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 articles:

The Casper Star-Tribune (CS-T) interviewed UW energy economist Chuck Mason about rising crude oil prices. Mason said he is surprised that the market has steadily stayed at $60 a barrel the last couple of months.

UW economist Rob Godby spoke with The CS-T in a story noting that production at the 12 coal mines in northern Wyoming rose to 305.3 million tons in 2017, a 6.3 percent increase compared to the previous year. Godby also commented on a CS-T story on the oil field service sector, which is improving, but jobs may be slower to return. He talked with The CS-T on how long the oil recovery uptick will last.

Wyoming Public Media reported that Gov. Matt Mead signed an executive order detailing mandates recommended by his ENDOW Council. The first involves state education officials, including UW, to increase postsecondary degrees or certificates for Wyoming’s working-age population. 

Jeff French, an assistant professor in UW’s Department of Atmospheric Science, contributed to a paper that demonstrated, for the first time, direct observation of cloud seeding, IFL Science, Space Daily and Phys.Org reported. The paper was first published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. French also was interviewed by The Laramie Boomerang, and Sheridan Media published UW’s media release on its website.

The Washington Post interviewed Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Leader Matthew Kauffman about the use of motion-sensing cameras to capture wildlife in their habitats for his research projects.

Martin Luther King Jr. Days of Dialogue events on the UW campus were highlighted on Cheyenne’s KGWN TV. Jason Thompson, the first black Associated Students of UW president during the 1997-98 academic year, is the keynote speaker for this year’s MLK events, Wyoming Public Radio noted.

The Boomerang reported that UW spring enrollment projections are up, with more than 500 freshmen than a year ago and about 113 more overall at this time last spring semester. K2 Radio and KGWN TV also reported.

UW Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center Director James Trosper asked the Board of Trustees to consider a tuition waiver for Native students, The Boomerang reported. Trosper says several area schools grant waivers because those institutions are built on former tribal lands. Wyoming Public Media also reported on the story.

Sheridan Media reported that the UW Board of Trustees has retained professional evaluator Steve Portch to assist in the assessment of President Laurie Nichols’ performance. The Boomerang also published a similar article.

UW Board of Trustees members discussed the pros and cons of the effects of merit, need-based scholarships, The Boomerang reported.

Wyoming Public Radio interviewed Rose Martinelli, senior director with Huron Consulting Group, who has been working with UW’s administration on a plan to help the university grow its enrollment.

UW professors David Williams, botany, and Chip Kobulnicky, physics and astronomy, were joined by UW student Ella DeWolf to discuss with Jackson Hole High School students UW’s Science Initiative and student opportunities, noted a Teton County School District newsletter.

The Boomerang reported that the UW Board of Trustees heard a consultant’s report that recommended that the university adopt a block tuition system that would establish one full-time tuition rate, shared by all full-time students, whether they take 12, 15 or 18 credit hours.

Now that charges have been dropped, UW Professor Gregg Cawley told Outside Magazine he believes that Cliven Bundy’s intentions were politically motivated and that his lawsuit was a grasp at influence. Bundy was the Nevada rancher accused of leading an armed uprising against federal authorities in 2014.

Wyoming Public Media reported that UW personnel presented topics during the first Wyoming Agriculture Diversification Summit last week at Northwest College.

Jackson Hole wildlife managers reported that two major northwest Wyoming mule deer herds are rebounding from last year’s deadly winter, noted The Jackson Hole News and Guide. The Wyoming Mule Deer Initiative project study is conducted by UW researchers and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

The Boomerang reported that UW’s Veterans Services Center is moving to the Wyoming Union. Renovations for the new center were approved by the Board of Trustees last week.

Three new art exhibitions are now open at the UW Art Museum, reported The Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

Wyoming Business Report notes that UW economist Anne Alexander will discuss Wyoming’s latest economic forecast during the Wyoming Business Report/Wyoming Business Alliance’s forum next month in Casper.

Former UW quarterback Josh Allen, a potential top NFL draft pick, was receiving plenty of attention from pro scouts before last weekend’s Senior Bowl, according to The Denver Post, NBC Sports, The China Post and Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports also noted that Allen will be the most scrutinized player in the coming draft. Allen also was profiled in The New York Post.