A Message from the Provost: Week of 2.16.26

February 19 | 2026

 
Dear Colleagues, 

 

One of the great privileges of serving in Academic Affairs is witnessing, week after week, the deep engagement of our deans and faculty, not only within their colleges but across campus, in the community, and nationally. I’m continually reminded that strong colleges are built by leaders who show up, lift others, and connect our work to something larger.

 

This week, I want to highlight a few examples of that leadership in action.

 

First, congratulations to Dr. John Kambutu, Professor of Educational Studies and Director of the School of Teacher Education in the College of Education, for being recognized for his service on the Fulbright U.S. Student Program National Screening Committee. On behalf of the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education, John was thanked for helping review and select candidates for the 2026–2027 Fulbright cycle, an exceptional contribution to international education and academic excellence. After serving five years as department chair, he returned to administration as a director, bringing experience, steadiness, and a strong commitment to our students and faculty. We are fortunate to have leaders who combine national service with local impact!

 

We are also seeing our deans champion student success and community engagement in powerful ways. The remarkable growth of Wyoming Women’s Hockey this season, highlighted recently in the Wyoming News, with our own Interim Dean Danny Dale serving as coach, is a reminder of what happens when students and campus leaders rally around opportunity and joy. That spirit of support is reflected across our colleges, where deans are celebrating student achievements, attending events, and showcasing the energy of our campus community.

 

Additionally, I appreciated Dean Scott Beaulier’s recent engagement with the Wyoming Association of Municipalities and others, where he shared the impact of the College of Business and the wider University of Wyoming. Our deans serve as ambassadors for UW throughout the state, ensuring that our academic mission is recognized as vital to Wyoming’s economic health and civic life.

 

These examples are not isolated. They reflect a broader culture of engaged leadership, where deans and directors mentor faculty, support staff, celebrate students, engage in national discussions, and strengthen our statewide partnerships.

 

At the same time, I want to acknowledge the strong discussions over the past week regarding the Panorama accessibility tool in WyoCourses and federal accessibility requirements. The rollout prompted understandable questions and frustration. We will take time to reflect, collaborate, and develop policies through shared governance this spring and likely into the summer. We will continue to strongly advocate for solutions that do not place an undue burden on faculty and that recognize the real limits of time and resources. As Chair Godby shared on the faculty list, the goal is to approach this thoughtfully, collaboratively, and in support of our students.

 

These examples reflect a culture of engaged leadership. Our deans and faculty leaders are mentoring, problem-solving, representing UW externally, and navigating complex challenges with care and professionalism.

 

In the coming weeks, we will continue to spotlight the work of our colleagues and leaders. Their engagement matters for enrollment, for faculty excellence, for community connection, and for the future of the University of Wyoming.

 

Thank you for all you do to make UW a place of purpose, possibility, and pride.

 

Sincerely,

Anne 
 

 
 

Email: provost@uwyo.edu | Phone: (307) 766-6476 
 
 

University of Wyoming
1000 East University Avenue Laramie, WY, 82071