In 1990, the University of Wyoming established its first endowed position, the Wold Chair. Today, the number of endowed positions at UW has soared to more than 90. These positions -- whether deans, chairs or professorships -- are supported by philanthropy and bring additional prestige as well as flexible funding, allowing the holders to strengthen their impact across teaching, research and outreach.

The spring issue of UWyo Magazine highlights these endowed positions, with features covering their history; donor perspectives; interviews with current endowed faculty; stewardship of the endowments; programs they benefit; their impact on students and much more. Readers also will learn about the state’s Wyoming Excellence Chairs.

“Our alumni and friends have stepped forward in inspiring ways,” says outgoing UW President Ed Seidel. “I am particularly grateful for the growing investment in endowed deanships and faculty positions ... These endowed chairs and professorships enable us to recruit and retain exceptional scholars and teachers whose work will shape this university for generations, and to give them tools to excel. Every endowed position represents a lasting commitment to excellence.”

These positions impact every area of campus.

“It’s really important for us to support our faculty so that we can attract the brightest and the best to this university for the benefit of our students,” says Doug Stark who, together with his wife, Deniz, established the Doug and Deniz Stark Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Professorship in the Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program in the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources.

As UW Foundation board chairman, Stark has been instrumental in helping lead the charge to create more endowed positions.

“It’s really a nice trend, and I think it will continue,” he says. “Donors know and see the impact that faculty can have on students, and that motivates them.”

Read and share the spring issue of UWyo Magazine at www.uwyo.edu/uwyo-mag.