Presidential Fellows Program 

In alignment with UW’s 2023+ Strategic Plan, the purpose of the Presidential Fellows program is to elevate and facilitate faculty-led projects that advance the university. 

The celebration and promotion of teaching, research, extension, engagement, innovation, inclusion, and service contributions to UW’s mission is a key execution strategy of UW’s 2023+ Strategic Plan and the Presidential Fellows program contributes to this important work. 

 

Eligibility

All UW Associate and Full Professors that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:  

• A proven track record of scholarly activities (e.g., research, teaching, service to UW and state) 
• Experience with team building across various constituencies 
• A commitment to shared governance 

 

Topics

Proposals may be submitted on any topic that relates to the Strategic Plan, but special consideration will be given the following areas of focus: 

Artificial Intelligence

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms like ChatGPT have implications for higher education and grow in terms of use and sophistication, UW seeks a Presidential Fellow to help drive the university’s efforts to address this emerging technology.  Key responsibilities include: 

• Coordinating campus-wide professional development opportunities 
• Advising university leaders (e.g., Faculty Senate, President’s Cabinet) on policy and practice implications 
• Working with President, Provost, VPRED, Deans, and others to develop a long-term plan to address AI at UW that takes into consideration the implications of this technology for the various fields at the University of Wyoming 

Economic Development

One of UW’s ongoing objectives in the 2023+ Strategic Plan is to engage with and serve the state of Wyoming. UW plays a key part in developing Wyoming’s workforce for existing and emerging industries and it is important that we as a university strive to advance the economic and cultural vitality of our community and the state. Key responsibilities would include:

• Liaising with the Research & Economic Development (RED) and key external stakeholders to refine UW’s statewide economic development strategy
• In collaboration with RED and activities under the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP), advance economic development opportunities related to key areas including the creative economy
• In collaboration with RED, expanding internal awareness of and opportunity for faculty-driven economic development opportunities

Faculty Leadership Institute

Providing a supportive community is one of UW ongoing Objectives in the 2023+ Strategic Plan. The President would like to encourage and promote faculty excellence through the establishment of a Faculty Leadership Institute. Key responsibilities would include:  

• Development of curriculum
• Detailed timeline of institute programming, including recruitment and selection
• Facilitate first cohort’s institute experience in Fall 2025

 

Benefits

Presidential Fellows will receive a stipend of $30,000 and 4 course releases (one per semester) for the 2024-2026 academic years as well as $10,000 to support other expenses (e.g., travel, conference attendance, interns). Presidential Fellows in the areas of focus should expect to begin their work during the Fall 2024 semester.

 

Commitment

Most Presidential Fellowships will run from fall 2024 to spring 2026.  Proposals for special topics should be prepared to begin their work during the fall 2024 semester. The time commitment varies based on the proposal, but applicants can expect to dedicate four to 15 hours per week. 

All funded proposals will submit a mid-term report in September 2025 and a final report in May 2026.   

 

Proposal & Submission 

Proposals should be submitted to uwpres@uwyo.edu by Monday, March 11th and should include this form and the faculty member’s C.V. 

 

Selection Process 

A committee composed of faculty and administrators will recommend finalists to President Seidel. All finalists will be interviewed by President Seidel, who will make final selections.  

Notification 

The Office of the President plans to notify all Presidential Fellows applicants of the status of their proposal by April 30th.