College of Education

Office of the Dean

A Message from Jenna Min Shim, the John P. "Jack" Ellbogen Dean

Hello, and welcome to the College of Education. My name is Jenna Min Shim, and I serve as the John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean, the Trustees Education Initiative (TEI) Executive Director, and Professor. Since 1887, the University of Wyoming has been dedicated to preparing educators and leaders to serve the state and beyond.

From its beginnings as the State Normal School for teacher preparation in Old Main, our College has evolved into a hub for innovation in education. Today, we are home to two academic units—the School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy, and Design (CLAD) and the School of Teacher Education (STE)—as well as outreach centers such as the Literacy Research Center and Clinic (LRCC), the Early Care and Education Center (ECEC), the Science and Math Teaching Center (SMTC), the Wyoming School–University Partnership (WSUP), the WellSpring Counseling Clinic, and the Trustees’ Education Initiative. Our Education Student Success Center (ESSC) provides advising and support services to help students thrive.

As Wyoming’s only four-year institution dedicated to educator and counselor preparation, the College of Education plays a vital role in shaping the state’s future. My vision for the College centers on several priorities:

Strengthening the educator and counselor pipeline through seamless licensure pathways, flexible access for place-bound residents, and targeted recruitment in high-need areas.
Enhancing student success and support services with proactive advising, responsive course design, and scholarship opportunities.
Promoting faculty excellence with a focus on rural impact by supporting research, mentorship, and statewide engagement.
Deepening K–12 and community partnerships to ensure our work remains connected to the needs of schools across Wyoming.
Promoting the College’s identity and advocacy through clear communication, public engagement, and legislative collaboration.
Targeted program investment in areas of greatest need, including agricultural education, CTE, educational leadership, literacy, and special education.

At the heart of these priorities is a commitment to students—their growth, their success, and their futures. Together, we aim to improve educational outcomes, support communities across the state, and prepare well-supported graduates who will teach and lead in Wyoming and beyond.

If you would like to stay informed about our progress, I share updates in a weekly newsletter.

Sincerely,