UW in the News

State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent coverage:

UW’s contribution to the state’s economy has increased significantly over the past decade, supporting nearly 14,700 jobs and adding more than $720 million in value annually, according to a new report from UW. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Casper Star-Tribune, Oil City News and GoCo News were among media outlets publishing the university’s release that noted UW’s contribution to the gross state product grew from 0.3 percent in the 2013-14 fiscal year to 1.8 percent in the 2022-23 fiscal year. UW’s Center for Business and Economic Analysis collected the data.

Rural Radio Network and Sheridan Media were among media outlets publishing UW’s release noting that Wyoming’s economic outlook is mixed for 2025, with a continuing decline in the coal industry, shortages in housing and child care, and an aging population clouding the state’s mid- and long-term growth prospects. The Center for Business and Economic Analysis in UW’s College of Business collected the data. 

Barring “a miracle,” Wyoming coal producers will miss 200 million tons for the first time since 1992, UW economist Rob Godby told Cowboy State Daily in an interview.

Wyoming has lost 10,000 jobs in the natural resources and mining sector over the past decade, but the state’s other job categories have stayed close to the same or even increased. UW economist Anne Alexander provided the data to the state’s business leaders at the 41st annual Governor’s Business Forum on campus last weekend, according to Cowboy State Daily.

The Casper Star-Tribune reported that Wyoming officials unveiled a plan for implementing a new curriculum on historical wars. The Civics Ed Center, unveiled earlier this year, is collaborating with UW’s Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program -- which houses resources and curriculum options for teachers to use during the school day -- on the new curriculum.

Matt Burgess, a UW economics assistant professor, conducted several interviews with media throughout the U.S. and internationally during the recent U.S. presidential election. He was interviewed by France’s Reporterre, ABC News Australia, Grist, a nonprofit media outlet that covers climate solutions, and Aspen Public Radio. The Economist also featured Burgess and his group’s research on long-run economic growth and climate change. Burgess studies climate change opinions and recent presidential elections.

Laramie Live and Sheridan Media published UW’s release noting that a draft rule to allow concealed carry of firearms in UW facilities will be considered by the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting this week. The Firearms Research Center -- which is housed in UW’s College of Law -- is conducting two public events to discuss the draft rule. Wyoming Public Radio and Cowboy State Daily published related articles.

UW’s Art Museum and the Colorado State University (CSU) Gregory Allicar Museum of Art got into the spirit of the annual Border War by placing a friendly bet in the form of an art loan. The winning museum will keep the other museum’s artwork for display until the end of the academic year next May, according to UW’s media release. Also reporting on the wager were CBS Sports, 9News KUSA-TV in Denver, The Denver Gazette, Colorado Springs Gazette,  CSU’s College of Liberal Arts, Yahoo Sports, County 10 and Cowboy State Daily.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle published UW’s release announcing that the final lecture in the “Challenges to Democracy” series from UW’s School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies will be later this week in Cheyenne.

UW has received a key gift from Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) to support research in UW’s School of Energy Resources (SER). The gift will establish the Navajo Transitional Energy Company School of Energy Resources Excellence Fund, which will facilitate SER’s efforts to bolster Wyoming’s energy industry. NTEC published UW’s release.

Cowboy State Daily interviewed Max Gilbraith, UW’s Harry C. Vaughn Planetarium coordinator, who discussed the last of four consecutive supermoons that dominated the night skies over Wyoming last weekend.

Brian Mealor, director of the UW Sheridan Research and Extension Center and Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems, discussed this past fire season’s destruction of Wyoming’s native lands, including the big sagebrush plant species. He spoke at the 80th Wyoming Weed and Pest Council’s conference last month, according to The Wyoming Livestock Roundup.

The Ombudsman Blog reported that Don Appiarius has been appointed as UW’s new ombudsperson, who will report to President Ed Seidel and provide services to all members of the campus community.