A Message from the Provost: Week of 4.20.26

Published April 23, 2026

Leading Together: 
A Message from the Provost


April 23 | 2026
 

Dear Colleagues,

 

As we move deeper into the spring semester, I remain energized by the outstanding work across our campus. This week offered several reminders of the talent, dedication, and momentum that define the University of Wyoming community.

 

We were pleased to host PTIE representatives for a successful campus visit this week. Their time on campus created valuable opportunities for conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, and pathways to strengthen discovery-to-impact. We appreciate their engagement with UW and the thoughtful exchange of ideas.

 

On a related note, I want to recognize the outstanding work of our UW Accelerated Research Translation (ART) Program team. The ART initiative continues to build momentum, helping move promising research toward practical application, commercialization, and public benefit. Their efforts reflect the creativity and determination of colleagues who are helping to expand UW’s research and economic development impact.

 

I also want to share a wonderful note we received about the Outstanding Graduating Senior Awards. During finalist interviews, students were asked: Which UW class, if any, changed your mind about an important issue? Their responses highlighted courses and faculty across the university, including disaster risk reduction and political ecology, as well as biology, law, leadership, and history. It was a meaningful reminder that the classroom remains one of the most transformative spaces on our campus. Thank you to the faculty members mentioned by these outstanding students, and to all faculty whose teaching inspires students to think deeply, question assumptions, and grow in new ways: 

 

  • Ruth Bjorkenwall, Terrorism
  • Courtney Carlson, Alpine Climate & Culture
  • R. McGreggor Cawley, Rise of the Radical Right
  • Tara Clapp, Intellectual Disabilities
  • Rob Colter, Pathways from Prison
  • Melissa Hampton, U.S. Since 1960
  • Kate Hartmann, Anger
  • Corrie Knapp, Climate Change Responses
  • Patrick Kreiser, Entrepreneurial Mindset
  • Greg Livingston, Leadership
  • Amanda Sikirica, Climate Change & Colonialism
  • Bryan Shuman, Paleoclimatology
  • Sarah Falen Tate, Agricultural Law
  • Richard Vercoe, Political Ecology
  • John Willford, General Biology
     

 

As summer approaches, please also watch for updates on the Board of Trustees’ Budget Footnote Working Group. This important effort will continue over the coming months as we work together to identify efficiencies, strengthen stewardship, and position the university well for the future. 

 

Finally, I encourage academic leaders to review and share the newly released AY 2026–2027 Guidelines and Procedures for Reappointment, Tenure, Fixed Term, and Promotions prepared by Vice Provost Dave Bagley. Dave has worked to consolidate and clarify this important guidance into one accessible resource, which should be helpful to faculty and administrators alike as we begin the next review cycle. To access these guidelines, visit the Academic Affairs website here. 

 

I also hope that many of you will join us for the 2026 Buchanan Lecture on Friday, May at 1:00pm in Scarlett Auditorium in the College of Business. This year’s lecture, Chance and My Tumbleweed Trail Through Wyoming Academia, will be delivered by Dr. Scott Seville, Emeritus Professor of Zoology and Physiology. Light refreshments will follow, and a ZOOM webinar option will be available. 

 

Whew, that’s a wrap! I hope you have a restful weekend ahead. 

 

Warmly,

Anne 
 

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