June 2026
Published June 30, 2026
UW Archaeology Field School Excavates Old Carbon, WY
Earlier this month, the Department of Anthropology's archaeology field school was at Old Carbon, one of the oldest coal mining towns in Wyoming, established along the Union Pacific Railroad in 1868. This year's field school is conducting test excavations in a previously-unexplored, planned neighborhood area of the site. Archaeological investigations at the site are exploring Carbon's vibrant labor history, integration within the global economy, and how the site may have been spatially organized along axes of class and ethnicity. Field school students are learning historical archaeology excavation methods, how to process historical artifacts, utilize spatial mapping technologies, and put material culture, archival data, and oral histories in conversation with each other.
A Message from Dean Turpen
Summer remains a busy time of year in the College of Arts and Sciences. Many faculty, students, and staff are hard at work on research, outreach, and planning for the year ahead.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Old Carbon, Wyoming, where our archaeology field school is spending some time this summer. Students are conducting test excavations in a previously unexplored, planned neighborhood area of the historic town site, gaining valuable hands-on experience while helping uncover new pieces of Wyoming's past. Seeing their curiosity and enthusiasm in the field was a great reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom.
Thank you for your continued support of the College of Arts & Sciences. Your generosity makes opportunities like these possible, and I look forward to sharing more updates throughout the summer.
J. Scott Turpen
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A&S News and Notes
Criminal Justice Students Travel to Chicago
Students from the Criminal Justice and Sociology Department traveled to Chicago for an Urban Criminal Justice course in June, where they participated in ride-alongs with the Chicago Police Department, visited the Metropolitan Correctional Center, tour the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, observed court proceedings at the Cook County Criminal Court (pictured), and learned about violence reduction and reentry programs from community organizations. These experiences provided students with valuable experiential learning opportunities by allowing them to observe the criminal justice system firsthand and connect classroom concepts to real-world practice. The course also exposed students to a variety of criminal justice careers and helped them build knowledge and professional skills that will benefit them in their future careers.
Neltje Center Partners with SAGE Community Arts to Present 'Different but SAME' Event
The UW Neltje Center recently partnered with SAGE Community Arts to present "Different but SAME: In Our Own Words — Spoken Word & Songs." The event featured performances by UW graduate student Lena Newlin, spoken word artist Christopher D. Sims, and UW faculty member and Wyoming musician J Shogren. Bringing together poetry, music, and community conversation, the evening highlighted the power of collaboration and creative exchange, demonstrating how artistic practices can intersect to deepen understanding and connection across diverse perspectives. Follow the UW Neltje Center for upcoming events and opportunities.
UW Alumni Discount on Neltje Center Event Rentals!
Attention Alumni! Host your next gathering at the UW Neltje Center and enjoy 20% off event rentals. From intimate retreats to celebrations and creative convenings, our spaces offer something truly unforgettable—set against the beauty and quiet of Northern Wyoming’s landscape. This hidden gem located 20 miles south of Sheridan, WY is rooted in legacy and designed for inspiration. Check out details on our website.
UW Associate Professor to Present at Durham University
Zoe Pearson, associate professor in the UW School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies, is currently a Fulbright Scholar in the Department of Geography at Durham University in the UK, which is consistently regarded as one of the best centers for geographical research in the world. Pearson is giving a talk in Geography at Durham as part of "Heritage 360," a strategic initiative at the university, which foregrounds interdisciplinary research and public engagement at the intersection of natural and cultural heritage. Pearson's presentation will share her work in progress with haaf net fishers around the Solway Firth, an estuary that forms part of the border between England and Scotland. The talk is titled, "Haaf Net Fishing as Living Cultural Heritage: Place, Identity, and Practice in the Solway Firth."
Collegiate Chorale Tours UK
From May 20-28, the UW Collegiate Chorale, led by Brian C. Murray, embarked on a tour to the UK. While there they participated in collaborative performances with the Cardiff University Chamber Choir, in addition to performances at Wells Cathedral (pictured) and St Mary Abbots Church in London. This transformational experience highlights the exchange between the two institutions and represents a pinnacle performance for Collegiate Chorale.
Upcoming Events
Centennial Speaker Series Slated for July 15
The UW Center for Global Studies Centennial Speaker Series will take place Wednesday, July 15, from 4:30 - 6 p.m. at the library in Centennial, WY. Featured speakers will include Adam Blackler (Echoes of Empire: Germany's Colonial Afterlife (Namibia); Ricki Klages (Painting and the Neolithic Standing Stones and Stone Circles); and Bernard Steinman (Aging in Italy).
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.