WYOMING — The University of Wyoming today announced Edward Seidel as its 28th president.
Seidel is currently the vice president for economic development and innovation for the University of Illinois System. He was offered a contract by a unanimous vote of the UW Board of Trustees Wednesday and has accepted the position. He will take office in July.
“I am honored and thrilled to be selected by the Board of Trustees to take on this important role for both the university and the state of Wyoming,” Seidel said. “UW is such an incredibly strong and vibrant institution, and it will have an enormous impact on the future of the state and region. Gabrielle and I are excited to be joining the university and community.”
The terms of Seidel’s contract are still being finalized, but it will be a three-year contract with an annual base salary of $365,000, a $60,000 housing allowance and a $50,000 contribution to a deferred compensation plan.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Seidel and are confident that he will provide strong leadership for our state’s university,” Board of Trustees Chairman Dave True commented. “We express appreciation to those who participated in the presidential search process, which resulted in a field of strong candidates and allowed us to make an outstanding choice for the university’s new leader.”
Governor Mark Gordon welcomed Seidel to the university and complimented the trustees on their selection.
“Ed has demonstrated visionary leadership and brings a strong focus on economic development. His exceptional technical and scientific background will benefit the research efforts of a land grant university,” Gordon said. “I am excited. It is not often that a new governor gets the opportunity to work with a new university president at such a critical time in a state’s history.”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said she enthusiastically supports Ed Seidel’s selection.
“I am thrilled to work with incoming UW President Ed Seidel. He brings a passion for STEM, the Arts, athletics, and learning for all ages,” Balow said. “I am particularly enthusiastic about his knowledge and passion for K-12 Computer Science education and Wyoming’s Boot Up initiative. He will add value to the commitment that all Wyoming graduates are well prepared for tomorrow’s world.”
Seidel replaces Laurie Nichols, who served from 2016-19 before her controversial ousting.
