Seidel to Step Down as UW President at Conclusion of His Contract in 2026

University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has informed the UW Board of Trustees he will step down from his position as president when his contract expires June 30, 2026.

Seidel shared his plans with the board now to allow ample time for a thoughtful, inclusive search for the university’s next president and to assist in a smooth and seamless leadership transition.

“Serving as president of the University of Wyoming has been a tremendous honor for me,” Seidel says. “It has been a great privilege to work on behalf of our students, our university community and our state. I’m deeply proud of all we’ve accomplished together during the past five years.”

Seidel became UW’s 28th president July 1, 2020. During his tenure, UW has enjoyed numerous advancements and pivotal achievements, among them:

-- Status as a Carnegie R1 Research and Carnegie Engaged university.

-- Launch of a School of Computing.

-- An academic reorganization supporting efficiencies and thematic synergies in several colleges.

-- Helping to create the Wyoming Innovation Partnership with Wyoming’s community colleges and the governor’s office.

-- Campuswide principles and programs regarding freedom of expression.

-- Launch of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

-- Creation of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH (Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality) Institute.

-- New initiatives for student, faculty and dean support, with increases in student retention and success rates, creation of numerous professorships and endowed chairs, and UW’s first four endowed deanships.

Kermit Brown, chairman of the UW Board of Trustees, expresses appreciation for all that Seidel has done to guide UW.

“We deeply appreciate President Seidel’s commitment to this university,” Brown says. “He has moved us forward in innumerable ways, and we are grateful for his leadership and dedication. We look forward to his support and assistance in our transition to new leadership.”

“I thank President Seidel for his commitment to making UW one of the finest universities in the country,” Gov. Mark Gordon says. “He has led through significant challenges with a forward-looking vision and a steadfast commitment to the university’s future. He has moved the university forward, and I especially appreciate his leadership in establishing the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, which has strengthened higher education and workforce development. We will continue to work together with the trustees in the next year to ensure that UW continues to thrive. I wish him well in his future endeavors."

Seidel says he is fully committed to building on the foundation he has laid.

“In the coming year, I look forward to continuing our work along with the Board of Trustees, the leadership team, our faculty, staff and students -- as well as our alumni, donors and partners across Wyoming -- to build momentum for UW’s next chapter,” Seidel says. Student success and faculty excellence will remain as key priorities for UW and Seidel.

Rob Godby, chair of UW’s Faculty Senate, welcomes the opportunity to help UW in its transition to new leadership.

“We thank President Seidel for all he has done to advance the university,” Godby says. “We look forward to working with the president and the administration to best position UW for its future.”

The Board of Trustees will establish a search process for UW’s next president. Details of the search process will be announced as they are determined.