The University of Wyoming unveiled its blueprint for private giving opportunities for the 2011-12 academic year today (Friday) during a joint meeting of the UW Board of Trustees and the UW Foundation Board of Directors.
UW's Institutional Fundraising Priorities -- established collaboratively among President Tom Buchanan, the Office of Academic Affairs, college deans, unit directors, faculty and staff -- are designed to support UW's advancement and fulfill donors' interests and aspirations.
The fundraising plan is built around advancing areas in energy, science, technology, mathematics and the environment; enhancing cultural assets in the humanities and fine and performing arts; and strengthening public and private partnerships within Wyoming and across the nation.
The plan also seeks to enhance the UW experience with a focus on student scholarship and enrichment, facility renovation, global experiences and travel opportunities, graduate fellowships, professorships and additional academic enhancements.
"The generous support UW receives from its important private contributors is not only about funding a single set of priorities. It is also about creating a dynamic relationship between those who desire to impact people's lives and the causes that inspire their generosity," says Ben Blalock, UW Foundation president. "In the process, Wyoming's university will continue to be transformed for generations to come."
The plan features nine approved academic fundraising initiatives, including the UW Literacy Research Center, outreach efforts in Gillette and Sheridan, the Wildlife-Livestock Health Center program and enhancements at the Arena-Auditorium.
Other projects target the Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Center, unconventional reservoirs and renewable resources, biodiversity conservation and environment and natural resources faculty positions.
"Our fundraising efforts will continue to support UW's six areas of distinction, as defined in University Plan 3," Buchanan says. "I have worked closely with our deans and academic departments to identify areas of support that not only strengthen our teaching, research and outreach mission but help to ensure the state's economic future."
Also at the joint meeting, Buchanan outlined his vision and goals for the university for this academic year. The president's seven priorities are:
-- Academic and research excellence, including establishing a facility for UW's Literacy Center, completing planning for a biodiversity initiative and membership in the Greater Western Library Alliance.
-- Build and improve the student pipeline, including efforts to expand and improve student housing and support facilities and to increase non-resident recruitment.
-- Enhance safety and security, including expansion of programming related to sexual violence and implementing emergency action plans for core campus buildings.
-- University/campus planning, including initiation of discussions in spring 2012 to develop University Plan 4.
-- Administrative excellence, including improving classroom technology and support, launching leadership development academies for faculty and staff and establishing a tuition and fee policy for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
-- Excellence in external relations, including private fundraising, research funding, alumni relations and athletics.
-- Continue to develop statewide educational presence, including constructing a joint facility with Casper College, outreach initiatives in Sheridan and Gillette and planning efforts with Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.
