President at InsideHigherEd

PRESIDENTIAL POSITION PROFILE

This is an abbreviated advertisement. To view the full profile, please visit:
https://www.parkersearch.com/opportunities/wyoming-president

Wyoming’s flagship and land-grant Carnegie R1 university seeks a dynamic leader to lead the institution on a continued trajectory of growth and improvement, drawing upon the state and university’s proud history and culture of innovation to provide world-class education, research and service for Wyoming, the nation and the world.

VISION

Use our unique strengths to make Wyoming and the world a better place.

MISSION

As Wyoming’s university, we unlock the extraordinary in every person through education, research, innovation, engagement, and service.

WE VALUE

• Access to an affordable, high-quality education.
• Real-world education where students learn by doing.
• A welcoming and supportive learning community fostered by integrity, inclusivity, freedom of expression, and respect.
• The growth, health, and leadership capacity of all members of the university community.
• Wyoming’s wild and working lands as an asset to be utilized, understood, stewarded, and treasured.
• Our partnership and engagement with Wyoming communities in the creation and exchange of knowledge and resources.
• Our role as a catalyst for innovation and economic vitality.

UW AT A GLANCE

• 10,819 Official Headcount
• 73% Of Students are Wyoming Residents
• 220 Degree Programs & Certificates
• #1 Best College Town in America in 2024 by thetravel.com
• 12 Colleges & Schools
• $900M Privately funded endowment
• 1886 Year UW was Established
• 3,723 Non-Benefited Employees (2024)
• 3,124 Benefited Employees (2024)

IN AND AROUND LARAMIE

• 7220 Elevation
• 32,000+ Population
• 30 Minutes from Ski & Snow Sports

POSITION PROFILE
The president of the University of Wyoming (UW) reports directly to the UW Board of Trustees, whose twelve voting members are appointed by the Governor. The president is responsible to the board for effective leadership, efficient management and communication, and works with other campus leaders to affect these outcomes.

The Board is seeking outstanding candidates who demonstrate:

• A compelling vision to ensure that UW, as the state’s only four-year institution, conveys and fulfills its land-grant mission, and offers quality teaching, research, and service relevant to Wyoming, the nation, and the world.
• An understanding of the importance of Wyoming’s sense of place and an ability to meaningfully connect the university to the distinct and unique communities it serves.
• A strong commitment to educating students with a focus on student success and academic excellence.
• Robust leadership experience and commitment to the values of higher education.
• The capacity to effectively tell the University of Wyoming’s story and champion UW’s mission and achievements.
• A dedication to foster continued research excellence and communicate the value of UW’s research and programs to statewide stakeholders.
• A commitment to building and sustaining a robust and highly competitive Division I athletics program within the context of the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
• Insight into the mission and value of higher education and a disciplined focus on core academic and service priorities.
• A commitment to institutional neutrality, academic freedom and freedom of expression, and an environment of communication, tolerance, and respect.
• Strong managerial skills and fiscal acumen, including a significant understanding of finances and budget management.
• An ability to positively interact with the state legislature and elected officials to support continued public investment in the University.
• An ability to strategically lead planning processes related to academics and teaching, research, student enrollment, athletics and the arts and the internal discipline to implement these plans.
• An unwavering commitment to shared governance and experience building healthy and collaborative partnerships.
• The people skills, humility, and capability to build trust and unite groups ranging from students, faculty, and staff to business and community leaders, community college presidents, elected officials, and the people of Wyoming.
• The diplomatic skill and political acumen to serve as an effective bridge between the university, state government, and Wyoming’s citizens.
• The presence to represent the university with credibility and confidence as the ambassador of Wyoming’s flagship and land-grant institution.
• An appreciation of and commitment to expanding UW’s participation in the state’s economic development.
• Experience as a successful fundraiser, particularly in overseeing and promoting the mission and goals of a dynamic UW Foundation.
• Proven crisis leadership experience and the ability to navigate conflict and challenging circumstances.
• Persuasive communication skills, impeccable integrity, along with both candor and a sense of humor.
• Transparent decision making and an ability to listen deeply in ways that build trust.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

The Presidential Search Committee invites confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications (letter of interest, resume/CV and contact information for at least five professional references) to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University of Wyoming. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted prior to February 16, 2026 to:

Laurie C. Wilder, President
Porsha L. Williams, Vice President
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875
Atlanta, Georgia 30328
770-804-1996 ext. 117
[email protected] | [email protected]

The University is committed to equal opportunity for all persons in all facets of the University’s operations and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The University  will provide all applicants for admissions, employment and all University employees with equal opportunity without regard to race, gender, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, creed, ancestry, political belief, or any other applicable protected category or participation in any protected activity. The University ensures non-discriminatory practices in all matters relating to its education programs and activities and extends the same nondiscriminatory practices to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, demotions, transfers, and all other terms and conditions of employment.