Seidel to step down as UW president at conclusion of contract in 2026
LARAMIE — University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel has informed the UW Board of Trustees he will step down from his position as president when his contract expires June 30, 2026.
Seidel shared his plans with the board at this time to allow ample time for a thoughtful, inclusive search for the university’s next president and to assist in a smooth and seamless leadership transition, according to a UW news release.
“Serving as president of the University of Wyoming has been a tremendous honor for me,” Seidel said in the release. “It has been a great privilege to work on behalf of our students, our university community and our state. I’m deeply proud of all we’ve accomplished together during the past five years.”
Seidel became UW’s 28th president July 1, 2020. During his tenure, UW has had numerous advancements and achievements, including the following:
• Status as a Carnegie R1 Research and Carnegie Engaged university.
• Launch of a School of Computing.
• An academic reorganization supporting efficiencies and thematic synergies in several colleges.
• Helping to create the Wyoming Innovation Partnership with Wyoming’s community colleges and the governor’s office.
• Campuswide principles and programs regarding freedom of expression.
• Launch of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
• Creation of the Jay Kemmerer Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Institute.
• New initiatives for student, faculty and dean support, with increases in student retention and success rates, creation of numerous professorships and endowed chairs, and UW’s first four endowed deanships.
Kermit Brown, UW Board of Trustees chairman, expressed appreciation for all that Seidel has done to guide UW.
“We deeply appreciate President Seidel’s commitment to this university,” Brown said in the release. “He has moved us forward in innumerable ways, and we are grateful for his leadership and dedication. We look forward to his support and assistance in our transition to new leadership.”
“I thank President Seidel for his commitment to making UW one of the finest universities in the country,” Gov. Mark Gordon added. “He has led through significant challenges with a forward- looking vision and a steadfast commitment to the university’s future. He has moved the university forward, and I especially appreciate his leadership in establishing the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, which has strengthened higher education and workforce development. We will continue to work together with the trustees in the next year to ensure that UW continues to thrive. I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Seidel said he is fully committed to building on the foundation he has laid.
“In the coming year, I look forward to continuing our work along with the Board of Trustees, the leadership team, our faculty, staff and students — as well as our alumni, donors and partners across Wyoming — to build momentum for UW’s next chapter,” Seidel said. Student success and faculty excellence will remain as key priorities for UW and Seidel.
Rob Godby, UW’s Faculty Senate chair, welcomed the opportunity to help UW in its transition to new leadership.
“We thank President Seidel for all he has done to advance the university,” Godby said in the release. “We look forward to working with the president and the administration to best position UW for its future.”
The Board of Trustees will establish a search process for UW’s next president. Details of the search process will be announced as they are determined.
This story was published on July 22, 2025.