Leading Wyoming’s University: The Honor of a Lifetime

 

By Ed Seidel

 

As I reflect on my time as president of the University of Wyoming, I am filled with gratitude — for the people who make this institution extraordinary, for the state that supports it, for the opportunity I have had to serve Wyoming’s university and to be welcomed to this wonderful place. From meeting my first group of students, to my first visit to our beautiful art museum, to my first concert at the Buchanan Center, to my first sweat on the Wind River Indian Reservation, and everything between, what a wonderful privilege it has been!

When Gabrielle and I arrived in Laramie six years ago, we quickly discovered what so many alumni already knew: UW is, of course, proud of its academic programs, research achievements and athletic teams. But really, it is defined by its community. Faculty and staff members bring remarkable passion and dedication to their work every day. Students arrive with curiosity, determination and a willingness to embrace new opportunities as UW opens its doors, and those of the world, to them. Alumni and supporters carry the university’s spirit wherever they go. Together, we create a place that is both welcoming and ambitious — a university proud of its traditions and confident in its future.

One of the most meaningful milestones during my time as president is our university’s achievement of Carnegie R1 status.

Reaching this level of research excellence was not the work of a single leader or office — it was the result of years of effort by our faculty and staff. It represents the highest level of research activity in American higher education and affirms that UW is producing scholarship and making discoveries that matter not only to our state, but also to the nation and the world. I am deeply proud of the collaborative spirit that made this achievement possible.

Another area where we have made tremendous progress is in philanthropic support for the university. Our alumni and friends have stepped forward in inspiring ways. Together with the UW Foundation, we have enhanced our ability to expand opportunities for students and strengthen the university’s academic programs. I am particularly grateful for the growing investment in endowed deanships and faculty positions, a topic featured in this issue of UWyo Magazine. These endowed chairs and professorships enable us to recruit and retain exceptional scholars and teachers whose work will shape this university for generations, and to give them tools to excel. Every endowed position represents a lasting commitment to excellence.

In fact, named faculty positions are just one of many ways we have recognized faculty excellence and invested in faculty recruitment and retention. In the end, faculty excellence is essential to both student success and research excellence. 

 

Of course, great faculty attract great students! I am immensely proud of the efforts our entire team of staff, faculty and administrators have made to support our students — and to ensure they have the ability and experience they need to succeed both at UW and after they graduate. And I want to give a special shout-out to athletics, especially our student-athletes, who balance academic excellence with the demands of competition, representing UW with dedication and pride. You play an important and special role in connecting the university to communities across Wyoming. 

Speaking of student success, our graduation and retention have generally increased year after year. This is no accident, and I want to thank all of you who have made that possible. As I hope you all know, some of the most meaningful experiences for me have come from the relationships I’ve had the privilege to build with our students! And know that I’ll continue to go to bat for any of you any time in the future!

Throughout my presidency, we also have focused on building programs that connect the university’s strengths with Wyoming’s future. A great example is the creation of the School of Computing. Advances in computing, artificial intelligence and data science are transforming every field of study and every industry. And it was important for us to bring together expertise across disciplines to prepare students for these rapidly evolving opportunities. The School of Computing is already fostering new collaborations across campus and opening new pathways for research and workforce development. 

 

We’ve also looked to Wyoming’s traditional natural advantages, including energy, supported by our School of Energy Resources, and the state’s “wild and working lands,” supported by our Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. But we’ve also supported emerging industries. That vision helped lead to the creation of the Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Institute. Wyoming’s landscapes and outdoor opportunities are among the most remarkable in the world, and this initiative brings together research, education and partnerships to support the growing outdoor recreation and tourism economy. It is a powerful example of how the university can help strengthen industries that are vital to our state.

Even as we invest in new initiatives and areas of opportunity, we remain firmly grounded in our core strengths across agriculture, business, education, engineering, law, health sciences and all our colleges. Central to that foundation are the arts and sciences and the Honors College, which cultivate critical thinking, creativity and a deeper understanding of the world — skills that empower our students to lead and shape the future in any career they pursue.

Our work also has been guided by a commitment to partnership across Wyoming. The university’s relationships with community colleges are essential to expanding access to higher education and building a strong workforce. Through efforts such as the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, the university and our community college partners have worked together to create new educational pathways, support students and align programs with the needs of Wyoming’s economy. These collaborations reflect our shared belief that when Wyoming’s higher education institutions work together, the entire state benefits. And I have immensely valued the friendships I have developed with the presidents and other leaders of the colleges.

 

Equally important to me has been fostering a campus culture grounded in free inquiry, respect and thoughtful dialogue. Even when it challenges us, we should not shy away; universities must be places where ideas can be explored openly and debated constructively. Our free expression and civil discourse initiative, combined with a firm statement on institutional neutrality, reflects that commitment and is making UW a national leader. By encouraging respectful conversations across differences, we strengthen our ability to learn from one another and prepare students to participate thoughtfully in civic life. 

 

Throughout all of these efforts, one truth has remained constant: UW exists because the people of Wyoming believe in it. I have been continually inspired by the pride and support I see across the state. That support was especially evident during the recent legislative budget session, when state leaders and citizens demonstrated their continued commitment to the university and its mission. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the people of Wyoming for their trust and their investment in this institution. And thank you also for supporting our alumni association, which is stronger than ever.  

 

Serving as president of Wyoming’s university — at any time, but perhaps especially during this complex period in history — has been one of the great honors of my career. Every day, I have been inspired by the passion and dedication of the people who make this university what it is. From groundbreaking research to outstanding teaching, from student achievements to community partnerships, I have witnessed firsthand the impact this institution has across the state and beyond.

 

As I look to the future, I am confident that UW will continue to thrive. The foundation we have built together — through research excellence, strong partnerships, philanthropic support and a shared commitment to students — positions the university for even greater achievements in the years ahead. Indeed, I feel that UW and its trustees, the UW Foundation and the UW Alumni Association, are working together better than I have ever seen, here or anywhere, adding to the great momentum we have to sustain our progress in the future.

 

I could mention so many other things that inspire me about this place we love. But let me just again say thank you for the opportunity to serve this remarkable institution and this remarkable state. I will always be a proud member of the UW community. And as Gabrielle and I will continue to be part of this community, we look forward to contributing in whatever ways we can in the future. 

 

Ed Seidel is the 28th president of the University of Wyoming.