A Message from the Provost: Week of 5.11.26

 

Leading Together: A Message from the Provost

 

May 14 | 2026
 
Dear Colleagues,

 

As we conclude the May Board of Trustees meetings tomorrow, I want to thank everyone across Academic Affairs (our vice provosts, deans, faculty, and staff) who helped prepare presentations, reports, and discussions over the past several days. The meetings reflected both the complexity of our work and the deep commitment of our faculty, staff, and students to the mission of the University of Wyoming.

 

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee received several important academic items this week, including actions on program discontinuance and approval processes. The committee advanced recommendations, and the Board approved to discontinue the M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology and the B.S. in Energy Systems Engineering, and to consolidate the BA in Religious Studies with the BA in Philosophy. At the same time, the Board considered and approved a number of new certificates and degree programs that reflect evolving workforce, healthcare, STEM, and educational needs across Wyoming. These conversations are never simple, but they are essential to ensuring that our academic portfolio remains aligned with student demand, institutional priorities, and the long-term needs of Wyoming. I appreciate the thoughtful work of faculty leadership, deans, department heads, and shared governance groups who contributed throughout these processes.

 

One of the highlights of the meeting this afternoon was the experiential learning update presented to the full Board of Trustees. Our students did an incredible job sharing how internships, research, study abroad, and hands-on learning opportunities are shaping their educational experiences and future goals. It was a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Following the presentation, we were lucky to capture a special photo with a couple of the students alongside the faculty and dean who have supported them throughout their journeys. A special shout-out to Gwen Hargett, James Paterson, and Austin Barth for sharing their UW experiences with us!

 

 

The Board will reconvene for an additional morning of discussion tomorrow (Friday), including conversations related to the upcoming employee pay raises allocated by the State of Wyoming. We appreciate the Board’s continued engagement on these important topics as we work through budget planning and implementation details for the coming year.

 

I also want to thank many of our deans and associate deans for taking time to travel to UW Casper this past week to engage with candidates participating in the UW Casper dean search process. We are grateful to the many faculty, staff, students, and community members who have participated throughout the visits. Our faculty colleagues, Ben Cook and Derek Smith, very much enjoyed their trip and experience in our beautiful, shared facility with Casper College, as you can see from the photo below! We look forward to further discussion with the Board and hope to announce a new UW Casper dean by July 1

 

 

Finally, I am excited to attend the President’s Commencement Dinner this evening to recognize and celebrate our 2026 faculty award recipients, honorary degree recipients, and other awardees. This annual event is one of the most meaningful opportunities we have to honor the extraordinary teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service of our faculty colleagues. Congratulations again to all of this year’s awardees, and thank you for the many ways you contribute to the success of our students and institution.

 

And speaking of celebration, commencement ceremonies are just around the corner. We look forward to celebrating our graduates this Saturday in Laramie and at UW Casper on Monday. Congratulations to all of our graduates and to the faculty, staff, family members, and supporters who helped them reach this milestone.

 

Go Pokes!

 

With appreciation, 

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