Alum Endows First UW Professorship in Mathematics

The University of Wyoming has received a landmark gift to establish the first-ever endowed professorship in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

The Patrick Heasler Professorship in Mathematics and Statistics reflects the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service. It was endowed by UW alumnus Patrick Heasler.

“My experiences at the University of Wyoming, and particularly the Mathematics Department, determined my choice for a rewarding career as a statistician,” Heasler says. “I received scholarships during my time at the university and resolved to pay back the institution for its generosity with this gift."

The professorship will enhance the university’s ability to recruit and retain outstanding faculty in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, furthering its mission to provide an exceptional educational experience for students and to advance research and scholarship in the mathematical sciences.

“The Patrick Heasler Professorship in Mathematics and Statistics will greatly impact the department’s mission for years to come,” says Department of Mathematics and Statistics Head Jason Williford. “We are profoundly grateful for this visionary gift, which strengthens our commitment to academic excellence and innovation.”

The Heasler fund was matched through the 2024 state endowment matching program, for a total of $500,000. This matching program provides a significant boost, doubling the impact of Heasler’s gift and supporting the university’s long-term commitment to faculty excellence.

One of the most significant aspects of Heasler’s gift is its broad and flexible funding structure. Unlike more restrictive gifts, the Patrick Heasler Professorship in Mathematics and Statistics allows funds to be used for a wide range of purposes -- from recruiting exceptional new faculty to retaining current professors through enhanced resources and support.

The flexibility of this fund ensures that the Department of Mathematics and Statistics can adapt the funding to meet its most pressing needs, maximizing the impact of the gift and helping the university respond to changing priorities and opportunities over time.

“Patrick Heasler’s gift will greatly enhance our mathematics and statistics program in perpetuity,” says Cameron Wright, the Carrell Family Dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. “Both professors and students will quickly see its benefits, and I am grateful for Patrick’s generosity and vision.”

Endowed professorships are vital to the success of academic institutions, as they provide stable long-term funding to attract and retain top-tier faculty who excel in their fields. These prestigious positions not only recognize and reward faculty excellence, but they also support groundbreaking research, innovative teaching methods and mentorship that enriches the academic experience for students.

Professorships enhance the reputation of UW by fostering a culture of scholarly excellence, helping to recruit high-caliber educators and researchers who inspire future generations. Additionally, the sustained financial support that this fund provides allows faculty to pursue ambitious projects and collaborations, driving advancements that benefit UW’s community.

“We are excited to announce this new named professorship,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “This new fund is yet another wonderful example of the unique private-public partnership that exists in supporting both students and faculty at UW. We are grateful to Patrick Heasler for his foresight and generosity in creating this fund.”