HINES

From the family ranch in Campbell County to the halls of the Wyoming Legislature and the University of Wyoming, John Hines dedicated his life to serving Wyoming. A noteworthy gift from the estate of the late rancher and former state legislator will carry that commitment forward, supporting UW students, advancing wildlife and livestock health research, and investing in UW student-athletes.

The gift will support the Hines Family Scholarship, contribute to the Wildlife Livestock Health Center Endowment, and provide continued support for the Cowboy Joe Club.

Hines established the Hines Family Scholarship in 2005 to honor his family’s long-standing legacy in Wyoming agriculture. The scholarship supports students with financial need who are enrolled in UW’s College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources, with first preference given to students from Wyoming.

The Wildlife Livestock Health Center Endowment provides significant benefits to Wyoming’s livestock and wildlife industries. The program offers hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, along with specialized training focused on diseases affecting wildlife and livestock through the use of emerging technologies. Hines’s gift will further expand opportunities, advance research, and promote a deeper understanding of animal health issues across the state.

Hines’s estate also will provide continued support to the Cowboy Joe Club for student-athletes and UW Athletics.

The Hines family has operated a ranch in Campbell County since 1900. Originally a cattle and horse operation, the ranch shifted to running sheep in the 1930s and transitioned back to cattle ranching in 2009. Hines graduated from Campbell County High School and attended UW, studying in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources. He then served in the U.S. Army.

In 1960, Hines purchased his family’s ranch from his mother and dedicated himself to Wyoming agriculture. He served as president of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, was a charter member of the Cowboy Joe Club, and supported UW student-athletes through his generosity for more than 50 years.

Hines served 29 years in the Wyoming Legislature. From 1985–2002, he represented District 31 in the House of Representatives. From 2003 until his retirement in 2015, he represented District 23 in the Senate. Hines passed away in 2024 at the age of 87.