A Message from the Provost: Week of 4.13.26

Published April 16, 2026

April 16 | 2026
 

Dear Colleagues,

 

I am pleased to share that we have announced the finalists for the inaugural Dean of the School of Computing. This marks a meaningful step forward for the School of Computing as it continues to grow its role in fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student opportunity at UW. I encourage you to review the finalists and participate in upcoming campus engagements as you are able. More information is available in the campus release here. Your input is an important part of this process, and I am grateful for the continued engagement of our campus community.

 

I would also like to recognize the success of last week’s inaugural Experiential Education Showcase. The event highlighted the extraordinary work of our faculty, staff, and partners in creating meaningful, applied learning opportunities for our students. In particular, I would like to congratulate the faculty and staff award recipients, whose efforts exemplify the very best of experiential education at UW. Their work reflects a deep commitment to student success and to connecting learning with real-world impact. Congratulations to the following! 

 

  • Chris Rothfuss, Honors College
  • Joe Biasi, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
  • John Willford, College of Health Sciences
  • Karagh Brummond, Science Institute
  • Kristen Pritchett, School of Energy Resources
  • Maggie Bourque, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources
  • Nicole Choi, College of Business
  • Nikki Baldwin, College of Education
  • Raya Hegeman-Davis, School of Computing
  • Yan Zhang, College of Arts and Sciences
     

As we look ahead, I encourage faculty to consider an exciting opportunity through Education Abroad. Proposals are now being accepted for Global Seminars for the 2026–2027 academic year. These short-term programs (offered during J-Term, Spring Break, or Summer) provide a powerful way to bring academic content to life in global or domestic contexts, expand access to study abroad, and strengthen student engagement. Proposals are due May 31 (you can submit them at this Qualtrics link), and I hope many of you will consider how your teaching and scholarship might translate into these high-impact experiences.

 

I want to highlight an opportunity for both faculty and staff through the Ethics in Action: SoTL-Informed Teaching Fellowship, offered in partnership between the Center for Principle-Based Leadership and Ethics and the Ellbogen Center for Teaching & Learning. This fellowship supports the development of course-based modules that integrate core ethical principles into teaching and learning. It is a thoughtful and timely initiative that aligns closely with our institutional commitment to preparing students for leadership and responsible citizenship. Hurry, though, applications are due April 21! You can submit them at this Qualtrics link here. 

 

Finally, I was honored to take part in yesterday’s Spring Convocation, especially with Governor Mark Gordon in attendance. The reports from all three Senates were thoughtful and engaging, and it was especially meaningful to recognize President Ed Seidel at his final convocation in this role. We are grateful for his leadership and the many contributions he has made to the University of Wyoming, and it was a fitting opportunity to celebrate his impact. 

 

Thank you for all you do, and it’s a great week to be a Poke! 

 

Warm regards,

 

Anne 
Email: provost@uwyo.edu | Phone: (307) 766-6476 
University of Wyoming
1000 East University Avenue Laramie, WY, 82071