UW Foundation Welcomes Terry Gottberg as New Board Member

The University of Wyoming Foundation has welcomed Terry Gottberg, president and CEO of Merit Energy Co., to the UW Foundation Board of Directors.

With a distinguished track record and a strong commitment to excellence, Gottberg is set to make significant contributions to further the foundation's mission.

“Terry’s passion for education, demonstrated through his philanthropy and advocacy, aligns seamlessly with the foundation’s goals,” says Mary Shafer-Malicki, chair of the board. “His involvement will be instrumental in our continuing support for UW.”

“I am honored to join the UW Foundation Board and the very distinguished team already in place,” Gottberg says. “The University of Wyoming holds a special place in my family’s history, and I look forward to having the opportunity to be involved in enhancing the UW experience for the next generation of Cowboys.”

Gottberg joined Merit Energy in 1994, was named president in 2009 and became CEO in 2011. He has guided the company to become one of the largest privately held oil and gas firms in the U.S. Under his leadership, Merit Energy has achieved remarkable milestones, maintaining more than $4.5 billion in total assets and employing over 800 professionals nationwide.

Recognized as a distinguished leader in the industry, Gottberg received the prestigious Top Midsize Company Leader Award from The Dallas Morning News in 2023. His exceptional leadership, effective communication and guidance have been instrumental in Merit Energy’s consistent recognition as one of the Top 100 Places to Work by the news agency -- an honor the company received again in 2023. Additionally, Merit Energy was honored with Fund Intelligence’s Institutional Asset Management Award in 2017, further highlighting his exceptional contributions to the company’s achievements.

Gottberg’s connection with UW runs deep. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UW in 1991. A committed supporter of his alma mater, Gottberg and his family have a legacy at UW. His father, Timothy, and his brother, David, also are proud UW alumni. His niece, Samantha Ryan, also is a UW graduate.

Gottberg’s dedication to UW is evident through his philanthropy. He recently supported the Difference Makers Campaign for athletics. Additionally, he established the Gottberg Family Endowed Scholarship in Engineering in 2007, creating opportunities for aspiring engineers to achieve their academic goals.

“We are thrilled to welcome Terry Gottberg to the University of Wyoming Foundation Board of Directors,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “His impressive track record in the oil and gas industry, coupled with his deep-rooted connection to UW, will undoubtedly enrich our board and strengthen our ability to support the university’s mission.”

Gottberg lives in Frisco, Texas, with his wife, Melissa “Missy” Gottberg. The couple has two children, Amy and Keri.