University of Wyoming: A Legacy of Research and Equality
Founded in March 1886—four years before Wyoming even became the 44th U.S. state—the University of Wyoming (UW) stands as a cornerstone of higher education in the American West. As a public land-grant research university located in Laramie, its very existence is enshrined in the state's constitution. Guided by the motto "Equality," the university has evolved from a frontier institution into a comprehensive research hub serving students across the state and online.
Today, the university manages a sprawling 2,060-acre campus, blending historic architecture with cutting-edge scientific facilities. With an endowment of $879.5 million as of 2024, UW continues to expand its academic reach and infrastructure to support a diverse student body of over 10,000 individuals.
Key Facts
- Established: September 27, 1886.
- Location: Laramie, Wyoming, with additional outreach in Casper and online.
- Student Population: 10,813 total students (Fall 2024), comprising 8,130 undergraduates and 2,683 postgraduates.
- Campus Size: 2,060 acres.
- Mascots: Cowboy Joe (a live horse) and Pistol Pete.
- Athletic Affiliation: NCAA Division I FBS – Mountain West.
Campus Landmarks and Architecture
The UW campus is a mix of historic sites and modern academic centers. One of the most central areas is Prexy's Pasture, which serves as a focal point for student life and university tradition.
Student Hubs and Academic Halls
The Wyoming Union, constructed in 1938 via a Public Works Administration loan during the Great Depression, remains a vital center for student activity. Nearby, Ross Hall—named after Nellie Tayloe Ross, the first woman governor in U.S. history—originally served as a women's dormitory before being converted into academic offices in 1975. It now houses the Wyoming Press Association's Newspaper Hall of Fame.
For athletics and history, the Half Acre Gym stands as a testament to the university's early growth. Built in 1925 to house the National Guard Armory and athletic programs, it earned its name from its original half-acre footprint.
Scientific and Academic Facilities
The university's commitment to research is evident in its specialized buildings. The Classroom Building, dedicated in 1971, is the centerpiece of the George Duke Humphrey Science Center and features four massive interior mosaics representing the quadrants of Wyoming.
A more recent addition is the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center, opened in 2012. This $15 million, 40,000-square-foot facility is dedicated to the study of biodiversity and houses the vertebrate museum, the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WNDD), and a rooftop garden.
Museums and Research Collections
The University of Wyoming is home to several world-class museums that bridge the gap between academic research and public education.
The Geological Museum
The University of Wyoming Geological Museum is perhaps most famous for "Big Al," an Allosaurus that gained international fame through a BBC documentary. Despite a brief closure in 2009 due to budget cuts, the museum reopened in 2013 thanks to a dedicated endowment fund, offering free admission to the public.
Other Cultural Institutions
The Centennial Complex serves as a dual hub, housing both the American Heritage Center and the University of Wyoming Art Museum. Additionally, the campus hosts the Anthropology Museum and the Insect Museum, contributing to a rich environment of scientific inquiry.
Academic Structure and Rankings
UW is organized into several specialized colleges and schools, ranging from the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources to the College of Law and the Honors College. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and maintains a space-grant affiliation.
The university performs strongly in specific disciplines, particularly in the Earth Sciences (ranked 46th) and Pharmacy (ranked 53rd) nationally.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| President | Shane R. Reeves |
| Total Faculty | 1,025 (1,002 full-time, 23 part-time) |
| Administrative Staff | 1,846 |
| Endowment | $879.5 million |
| Primary Colors | Brown and Gold |
Student Life and Housing
Residential life at UW is designed to integrate freshmen into the campus community. As of 2025, the university operates six residence halls and four apartment complexes. Most freshmen are required to live on campus.
The housing landscape has seen recent updates, with the construction of North Hall (2025) and South Hall (2026). North Hall now features a dining facility that has replaced the former Washakie Dining Center. Other notable halls include White Hall—the second tallest building in Wyoming at 146 feet—and McIntyre, Downey, and Orr halls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of "Big Al"?
Big Al is a famous Allosaurus specimen housed at the University of Wyoming Geological Museum. It gained global recognition after being featured in the BBC documentary The Ballad of Big Al.
Who is the university's mascot?
The university has two mascots: Cowboy Joe, who is a live horse, and Pistol Pete.
What are the university's colors and nickname?
The official colors are brown and gold, and the athletic teams are known as the Cowboys and Cowgirls.
Which building is the second tallest in Wyoming?
White Hall, a residence hall standing at 146 feet, is the second tallest building in the state, trailing the Wyoming Financial Center in Cheyenne by only two feet.
What is the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center?
Opened in 2012, it is a 40,000-square-foot facility dedicated to biodiversity research, housing the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database and a vertebrate museum.