University of Wyoming

Historian Phil Roberts discusses his new book, ‘Cody’s Cave’

Willow Belden — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:09:04 +0000

Historian Phil Roberts at the University of Wyoming recently published a book called “Cody’s Cave,” which tells the story of a vast set of caverns near Cody. The cave was once a national monument, but was then turned over to local control, and Roberts argues that that was a grave mistake, because the site is now just a hole in the ground, off limits to the public. Roberts joined Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden to talk about the cave, and its demise.

Mining reclamation conference shares lessons for reclamation success

Irina Zhorov — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:07:46 +0000

An international conference about mining reclamation ended in Laramie today. The American Society of Mining and Reclamation and the Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Center hosted the event, which featured technical presentations about reclamation issues as well as policy questions and case studies.

UW professor and director of the Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Center, Pete Stahl, says there were many Australian and Chinese stakeholders in attendance.

WSGS study lists potentially abundant rare earth deposits

Rebecca Martinez — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:58:49 +0000

The Wyoming State Geological Survey has released a study showing an abundance of rare earth metals in rock samples from across the state.

Wyoming hosts mining reclamation conference

Irina Zhorov — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:59:29 +0000

Mining industry representatives and researchers are gathering in Laramie this week for the meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation. The last time Wyoming hosted the American Society of Mining and Reclamation was in 2007. Peter Stahl, director of the Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Center, says the fact that the industry gathering has returned to Wyoming so soon is a testament to the state’s role in the field of land reclamation.

Poem: “Wild, Wild East: Finding Hints of Asia in the West”

LuLing Osofsky — Fri, 31 May 2013 22:01:08 +0000

As a graduate student in UW’s Creative Writing Program, LuLing Osofsky was fascinated by the various ways she saw Indian culture present in Laramie. South Asian students celebrated traditional festivals on campus, and the town had a good place to get curry. She writes about experiencing these pockets of India in her series of vignettes called “Wild Wild East: Finding Hints of Asia in the West.”

UW will automatically admit associates degree-holders from state community colleges

Rebecca Martinez — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:49:28 +0000

Students who earn associate of arts or science degrees at Wyoming Community Colleges will automatically be admitted to the University of Wyoming starting this fall. UW and the Wyoming Community College Commission announced the new policy at Casper College today.

Study: Cutthroat decline means grizzlies eat more elk

Bob Beck — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:34:20 +0000

A new study shows that the decline in native cutthroat trout has had dramatic impacts on the migratory elk herds in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Lead Researcher Arthur Middleton and others were studying the decline of elk herds in the region, and they determined that grizzly bears were playing a greater role in those deaths than they realized.

The illegal introduction of lake trout into Yellowstone Lake has harmed the cutthroat trout population.

UW Arts and Sciences Dean is wrapping up his career

Irina Zhorov — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:45:50 +0000

The Dean of the University of Wyoming’s College of Arts and Sciences will retire this summer, after more than 40 years at the University. Oliver Walter came to U-W in 1970 to teach political science, and became dean in 1989. He says he’s seen a lot change during his time at U-W, including growing emphasis on research, more technology on campus, and increasing diversity. But, for him, a highlight has been the growth of the study abroad program and international relationships.

UW hopes to sell itself to more Colorado students

Bob Beck — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:32:24 +0000

Now that Colorado State University is planning to increase in-state tuition by nine percent, a University of Wyoming official says that more students might consider U-W as an affordable option for college.

U-W Vice President for Academic Affairs Sara Axelson says even though Wyoming’s out-of-state tuition will soon increase slightly… the cost is going to be very competitive when compared with C-S-U. She says they will work hard to point that out to high school seniors.

Administrator takes down "UW Crushes," apologizes

Rebecca Martinez — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:13:53 +0000

Page administers have removed UW Crushes from Facebook. This follows a public backlash to a post that directed violent sexual language at a University of Wyoming student.

UW Crushes was not affiliated with the university.

The page allowed users to anonymously submit messages about other UW students. Many were vague compliments, but some were sexually explicit or use real names.

Event to raise awareness about sexual assault and rape

Luke Hammons — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:17:42 +0000

Several groups will lead a rally in Laramie this week to combat rape culture. The event called Take Back the Night will incorporate music, dance and poetry to raise awareness about sexual assault and support survivors.

UW’s School of Energy Resources working to forge research relationship with Saudi Arabia

Irina Zhorov — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:17:30 +0000

The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources is working to forge a relationship with Saudi Arabia’s national oil and gas company, Saudi Aramco, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Saudi Aramco is the biggest oil and gas company in the world and invests heavily in research and development. SER Director, Mark Northam, just returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia. He says Wyoming and Saudi Arabia face similar challenges when it comes to unconventional reservoirs and water shortages, and he says they would both benefit by sharing their resources.

Author speaks to UW

Bob Beck — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:17:05 +0000

While many express views on what the founding fathers of the United States intended in documents such as the constitution, few have the expertise to weigh in on that topic like noted historian and author David McCullough.

McCullough has authored books on 1776 and former President John Adams. Following a speech at the University of Wyoming, McCullough told Wyoming Public Radio that it’s hard to pin a specific point of view on the founding fathers.

Mead trip spurs Saudi interest in UW research

The Associated Press — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:02:17 +0000

Gov. Matt Mead's weeklong trip to Saudi Arabia last week has succeeded in drawing interest to energy research going on at the University of Wyoming.

As a result of the trip, officials from Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil giant will be visiting UW soon to get a closer look at the research.

UW has been doing specialized research that could have application to extracting oil from underground formations that are tough to tap.

Native American leader says protecting water rights is key for tribes

Irina Zhorov — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:26:34 +0000

Native American tribes need to make sure they are protecting their natural resources. Eastern Shoshone Business Council member Wes Martel, from the Wind River Indian Reservation, spoke during a University of Wyoming American Indian Studies program this week. Martel said tribes need to be more careful about the kinds of contracts they enter into for energy development. He added that water is the new gold but very few tribes are taking real steps to secure this resource.

UW Nursing School chosen to participate in initiative to better nursing education

Bob Beck — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:12:04 +0000

The University of Wyoming’s Fay Whitney School of Nursing has been chosen to participate in a $3 million initiative aimed at transforming nursing education. The initiative is called the Future of Nursing State Implementation Program. UW School of Nursing Dean Mary Burman says the effort is intended to address issues that include health care access, quality and cost. Burman says in Wyoming, they will look at three key issues.

Incoming President gets ready for UW

Bob Beck — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 01:06:59 +0000

The incoming President of the University of Wyoming says he will be spending the next few months taking a close look at how he can help U-W advance. Doctor Robert Sternberg says one of his first objectives will be to travel the state and receive public feedback about the University.

Sternberg says his fresh perspective can bring new ideas to U-W, but he also plans to lean on people familiar with the University as he develops his ideas. He says this was a successful approach at Oklahoma State University where he is the Provost.

UW announces new president

Irina Zhorov — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:23:54 +0000

Robert J. Sternberg will be University of Wyoming’s next president. The UW Board of Trustees made the announcement this afternoon during a teleconference. Sternberg currently serves as provost and senior vice president at Oklahoma State University.

The trustees wanted to keep finalists’ names secret, but a district court judge ruled that names had to be made public. Some candidates dropped out when the trustees said they would comply.

UW Trustees are winding down search for University President

Rebecca Martinez — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 01:41:12 +0000

This weekend, the University of Wyoming’s Board of Trustees interviewed four candidates to replace President Tom Buchanan, who will retire this summer.

The search for a new UW president was originally confidential, to allow candidates to maintain security in their current jobs, but a judge in Laramie ruled that the University must release the names of its candidates to the public. In order to stay on schedule, the Board of Trustees obliged, but not before telling candidates the search would no longer be confidential.

Kemmerer native and LA Lakers owner Jerry Buss dies at 80

Rebecca Martinez — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:41:34 +0000

Wyoming native and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team Jerry Buss has died.

Gerald Buss grew up in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Buss was raised by his mother Jessie, a waitress. As a boy, Buss waited in food lines during the great depression.

Law allowing a secret search for UW President enacted

Bob Beck — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:17:34 +0000

Governor Matt Mead has let a bill that would change Wyoming’s Open Records law go into effect without his signature. The Governor expressed concern over the legislation that would allow University of Wyoming Trustees to continue their search for a new President in private. Mead says he is concerned about expanding the exemption of the Open Records law. A Judge recently ruled that the finalists for President needed to be made public. But Senate President Tony Ross defended the bill’s enactment.

Funding for UW College of Engineering building debated

Bob Beck — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:21:57 +0000

An attempt to remove funding from the University of Wyoming’s College of Engineering failed in the state House of Representatives.

Jackson Representative Keith Gingery fought to remove $55 million that will be spent to upgrade the UW College of Engineering, because the state has other needs.

Researchers hope to improve wind farm efficiency

Luke Hammons — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 23:45:14 +0000

A group of University of Wyoming researchers received $508,000 from NASA to study aerodynamics and wind resistance at Wyoming’s Supercomputing Center.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that Wyoming has one of the highest capacities for wind power production in the country. But University of Wyoming Mathematics Professor Stefan Heinz says most wind farms aren’t arranged as efficiently as they could be. He says the wake of one turbine often disrupts the turbines around it, reducing efficiency.

Legislature passes bill to keep UW Presidential search secret

Bob Beck — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:29:22 +0000

The Wyoming Senate has given final approval to a bill that could trump a Judge’s ruling and once again keep the finalists for the University of Wyoming Presidency secret.

A Judge told UW trustees that they must make the search public following a lawsuit from three media organizations. Supporters say that in order for U-W to attract a sitting President or Provost for the job, they need to keep their names private, so they don’t jeopardize the candidate’s current job.

Senate votes to keep UW President search secret

Person: Bob Beck — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:15:14 +0000

The State Senate has moved quickly in giving initial approval to a bill that would allow the University of Wyoming and community colleges to have a secret search for their presidents. A judge ruled that UW must open up its search for President, but the legislation is intended to allow the university to resume the search in secret. A Senate committee approved the bill this morning and by this afternoon the Senate gave the legislation initial approval. Senator Charles Scott says executive sessions are used in personnel discussions across the state and this is no different.

UW program will prepare a new generation of landmen for the booming energy industry

Irina Zhorov — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 23:06:27 +0000

University of Wyoming just initiated a new program out of its burgeoning School of Energy Resources. The professional land management concentration will train landmen. Those are people who look for untapped oil and gas and other resources and negotiate contracts between their owners and companies that want to develop them. Wyoming Public Radio’s Irina Zhorov reports that the program is just in time.

[sound from meeting]

WY House passes bill to keep UW President search secret

Bob Beck — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:13:04 +0000

The Wyoming House of Representatives has given final approval to a bill that would let the University of Wyoming and Community Colleges keep their candidates for president secret. House Majority Floor Leader Kermit Brown says that releasing names of finalists will compromise candidates who have jobs on other campuses.

“You’ve got people in similar positions where they are and they want to make discreet applications, but they don’t want to totally wreck their situation back home if they are not selected. And that’s where the rub comes,” says Brown.

Wyoming House supports allowing university, college president searches to remain confidential

Bob Beck — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:25:12 +0000

The Wyoming House of Representatives has given initial approval to a bill that would allow the University of Wyoming and community colleges in the state to keep presidential searches secret.

Media groups have sued to require UW to make its presidential finalists public as UW tries to find a replacement for the retiring President Tom Buchanan.

For UW’s School of Energy Resources, transparency about funding is key.

Irina Zhorov — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:18:36 +0000

The School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming is funded in large part with money from the energy industry. Other universities have gotten heat lately for not being open enough with their funding sources. Wyoming Public Radio’s Irina Zhorov reports that some stakeholders are concerned about too much influence from energy at UW, but SER promises transparency.

District court says UW needs to be more open about search for president

Irina Zhorov — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:03:23 +0000

The Albany County District Court ruled today that the University of Wyoming must release records identifying the finalists for the job of UW President.

The law suit was filed by media organizations who argued for the release of information about finalists, but the university said that releasing such information could impede their chances of getting the best candidates.

The UW Board of Trustees President, Dave Bostrom, says because of the ruling’s broad implication the university will consider an appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court.