Nomination Process

An honorary degree from the University of Wyoming provides an opportunity to recognize and reward excellence in individuals who embody the university’s high ideals and exemplify the values of excellence, service and integrity. These degrees recognize outstanding accomplishments in all professions, public service, or service to humanity. Degrees awarded honoris causa are among the highest honors a university can confer.

Current or former members of the Board of Trustees, members of the University faculty and staff, University students, and/or University alumni, can make nominations for honorary degrees. Each nomination should identify the nominee, provide contact information, and contain substantial evidence that the candidates have demonstrated extraordinary achievements in at least one of the following areas:

1. Outstanding contribution to the lives of the people of Wyoming,
2. Outstanding career or lifetime accomplishment on a state, national, or international level by an alumna or alumnus of the University, or
3. Accomplishments so exemplary as to have won recognition on a national or international level, with relevance to Wyoming.

Examples of substantial evidence may include a significant degree of creativity, resourcefulness, humanitarian concern, personal dedication, intellect, and other qualities consistent with the intent of an honorary degree. While not a requirement, preference may be given to nominations of persons who are dedicated to the purpose, nature, and mission of the University.

Those not eligible for honorary degree consideration are:

1. Active faculty, staff and administrators of the University (except emeritus faculty), including any current University employee; and/or
2. Any holders of elected or appointed public offices, those who left office less than one year ago, or their immediate family members.

Nomination materials submitted for consideration must include the following:

• A letter of nomination that describes how the nominee meets at least one of the criteria outlined in Section (III);
• A vitae or similar document that describes the nominee’s accomplishments, including a list of public recognitions, public presentations, awards, honors, and publications not to exceed ten pages;
• Two letters of support detailing explicit examples of how the nominee meets the criterion; and
• A one-or two-paragraph summary of the nominee’s qualifications

Please submit nominations (preferably by e-mail) to the president of the university (uwpres@uwyo.edu) by November 1, 2024. The President will then refer them to the Joint Honorary Degree Review Committee. Nominations and UW’s deliberations are kept confidential. The committee will forward its recommendations to the UW Board of Trustees for final decision in January with a Spring recognition of honorees. 

• Honorary Degrees Nomination, Review and Award Process

Nominations for spring 2025 are open, due on November 1st.