A Message from the Provost: Week of 6.15.26

A Message from the Provost

June 18 | 2026
 
Dear Colleagues, 

 

I am pleased to share that the UW Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of two important academic leaders who will help shape the future of our institution.

 

First, please join me in welcoming Dr. Junhua Ding as the inaugural Dean of the School of Computing, effective August 3. Dr. Ding brings extensive experience in computing, data science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic leadership. I look forward to the leadership and vision he will bring to the School of Computing as it continues to grow and strengthen its impact across the university and beyond.

 

I am also pleased to congratulate Dr. Angela Pool-Funai on her appointment as Dean of UW Casper, effective August 3. Dr. Pool-Funai currently serves as Assistant Provost for Academic Programs and Dean of the Graduate School and Office of Research at Fort Hays State University. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, student success, community engagement, and innovative educational programming. I look forward to welcoming Dr. Pool-Funai to the University of Wyoming and working with her to advance UW's mission across the state.

 

I would like to thank the members of both search committees, the search chairs, Cass Kvenild and Matt Griswold, and our incredible colleagues, Judy Yates and Carissa Bjorklund, for all their assistance with the candidate visits, as well as everyone across the university and our communities who participated in these important searches.

 

This week the UW Foundation Board of Directors will gather in Laramie to receive updates on university priorities, advancement efforts, enrollment, athletics, and student success initiatives. I am especially pleased that experiential learning at UW will be highlighted during Friday's luncheon program, providing an opportunity to showcase the many ways our faculty, staff, and students are connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences that benefit Wyoming communities and employers.

 

I’m pleased to share that Faculty Senate has reinstated its faculty departure survey initiative to better understand the circumstances and experiences that influence faculty members' decisions to leave the University. The survey is administered by the Faculty Senate; responses are anonymous; and summary reports will be provided to the Senate twice each year to help inform future discussions regarding faculty recruitment, retention, and support. If you know former faculty members who have recently departed UW, or colleagues who may be leaving soon, please consider sharing the survey with them. Additional information and the survey are available on the Faculty Senate website at this link. 

 

As we continue through the summer months, thank you for the work you are doing across the university and your continued dedication and commitment to our students, colleagues, and the State of Wyoming.

 

Best,

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