: Wednesday, February 06, 2008