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UW Presidential Candidate Duane Nellis Visits Laramie

WPR/Aaron Schrank

The first of three finalist candidates for the University of Wyoming presidency visited campus Monday to meet with faculty, staff, students and others.

Duane Nellis has been the President of Texas Tech University in Lubbock since 2013. Nellis says serving under a chancellor in the Texas Tech system can be a challenge—with no clear line of authority.

“Some of the structural elements that are part of the Texas Tech University system, it makes it a little bit harder to manage as President,” says Nellis. “But I think the University of Wyoming has a very different structure, and an opportunity for me to be the type of President I want to be.

In several public meetings, Nellis was asked about topics including industry’s role at UW, academic freedom, faculty compensation and student diversity.

Nellis says he’d work with state leaders to improve UW.

“Looking at the state’s budget situation, I’d certainly welcome the opportunity to meet with the Governor and key legislators and figure out ways that we can gain even further support for what is the flagship research entity in the state of Wyoming—and we look forward to advancing that,” Nellis says.

Nellis also says the job in Wyoming appeals to him because he grew up in Montana and likes the region.

The next presidential candidate will visit the University on Wednesday. The final candidate will visit next Monday. 

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