Benham Deal Receives UW Trustees’ Award of Merit

Longtime University of Wyoming faculty member and administrator Tami Benham Deal has been honored with the UW Board of Trustees’ Award of Merit.

The award was established in 1984 by the Board of Trustees to recognize individuals and groups who have rendered meritorious service or made exemplary contributions to UW, with consistent and persistent performance above and beyond the norm and that of one’s peers; achievement attaining state, regional or national acclamation; exceptional classroom or laboratory work furthering the academic mission of the university; and dedicated support to students, faculty, staff or the mission of UW.

Additionally, the award recognizes outstanding service to UW or its constituents through the exemplary performance of a specific duty or obligation; a superior level of performance over a period of time; effective representation of student, faculty, staff or alumni; or exceptional contributions to the growth and well-being of the institution.

Benham Deal, who has been on the faculty of the Division of Kinesiology and Health since 1989, was named associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Health Sciences in 2013 and served in that position for a year before being appointed as associate vice provost for faculty affairs in 2014. After serving in that capacity for a decade, she now holds the title of senior vice provost for faculty affairs and served as acting provost late last year. She will retire in February.

“Tami Benham Deal has served the University of Wyoming at the highest level in multiple roles. She is an award-winning faculty member who spent the last decade of her career at UW in a crucial leadership role in Academic Affairs. She is a thoughtful leader who kept the academic mission of the university focused as we negotiated change at every level,” Interim Provost Scott Turpen says. “UW is a better institution because of her dedicated work. I am grateful.”

Benham Deal is a graduate of Indiana University (IU) and had a brief career in elementary education before coming to UW. She was recognized by her alma mater in 2006 with the IU School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Endwright Distinguished Alumni Service Award. She received the 2013 Hall of Fame Award from the Wyoming Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and the Career Achievement Award from UW College of Health Sciences. She received the UW Mortar Board “Top Prof” Award in 2014 and 2015.

“From the day she set foot on the UW campus in 1989, Tami has shown an unwavering dedication to the University of Wyoming, and her service to UW over the last 10 years is indicative of her passion for academic excellence and the faculty who carry out the academic mission of the university,” wrote Professor Emeritus David Jones, who also held numerous academic positions that included interim provost. “Make no mistake, serving as senior vice provost has required personal and professional sacrifices, but Tami has carried out her duties with dignity and distinction.”

Benham Deal has served on numerous university committees, including the Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion Committee, which she chaired from 2010-12. She also served on the UW Executive Emergency Policy Group during the COVID pandemic.

“During her time in Academic Affairs, Professor Benham Deal has served with at least four provosts during some extremely challenging times,” wrote Anne Alexander, assistant dean of the College of Business and former interim provost. “Through leadership turnovers, budget cuts requiring difficult decisions, program reductions and college reorganizations, new initiatives and a pandemic, not only was her steady hand and strong leadership crucial in continuing the functioning of the academic enterprise, but she always -- always -- advocated for, championed and vocally lauded our loyal staff, who were the steadiest part of Academic Affairs for several years.”

Benham Deal has published primarily in the areas of youth physical activity and health literacy. Her work has been funded through organizations and agencies that include the American Heart Association, the Council of Chief State School Officers and the Wyoming Department of Education.