Farm Credit Services of America Endows UW Agriculture Deanship

 

By UW Foundation Staff

 

A gift from Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) has established the Farm Credit Services of America College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources Deanship at the University of Wyoming. This commitment is transformational for the college, for UW’s land-grant mission and for one of the state’s most vital industries — agriculture. Support for the gift was provided in part by state matching funds.

“The agricultural traditions of Wyoming shape who we are,” says UW President Ed Seidel. “With this extraordinary gift, FCSAmerica is helping ensure our university remains at the forefront of preparing students and communities for the future of agriculture.”

 

The endowment will directly support the leadership and strategic direction of the college, empowering the dean to invest in high-impact teaching, research and community programs that elevate agriculture as a driver of innovation in Wyoming and the Mountain West. It also will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary work at the intersection of natural resources, food systems, environmental stewardship and rural resilience.

“Endowed deanships are game changers,” says Kelly Crane, dean of the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. “They allow us to lead boldly, attract exceptional talent and respond to the complex challenges facing Wyoming communities and the industries that support them.”

This is the fourth named deanship in the university’s history. Endowed deanships are critical investments that can transform the trajectory of an entire university. These permanent funding mechanisms provide universities with the resources to attract and retain exceptional administrative leaders who might otherwise be drawn to higher-paying opportunities in the private sector or at competing institutions. 

This support offers deans the financial flexibility to implement their strategic vision through discretionary funds for faculty recruitment, innovative programming, student support or cutting-edge research initiatives. This stability allows deans to think beyond short-term budget cycles and make bold, long-term investments in their schools or colleges. 

For donors, endowed deanships create a lasting legacy that touches every aspect of the academic unit — from undergraduate education to graduate research to faculty innovation — while providing naming opportunities that recognize their commitment to educational excellence. The prestige associated with holding an endowed position also enhances the university’s ability to compete for top talent in academic leadership, ultimately elevating the institution’s reputation.

FCSAmerica, a mission-driven financial cooperative serving farmers, ranchers and rural residents in the region, has long recognized the value of education and leadership to the health of rural economies. This new deanship builds on a multiyear partnership and continues FCSAmerica’s legacy of making an impact with its philanthropy.

“At Farm Credit Services of America, we believe the future of agriculture depends on strong, visionary leadership. That’s why we’re proud to support UW in preparing the next generation of leaders who will sustain and evolve this essential industry,” says Jason Edleman, senior vice president of business development for FCSAmerica.

This gift also aligns with the university’s commitment to securing strategic investments that elevate UW as a national leader in key areas of distinction.

“This deanship is a powerful affirmation of UW’s mission and its growing influence in the West and beyond,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to FCSAmerica for their vision and partnership.”

The new endowed deanship in agriculture is part of a larger, ongoing effort by UW, the UW Board of Trustees and the UW Foundation to invest in and support endowed positions that strengthen faculty and support student success. This deanship follows similar ones in the colleges of Education, Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Business, helping set UW apart as a national leader for land-grant institutions in using endowed deanships.

“As Wyoming’s flagship university, UW continues to lead with purpose — preparing graduates not only for success, but for service to the land, the people and the economy of the state and region,” Seidel says. “The Farm Credit Services of America Deanship stands as a bold step forward in that journey.”