Dean's Weekly Address

Published June 30, 2025

Greetings Staff and Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences,

I hope you're getting a chance to relax and enjoy the slower pace around campus. Even in these quieter months, there are still plenty of good things happening across the college. Following are a few updates.

First, please join me in welcoming two new members to our team. Giza Bonifacio has joined the Ross Hall shared staff center as our new Office Associate Senior. Giza will be supporting Anthropology, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Communication and Journalism, and Culture, Gender & Social Justice. Originally from Angola, she earned her bachelor’s degree here at UW and brings valuable experience from her previous role as a senior accountant associate at the university. We're thrilled to have her on board!

We’re also excited to welcome Teresa (Teri) Robinson to the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Center as our newest Academic Advising Professional. Teri grew up in Laramie and earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from UW. She comes to us with a strong background in education, having most recently taught English at Laramie High School. She will primarily advise Psychology and Criminal Justice students.

A big thank you to Carlee for organizing an engaging and well-attended professional development event last week. Dr. Corey Peacock, a Sheridan native and current dean of students at Casper College, joined us to give a thoughtful presentation on leadership in higher education. About 50 staff from across campus attended, and we hope to make this kind of speaker event a yearly tradition for staff development in the college.

Please also join me in congratulating Dr. Carolyn Pepper on her new role as Interim Dean of the Graduate School. I am excited for her new adventure and know she will do great! This will mean a bit of transition in the Dean’s Office. As I transition back to the Associate Dean position, I will primarily take on her duties. As always, we will try and make this transition as seamless as possible.

Many of you are aware of the changing landscape regarding various policies, including several new laws that go into effect on July 1 (tomorrow). As we have done with those that have already taken effect, we will continue to try and provide information and resources on these changes. As always, if you have questions, you can reach out to me, and if I don’t have the answer, I will try and find it.

Lastly, as many of you read in the in the email to campus on Friday, the UW community grieves the loss of UW communications student Kimberly Choma. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this devastating time. If you, or someone you know, needs support, please reach out to any of the following programs/departments.

University of Wyoming Psychology Center

Website: www.uwyo.edu/psychology/center/index.html

Location: Biological Sciences Building, Room 307

Phone: 307-766-2149

Email: uwpc@uwyo.edu

Employee Assistance Program

Website: www.uwyo.edu/hr/employee-benefits/employee-assistance-program

Phone: 800-873-7138

University of Wyoming Counseling Center

Website: www.uwyo.edu/ucc

Phone: 307-766-2187

Crisis Line: 307-766-8989