William Robertson Coe, Philanthropist
A supporter of free enterprise, Coe’s significant contributions to the American Studies Program and the History Building have permanently strengthened UW’s landscape. The William Robertson Coe Library is named in his honor.

June Etta Downey, UW Professor & Chair
As the first woman in the United States to head an academic department, Downey’s contributions included the UW Alma Mater and the UW chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society of psychology students. Downey Hall is named in her honor.

Emma Howell Knight, UW Dean of Women
As UW’s first Dean of Women, Knight was a strong advocate for higher education, fostering growth and leadership among her students. Knight Hall is affectionately named in her honor.

S.H. "Doc" Knight, Citizen of the Century
Knight developed renowned UW Geological Museum exhibits and founded the UW Science Camp program. Through his research and contributions Knight is celebrated for making the Department of Geology one of the finest in the country. The S.H. Knight Building is named in his honor.

Aven Nelson, UW Professor & President
As UW’s first professor of Botany, Nelson developed prized botany collections and co-founded the UW Rocky Mountain Herbarium, later becoming UW’s 10th president. The Aven Nelson Memorial Building is named in his honor.

Nellie Tayloe Ross, Wyoming Governor
As an educator and political leader, Ross served as the first female governor in the United States, and Wyoming’s only female governor to date. Ross Hall is named in her honor.