A Message from the Provost: Week of 6.08.26

June 11 | 2026

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

One of the things I appreciate most about UW is that even in the summer, our colleagues continue to find ways to improve the experience of working, learning, and teaching at the university. This week, I'd like to highlight a couple of efforts that are helping to strengthen our community and prepare us for the year ahead.

 

First, I would like to recognize the work of our Human Resources Training and Development team. This week marked the launch of their new Powered by People newsletter, which reflects a significant effort to enhance professional development, employee engagement, and training opportunities across the university. I must admit, when the newsletter arrived in my inbox, I was impressed. It's informative, well-designed, and genuinely useful. It might not yet rival the popularity of the Provost Weekly Message, but healthy competition keeps us all on our toes!

 

The HR team’s focus on improving the employee experience, strengthening leadership development, modernizing onboarding, and providing meaningful professional growth opportunities will benefit all of us. Thank you to the HR team for their thoughtful work and commitment to supporting UW employees.

 

I also encourage those interested in higher education leadership, free expression, and institutional trust to consider attending the upcoming Mountain West Regional Conference, hosted by UW June 22–24 at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center. This year's theme, "How It's Done: Practical Strategies for Building Trustworthy Higher Education Institutions," brings together national leaders and practitioners to discuss free inquiry, constructive dialogue, academic freedom, and public trust in higher education. The conference is a partnership among UW's Free Expression, Intellectual Freedom, and Constructive Dialogue Program, the University of Chicago's Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, and Heterodox Academy. Featured speakers include Todd Wolfson, President of the AAUP; Ryan Ansloan from FIRE; and former University of Colorado Regent Heidi Ganahl. Advanced registration is required, and one-day attendance options are available for those unable to attend the full conference. You can find more information and register at this UW website link here. 

 

Finally, our UW Board of Trustees will hold a teleconference meeting on June 17. The agenda includes several important university matters that will help position us for the coming academic year. I encourage those interested to review the agenda materials at this UW Trustees PDF file link here and follow the discussion as we continue advancing the university's priorities.

 

Go Pokes!

 

Anne

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