President Ed Seidel

Seidel and the University of Wyoming faced political challenges, enrollment struggles and leadership controversies, but they also reached new heights in research, fundraising and, according to Seidel, free speech on campus.

Former University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel ended his six-year stint in the leadership role this week. Shane Reeves became UW’s 29th president July 1.

Declining enrollment and other factors left UW $15 million short. On Wednesday, the trustees approved a budget reducing college spending by 2%, among other cost-saving changes.

West Point’s chief academic advisor will become the University of Wyoming’s leader this summer, succeeding Ed Seidel.

UW College of Ag Dean Kelly Crane and West Point Brigadier General Shane Reeves will meet with faculty, staff and students on campus next week.

The commission will draft guidelines for ethical use in labs and classrooms, outline funding and partnership opportunities and more.

The University of Wyoming campus community was shocked last week by two incidents involving Nazi messages displayed on pumpkins and a giant inflatable ball.

The parties have yet to argue the underlying allegations in court. UW sought immediate dismissal on procedural grounds, which the court denied.

UW has 3,000 fewer students today than it did in 2015. But this fall's student headcount of 10,800 has UW officials celebrating.

The University of Wyoming's president highlighted ongoing challenges, and some causes for celebration, during the annual State of the University address.