Seidel takes over at UW
On July 1, Ed Seidel took over as president of the University of Wyoming (UW). Ever since, he has been faced with significant challenges.
In the next few months, Seidel will oversee the reopening of classes and the return of thousands of students to campus in Laramie, all the while navigating budget cuts following the state governement’s budget crunch.
Despite all these challenges, Seidel said he is excited about his new reign as president and stated he believes UW will come out of these crises better prepared for the future.
“I am just full of enthusiasm for the future of this institution and this state, and I can’t wait to really hit the ground running,” said Seidel. “I want to have an impact on this university and move it forward. It takes years to do that, and that is my intention.”
In a press release dated July 17, Seidel pledged to start his tenure with 77 days of listening and learning, the exact amount of time between when he took office on July 1 and the State of the University address, scheduled for Sept. 17.
Although Seidel hasn’t stated his exact confidence in the university’s pan to stop an outbreak on campus, he said he is willing to be as flexible and attentive as possible as the situation develops through the school year.
“Things are developing rapidly right now, so I’m just going to say that I will be vigilant,” he said.
In addition to the virus, Seidel will navigate UW through some tough budget cuts. In fact, the new president has instructed the university to get ready for two rounds of 10 percent cuts to the university’s allotment from the state general fund, which is equivalent to about $35 million over two years.
“These budget cuts can be targeted so that some of the university’s long-term goals can be preserved,” he noted.
Seidel stated he has identified four ways in which he wants to see the university grow over the coming years – more digital, more interdisciplinary, more entrepreneurial and more inclusive.
“Whether we are looking at budget cuts or budget enhancements, I want to move the university in directions that advance those areas,” Seidel said. “I want to take every opportunity to move the university towards its future and towards becoming even more valuable to the state.”
