University of Wyoming President Tom Buchanan highlighted the university's accomplishments, strong workforce and fundraising efforts and praised the continued support of the state legislature Thursday during his annual State of the University Address.
"At a time when public support for higher education is foundering nationwide, we have unparalleled support from the people of Wyoming, the governor and state legislature," Buchanan said. "Wyomingites understand very clearly that the most important investment in the future is in education."
Among the highlights of Buchanan's address were:
Private donations the past fiscal year reached an all-time high of $43.1 million. This is only the second time in the university's 125-year history that giving has surpassed the $40 million mark. The FY 2011 total includes contributions by 24,018 donors and brings UW's five-year fundraising average to more than $38 million a year.
Buchanan stated that enrollments are at an all-time high, thanks in part to "the best faculty in our history, and a Hathaway scholarship program that is the envy of the nation." A record number of students were enrolled last fall at UW and the university expects to maintain its high enrollment this year. Official numbers for the start of the new school year will be announced later this month.
With continued state support, Buchanan outlined a list of ongoing construction projects that will provide opportunities for new forms of learning, such as the new Visual Arts building; the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center; the current construction of the Energy Resource Center; the planned Enzi Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Laboratory; the NCAR Wyoming Supercomputing Center; modern laboratory facilities in petroleum engineering; the Trading Room inside the College of Business; and the simulation lab in the College of Health Sciences.
For both graduate and undergraduate students, Buchanan said UW's goal is always to develop well educated, appropriately skilled professionals ready to enter the workplace and make their contribution to society. International Programs are gaining more participation among faculty and students as the university becomes more globally aware.
Buchanan also outlined UW's efforts to reach out to Wyoming residents. He said the popular Saturday University program that takes UW faculty to Jackson will be expanded to Sheridan and Gillette; noted the joint construction of a new building in Casper that will benefit both Casper College and UW students; stressed UW's planned outreach with other community colleges around the state; and singled out the university's continued efforts with Outreach Programs.
"With strong vision, leadership and outreach, I believe that the University of Wyoming will continue its climb up the ranks of the great universities," Buchanan said.
For the complete text of President Buchanan's address, click here.
