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| University of Wyoming | |
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| Established | 1886 |
| Type | Public |
| Endowment | US $220.3 million[1] |
| President | Tom Buchanan |
| Faculty | 1,151[2] |
| Staff | 1,846[3] |
| Students | 12,496[4] |
| Location | Laramie, Wyoming |
| Campus | Small city |
| Colors | Brown and Gold |
| Nickname | Cowboys and Cowgirls |
| Website | www.uwyo.edu |
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The University of Wyoming is a land-grant university located in Laramie, Wyoming, situated on Wyoming's high Laramie Plains, at an elevation of 7,200 feet (2194 m), between the Laramie and Snowy Range mountains. It is known as UW (often pronounced "U-Dub") to people close to the university. The university was founded in September 1886, and opened in September 1887. The university also offers outreach education in communities throughout Wyoming and online.
The University of Wyoming consists of seven colleges: agriculture, arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, health sciences, and Law. The university maintains a 14 to1 student-faculty ratio - one of the lowest such ratios among four-year schools in the west. [5] UW also offers a variety of cultural and social activities. The university offers 89 bachelor's, 77 master's, and 29 doctoral degrees. Professional pharmacy, juris doctor (law) and education degrees are also available. [6]
In addition to on-campus classes in Laramie, the university’s Outreach School offers more than 30 degree, certificates and endorsement programs to distance learners across the state and beyond.[7] These programs are delivered through the use of technology, such as online and video conferencing classes. The Outreach School has nine regional centers across the state, with several on community college campuses, to give Wyoming residents access to a university education without relocating to Laramie.[8]
The university is a hub of cultural events in Laramie. It offers a variety of performing arts events, ranging from rock concerts in the Arena Auditorium to classical concerts and performances by the university's theater and dance department at the Fine Arts Center. Wyoming also boasts a competitive athletic program, one which annually challenges for conference and national championships. University of Wyoming offers many extracurricular activities, including over 200 student clubs and organizations that include a wide range of social, professional and academic groups. The Wyoming Union is the hub of the campus, with the campus bookstore and numerous student facilities.
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On September 27, 1886 the cornerstone of Old Main was laid marking the beginning of the University of Wyoming. The stone is inscribed Domi Habuit Unde Disceret, which is often translated, "He need not go away from home for instruction." The following year, the first class of 42 men and women began their college education. For the next decade the building housed classrooms, a library and administration offices.[9]
The style of Old Main set a precedence for all future University buildings. The main stone used is rough-cut sandstone from a quarry east of Laramie and the trim stone is smooth Potsdam Sandstone from a quarry near Rawlins. Old Main was designed to be a monumental structure and was designed to be a symmetrical building with a prominent central spire as the focal point. The building was also designed to reflect the character of Wyoming and the rough stone and smooth trim represented the progressing frontier. The design of Old Main had a lasting effect on university structures, which is most visible by the use of sandstone façade on nearly every building.[10]
In 1916, the central spire was removed due to structural concerns and the auditorium was reduced in size during a 1936 renovation. In 1949, the building was thoroughly remodeled--the auditorium and exterior stairs were completely removed. It also became officially known as Old Main and the name was carved above the east entrance. Currently, Old Main houses university administration including the President's Office and the board room where the Trustees often meet.[11]
| “ | In order to preserve the natural and open beauty of that portion of the University of Wyoming campus commonly known and referred to as "Prexy's Pasture", no structures, other than ornamental improvements, or buildings of any kind or type shall be located or constructed upon [that] portion of the campus... | ” |
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—Title 21 Chapter 17 Article 4 Part B, Wyoming Legislature Statute |
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Prexy's Pasture is a large grassy area located within a ring of classroom and administrative buildings and serves as the center mall of the campus. The name is attributed to an obscure rule that the university president, or "prexy", is given exclusive use of the area for livestock grazing. During the administration of Arthur G. Crane the name, "Prexy's Pasture", was formally declared. Prexy's, as it is often called today, is also known for the unique pattern formed by concrete pathways that students and faculty use to cross the pasture.[12]
When the University of Wyoming first opened its doors in 1887, Prexy's Pasture was nothing more than an actual pasture covered in native grasses. Over time, as the needs of the university has changed, the area has been altered and redesigned. The original design was established in 1924 and in 1949 the area was landscaped with Blue Spruce and Mugo Pine.[13] In February of 1965, the Board of Trustees decided to construct the new science center on the west side of Prexy's Pasture. The board president, Harold F. Newton, who was concerned about the location, leaked the decision to the local press. The uproar that followed caused the board to decide on a new location for the science center and resulted in a new state statute making it necessary for any new structure built on the pasture to receive legislative approval.[14] The statue known as "University of Wyoming Family," was installed in 1983 by UW Professor Robert Russin in anticipation of the centennial celebration.[15]
In the summer of 2004, Prexy's Pasture was remodeled as the first step in a two part redesign project. This step involved removing the asphalt roadway that circled the pasture and replacing it with concrete walkways to make the area a walking campus, as recommended by the 1966 and 1991 Campus Master Plans. The grassy area was also increased by 35% and new lampposts were installed for better lighting.[16] The second phase of the project involves the construction of a plaza at each corner featuring trees and rocks styled after the rocky outcrops of nearby Vedauwoo.[17] Two of the plazas, Simpson Plaza and Cheney Plaza, have been completed.
Currently, several exhibits from the exhibition Sculpture: A Wyoming Invitational are featured along the exterior walkway.[18] Also, outside of its primary use by students travelling to and from classes or socializing, the area is also host to campus barbecues and fall welcome events.[19]
In September of 1937, with the approval of the Wyoming State Legislature, President Arthur G. Crane obtained a Public Works Administration loan for $149,250 to be used for construction of a student union. On March 3, 1938, ground was broken and construction began on what would become the Wyoming Union. Many students were involved in the construction and twenty-five students were trained to be stone-cutters.
From the beginning, the Wyoming Union housed an assortment of student needs and activities. The formal and informal social needs were met by including a ballroom, banquet room, lounges, and game rooms. Offices for student government, committees, organizations, and publications were included to help meet the political and organizational needs of the student population. Lastly, a student store, post office, and bookstore completed the design. One year after construction began, the Wyoming Union opened with its first banquet and ball.[20]
The original design has been modified several times to accommodate changing needs and a growing student population. The first addition was completed in January of 1960. This section, added to the northeast of the original structure, expanded the ballroom, created a lounge area and senate chambers adjacent to the ballroom, created the main lobby and breezeway, and provided a larger food area called The Gardens. In 1973, an addition to the north was completed to create a food court, more space for the bookstore, and additional offices. Also, parts of the original building were remodeled to create the Campus Activities Center, an art gallery, and a ticket outlet. In 2000, the Wyoming Union underwent extensive renovation. The $12 million project moved the food court to the main level, expanded the bookstore to the lower level, and revitalized the look and feel of the interior.[21][22]
The original library at the University of Wyoming consisted of three hundred books and was located in Old Main. In 1923, the library was moved to the new Aven Nelson Memorial Building. With the 1950s came a larger student population and a greater push for America to excel academically. These factors contributed to the decision by the board of trustees that it was necessary to construct a new library. However, the 1951 state legislature rejected the funding request.
William Robertson Coe, a financier and philanthropist, came to the aid of president Humphrey in 1954 by contributing $750,000 in securities to the university. The trustees called the grant, "one of the most outstanding contributions that has ever been made to the perpetuation of the American heritage" and ensured Coe that the building would be "appropriately named."[23] The state legislature, in 1955, matched the Coe grant for an overall amount of $1.5 million.
Laramie architects Eliot and Clinton Hitchcock, whose father had designed Aven Nelson, teamed up with the Porter and Porter firm in Cheyenne to design the new library. Their modular design was popular at the time and intended to make the space very functional. The layout provided room for over five hundred thousand books and seating for at least nine hundred students. In May of 1956, one year after the death of Coe, ground was broken and construction began on the building. The William Robertson Coe library was finished in time for the Fall 1958 semester.[24] In 1979 the stack tower, now known as Coe Central, was completed. This structure, designed by Kellogg and Kellogg of Cheyenne and Rock Springs, almost doubled the shelf space of the original Coe Library.[25]
The most recent renovation of the library was completed in the fall of 2009 and officially dedicated on November 19th, 2009. The new wing, referred to as Coe East, was designed by Ev Ruffcorn and adds 94,500 square-feet to the library.[26] The addition was part of a larger, $50 million project to modernize the library by integrating technology and information. The renovation created an additional 20 group study rooms, space for 180 computer terminals and features art by James Surls.[27][28]
The Classroom Building, dedicated in 1971 at a cost of $1.75 million, is designed to be a general purpose building for the university. The placement and unique design, by the local architects W. Eliot and Clinton A. Hitchcock, makes it the focal point of the George Duke Humphrey Science Center. The building also contains four interior mosaics, designed by UW art professors James Boyle, Joseph Deaderick, Richard Evans and Victor Flach, that represent the quadrant of Wyoming they face. Each mosaic is over 2200 square feet.[29]
In 2007, after a two year $14.7 million renovation project, the classroom building reopened. The goal of the renovation was to incorporate new technology and redesign the seating to better meet the needs of students who carry laptops and backpacks. The building was also retrofitted with air conditioning. The unique characteristics of the original building, such as the circular design and mosaics were maintained.[30]
The University has six residence halls and three apartment complexes. Four of the residence halls (Orr, White, Downey, and McIntyre) are connected together via the Washakie Dining Center, which contains the main dining hall and other student services. These residence halls, along with nearby Hill Hall, house primarily freshmen. All incoming freshmen are expected to live in the residence halls during their first year, with some exceptions.[31]Crane Hall, named after Arthur G. Crane, is reserved for students of sophomore standing and above and is configured with almost all single occupancy rooms.[32]
Each of the residence halls is named after an influential administrator or faculty member. Downey Hall is an eight-story tall dormitory located southwest of the Washakie Dining Center and is named after Dr. June Etta Downey.[33][34] Located west of the Washakie Dining Center is the twelve-story dormitory known as White Hall, which is named after Dr. Laura Amanda White.[35] McIntyre Hall named after Dr. Clara Frances McIntyre, is located east of the Washakie Dining Center. This twelve-story tall building underwent extensive renovations in 2004 and 2005.[36] Just northeast of McIntyre Hall is the eight-story Orr Hall, named after Dr. Harriet Knight Orr.[37] From 2005 to 2006, Orr Hall also underwent extensive renovations to modernize the living space.[38]
The University Apartments are located east of War Memorial Stadium. These apartments are available on a first-come, first-served basis to all UW students above freshman standing. Currently there are over 450 apartment units in a variety of layouts in the River Village, Landmark and Spanish Walk apartment complexes.[39]
The University of Wyoming is home to several facilities that allow the public to view unique collections. The American Heritage Center is an extensive repository of artifacts and manuscripts. It is one of the largest non-governmental archives west of the Mississippi River. Officially established in 1945, it now contains nearly 70,000 cubic feet of historic documents and artifacts. It is also home to the Toppan Library, which contains 55,000 rare books.[40] The American Heritage Center has also been a leader in digitizing historic texts, photos and recordings.
The Geological Museum houses a collection of fossils and minerals with special focus on the history of Wyoming. When the University of Wyoming was founded, the museum was nothing more than a small personal collection of the professor J.D. Conley. In 1893, Wilbur Knight, who was hired as a professor of mining and geology, took over as the museum curator. In 1902, the museum was moved to the Hall of Science and continued to expand. When the collection was moved to its current location in 1956, Wilbur Knight's son Samuel Howell Knight, who was voted to be Wyoming's "Citizen of the Century" in 1999, had made the Geology Department famous around the country. S.H Knight is responsible for many of the exhibits and paintings that are still on display, including the copper Tyrannosaurus at the entrance, the initial mounting of the Apatosaurus skeleton centerpiece and the terracotta Stegosaurus and Triceratops panels.[41] One of the most famous exhibits at the museum is the Allosaurus known as, Big Al, which was featured in the BBC documentary, The Ballad of Big Al.[42] The University of Wyoming Geological Museum has also received coverage from National Geographic, CNN, Earth Magazine, Walter Cronkite, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw and has been shown on many dinosaur programs.[43] On June 30, 2009, the museum was closed to meet state budget cuts. Following this controversial decision, an endowment fund was setup to support the museum.[44][45][46] It is currently open on a part time basis.[47][48]
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources offers state-of-the-art teaching, research labs and field environments, and an indoor livestock teaching arena. Faculty members hold seven patents in genetics. With nearly 30 courses in environmental studies and natural resources, the college provides hands-on experience and enhanced research opportunities.
The College of Arts & Sciences offers more than 50 majors, 60 minors, and seven interdisciplinary programs. Geology, Archaeology, Botany, and Geography programs take advantage of Wyoming’s unique environment, while International Studies, Sociology, and Political Science provide global context. Emphasizing field study, internships, and individual research projects, A&S enhances global perspectives through exchange programs and study abroad.
The College of Business is one of fewer than 15% of all business schools worldwide to be fully accredited at the undergraduate and graduate levels by AACSB.[49] Seniors consistently score in the top 10% on nationwide business achievement tests, and more than 100 business scholarships are awarded annually.[50] Internationally recognized faculty provide hands-on education in state-of-the- art facilities.
The College of Education offers 20 different programs leading to certification as a teacher. Partnerships with Wyoming public schools provide a structure for students to gain hands-on experience in real classrooms, and the on-campus lab school provides a model of teaching and learning. Students gain experience with cutting-edge technologies for integration in public school classrooms. The College of Education boasts a strong history of quality graduates, high employment rates, and satisfaction among hiring districts.
Offering 12 programs of study, the College of Engineering and Applied Science provides also undergraduate research opportunities, an International Engineering Program, and Earth Systems Science.[51] Students are provided the opportunity to study and work abroad, addressing pressing issues of global environmental change. UW engineering seniors consistently score above the national average on their first licensing exam, which is in part due to Power Groups which allow freshmen to select common course schedules with students of similar interests.
The College of Health Science offers programs in pharmacy, nursing, social work, kinesiology, communication disorders, and dental hygiene, and students have the opportunity to receive preprofessional advising.[52] Students study and learn in interdisciplinary teams with state-of-the-art technology, including nursing students whom are able to study and learn in a simulated hospital ward.
The College of Law was founded in 1920, and has been accredited by the American Bar Association since 1923. Its location in the Rocky Mountain West has provided a direct connection to regional and global issues in environmental, natural resources, and energy law. The college boasts many state and federal judges, governors, senators and a former United States Ambassador to Ireland, and offers five clinical programs providing students with hands-on experience in the Brimmer Legal Education Center.[53]
The University of Wyoming's Environment and Natural Resources Program (ENR) is a leader in environment and natural resources in the West, and reaches a diverse audience through the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, and the Ruckelshaus Institute Board. The Haub School is a model in interdisciplinary learning, providing students with applied learning experiences that prepare them to work with all perspectives in solving natural resource issues. The Ruckelshaus Institute produces scientific reports and convenes events on natural resource issues. It is also a leader in collaborative process in environmental decision-making, and offers training courses in negotiation, facilitation, and media relations for natural resource professionals. The Wyoming Conservation Corps connects students to a diverse array of hands-one opportunities in natural resource management, and promotes leadership and outdoor skills through the completion of service projects on public lands throughout Wyoming.[citation needed]
The Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute (EORI) was formed as a center of excellence and a depository of knowledge regarding the implementation of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques in Wyoming. The mission of EORI is to promote the recovery of Wyoming’s stranded oil. The Institute exists to assist Wyoming operators with their EOR projects by applying existing technologies and creating new knowledge when necessary, maximize the economic potential and minimize the risk of EOR projects, facilitate the testing, evaluation, and documentation of EOR recommendations in the real world settings, and transfer the information to Wyoming producers by forming partnerships and conducting workshops and conferences. [54]
The university has established a Campus Sustainability Committee (CSC) to advance environmental and economic sustainability on campus. The CSC advises all departments and program on sustainability matters and oversees the university’s efforts and progress towards reducing its carbon footprint.[55] All new campus buildings are required to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). UW President Tom Buchanan signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in 2007.[56] For their advances on university sustainability, UW scored a "C" on the College Sustainability Report Card of the Sustainable Endowments Institute.[57]
The goal of Friday Night Fever (FNF) is to offer free and unique alcohol-free late-night entertainment for University of Wyoming students. The events vary by the week and are diverse to include all students.[58] Past events sponsored by FNF include comedians, magicians, hypnotists, the UW Idol Competition, Salsa Dancing, Casino Night, and inflatable games. The organization also regularly shows first-run movies in the Wyoming Union every Friday night at 6:30, 9:00, and 11:30 p.m.[59]
Nearly all fraternities and sororities are located on campus in university owned houses. Houses are located on Fraternity and Sorority Row. Fraternities line the northern (Fraternity) road and Sororities line the southern (Sorority) road. The two roads are separated by a large park and the playing field for UW's club rugby union team. This area is considered one of the last remaining true Fraternity rows.
The Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP), located in the south lobby of Half Acre, offers many activities for the outdoor enthusiasts. The program was established in 1997 by the University of Wyoming to provide a wide variety of educational training and to equip students to pursue adventures on their own.[60] Through the OAP, students can go on a variety of single, multiday, and week-long excursions. A few examples of the trips offered are rock climbing, white water rafting, ice climbing, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and mountain biking. Some of the educational programs offered are avalanche training, route setting, bike maintenance, and lead climbing courses.[61] The Outdoor Adventure Program is subsidized by student fees and participants only pay for the trip expenditures.[62] Equipment such as snowshoes, mountain bikes, camping supplies, and backpacking gear are available for rent.[63] The OAP also offers several events throughout the year such as rock climbing competitions at the Half Acre gym and the Banff Film Festival.[citation needed]
Founded in the fall of 2000, the goal of SafeRide is to prevent drinking and driving by offering on call service Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Since then, the service has transported over 160,000 passengers.[64]. Each SafeRide vehicle is clearly marked by an illuminated sign. The driver of the vehicle is accompanied by a SafeRide SideKick to assist with the responsibilities of transporting the passengers and communicating with the dispatcher. On January 23, 2009 the 150,000th rider was presented with a US $1000 scholarship.[65]
TransPark provides parking and transportation on and around the campus. The transit service consists of different systems that operate independently. Students need only to present their ID card to board the shuttles. With the exception of first-time visitors, other users are required to purchase tickets or passes. As of the Fall semester of 2009, a single ride costs US $0.50.[66]
The Union Express bus operates every five to seven minutes along Willett Dr. between the Union Express Lot and the east side of the Wyoming Union. Service is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on university business days. After 6 p.m. the Classroom Express services this route.[67]
The Campus Shuttle operates around the outside of the campus and provides service from the Classroom Building to the far east side of campus near the Spanish Walk Apartments. One bus drives to loop every 30 minutes from 6:56 a.m to 6:22 p.m. The Classroom Express also runs this route after the Campus Shuttle shuts down.[68]
Classroom Express shuttles operate in a loop around the campus ferrying passengers from the Express Lot to the Classroom Building. The shuttle departs every 10 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and every 20 minutes from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. After 6:10 p.m., the express also stops at the Wyoming Union.[69]
TransPark also operates the Night Owl Express, which provides on-call service from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The service can be requested by pressing the black buttons at one of the shelters on campus.[70]
University of Wyoming athletics teams are named the Cowboys and Cowgirls. Wyoming competes at the NCAA Division I level (FBS-Football Bowl Subdivision for football) as a member of the Mountain West Conference. UW offers 17 NCAA-sanctioned sports – nine women’s sports and eight men’s sports. Wyoming’s nine NCAA sports for women are: basketball; cross country; golf; soccer; swimming and diving; tennis; indoor track & field; outdoor track and field; and volleyball. UW’s eight NCAA sports for men are: basketball; cross country; football; golf; swimming and diving; indoor track and field; outdoor track and field; and wrestling.
Coordinates: 41°18′47″N 105°34′53″W / 41.31306°N 105.58139°W
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   | Official website - University of Wyoming |
| | Official athletics website - University of Wyoming Official Athletic Site |
| | Fine Arts website - UW: Fine Arts |
| | Bookstore and Official Merchandise Retailer - Welcome | University of Wyoming Bookstore |
| | University of Wyoming Outreach School - University of Wyoming Outreach School - Extending UW to your hometown. |
| | Best Places for Outdoor Activities - MSN Real Estate - We're sorry, the page you requested could not be found. |
| | Outside University: The Top 40 - Outside University: The Top 40 | Outside Online |
| | Chemical Engineering - UW Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering |
| | Architectural Engineering - UW Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering |
| | College of Engineering and Applied Science - UW College of Engineering Main Page |
| | Computer Science - UW Department of Computer Science |
| | College of Arts and Sciences - UW: College of Arts and Sciences |
| | College of Education - University of Wyoming - New Thinking |
| | College of Business - UW: Dean's Office |
| | College of Health Sciences - UW: College of Health Sciences |
| | Atmospheric Science - UW Department of Atmospheric Science |
| | Wyoming Conservation Corps begins project west of town - Casper Star-Tribune Online - Casper |
| | College of Agriculture - UW College of Agriculture - Think Big-Think Agriculture |
| | College of Law - University of Wyoming |
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