UW Names New Spicer Chair in Environment and Natural Resources

The University of Wyoming has appointed Matt Hamilton as the new Eldon and Beverly Spicer Chair in Environment and Natural Resources in the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.

Hamilton is the second person to hold the Spicer Chair, following Steve Smutko, who served in the role from 2009 until his retirement in 2024. During his tenure, Smutko led the development of the Collaboration Program in Natural Resources and facilitated high-profile stakeholder processes, helping position UW as a regional leader in collaborative environmental governance.

Hamilton is an interdisciplinary environmental policy scientist whose work focuses on collaborative governance and multistakeholder decision-making in natural resource management. His research, teaching and outreach activities align closely with the goals of the Spicer Chair, which was established to advance collaborative approaches to solving complex environmental and natural resource challenges.

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into this position, which offers significant opportunities to move the needle on collaborative solutions to environmental challenges in Wyoming and beyond,” Hamilton says. “I care deeply about the people, institutions and landscapes in this region and am excited to work hand-in-hand with students, practitioners, policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders to do impactful work that advances the Spicer family’s commitment to collaborative environmental problem-solving.”

Before joining UW, Hamilton served on the faculty at Ohio State University, where he taught courses in natural resource management policy; collective action in environmental governance; and collaborative environmental decision-making.

At UW, Hamilton will contribute to the Haub School’s land-grant mission through teaching, applied research and engagement. He also will work closely with the Ruckelshaus Institute to support stakeholder-driven processes and collaborative capacity building across Wyoming and the region.

“Dr. Hamilton brings expertise that is so vital to the conservation and management of Wyoming’s wild and working lands,” says John Koprowski, dean of the Haub School. “His commitment to making a difference for our natural resources and the people of our state is exemplary. We are grateful to the Spicer family for the foresight that has enabled us to recruit such an outstanding faculty member.”

The Eldon and Beverly Spicer Chair in Environment and Natural Resources was established in 2003 and is housed within the Haub School’s Ruckelshaus Institute. It is one of several endowed positions at UW focused on addressing complex environmental issues through research, education and public engagement.

The Eldon and Beverly Spicer Chair in Environment and Natural Resources was established through the generosity of the Spicer family, whose long-standing support has advanced UW’s capacity to address complex environmental challenges through collaboration and civic engagement. Their investment in faculty, students and public impact programming reflects a deep commitment to Wyoming’s landscapes, communities and future. The appointment of Hamilton marks a continuation of that legacy.