UW Launches Search for School of Energy Resources Executive Director

The University of Wyoming has launched a comprehensive search for the next executive director of its nationally and internationally recognized School of Energy Resources (SER).

The next leader will be tasked with guiding UW’s premier interdisciplinary energy research and academic efforts that support Wyoming’s role as a global energy leader.

SER’s governing body, the Energy Resources Council (ERC), in conjunction with UW, has engaged search firm Spencer Stuart to work with an appointed search committee to fill the position promptly.

The ERC and the UW Board of Trustees have confirmed Scott Quillinan as SER’s acting executive director. He will serve until the search for a new full-time executive director has been completed.

SER is central to UW’s mission, facilitating interdisciplinary academic, outreach and research programs across engineering, science, economics and policy. Its core focus is to advance energy-driven economic development for Wyoming, fulfilling the state’s promise to be a leader in a thriving and sustainable energy future. As UW’s land-grant energy hub, SER ensures cutting-edge energy programs directly serve the people, communities and industries of Wyoming.

The new executive director will build on this strong foundation to significantly elevate SER’s national and international reputation and expand the impact of the university’s energy and extractive initiatives, including critical minerals, fossil fuels and unconventional resources.

“This is a pivotal moment for the School of Energy Resources and the state of Wyoming; we are seeking a visionary leader who can bring a world-class perspective to our energy future,” says David Emery, who recently was elected chair of the ERC. “We are committed to finding a dynamic individual with substantial energy industry experience who can expand SER’s research and outreach footprint and solidify its standing as a key driver of Wyoming’s economy.”

The position profile, which includes comprehensive information about the job duties, expectations and the mission of the school and university, is available here. Spencer Stuart is actively accepting applications and nominations at UWyomingSER@SpencerStuart.com.

A robust search committee representing the UW trustees, the broader UW community and key Wyoming stakeholders has been assembled.

Co-chaired by Emery and UW Trustee Paul Ulrich, the search committee includes ERC Vice Chair and state Sen. Ed Cooper, of Ten Sleep; Randall Luthi, policy director for Gov. Mark Gordon; and Travis Deti, executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association.

UW community members represented on the committee are Parag Chitnis, vice president for research and economic development; Jenna Shim, dean of the College of Education; John Kaszuba, the John and Jane Wold Centennial Chair in Energy and SER professor of geology and geophysics; Trina Igelsrud Phieffer, director of SER’s Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion; Angela Ver Ploeg, senior director of corporate engagement with the UW Foundation and the Office for Strategic Partnerships; and Erica Belmont, associate professor of mechanical engineering.

This committee will work with Spencer Stuart to screen and select top-tier candidates for in-person interviews on campus later this year.