In a transformational commitment to the University of Wyoming’s land-grant mission and one of the state’s most vital industries, Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) has established the Farm Credit Services of America College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources Deanship at UW.
This marks the fourth named deanship in the university’s history and represents a milestone in UW’s pursuit of academic excellence, industry partnership, and regional impact.
Support for the gift was provided, in part, by state matching funds.
Endowed deanships are among the most prestigious gifts a university can receive and are essential to attracting visionary leadership, driving innovation, and expanding the university’s reach far beyond the campus.
“The agricultural traditions of Wyoming shape who we are,” says UW President Ed Seidel. “With this extraordinary gift, FCSAmerica is helping ensure our university remains at the forefront of preparing students and communities for the future of agriculture.”
The endowment will directly support the leadership and strategic direction of the college, empowering the dean to invest in high-impact teaching, research, and community programs that elevate agriculture as a driver of innovation in Wyoming and the Mountain West. It also will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary work at the intersection of natural resources, food systems, environmental stewardship, and rural resilience.
“Endowed deanships are game changers,” says Kelly Crane, dean of the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. “They allow us to lead boldly, attract exceptional talent, and respond to the complex challenges facing Wyoming communities and the industries that support them.”
FCSAmerica, a mission-driven financial cooperative serving farmers, ranchers, and rural residents in Wyoming and neighboring states, has long recognized the value of education and leadership to the health of rural economies. This new deanship builds on a multiyear partnership and continues FCSAmerica’s legacy of making an impact with its philanthropy.
“At Farm Credit Services of America, we believe the future of agriculture depends on strong, visionary leadership. That’s why we’re proud to support UW in preparing the next generation of leaders who will sustain and evolve this essential industry,” says Jason Edleman, senior vice president of business development for FCSAmerica.
This gift also aligns with the university’s commitment to securing strategic investments that elevate UW as a national leader in its areas of distinction, including agriculture and natural resource stewardship.
“This deanship is a powerful affirmation of UW’s mission and its growing influence in the West and beyond,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to FCSAmerica for their vision and partnership.”
The new endowed deanship in agriculture is part of a larger, ongoing effort by UW, the UW Board of Trustees, and the UW Foundation to invest in and support endowed positions that strengthen faculty and support student success. This deanship follows similar ones in the colleges of Education, Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Business, helping set UW apart as a national leader for land-grant institutions in using endowed deanships to build strong academic programs.
These positions play an important role in attracting talented leaders, supporting innovative work, and ensuring lasting excellence across the university.
“As Wyoming’s flagship university, UW continues to lead with purpose — preparing graduates not only for success, but for service to the land, the people, and the economy of the state and region,” Seidel says. “The Farm Credit Services of America Deanship stands as a bold step forward in that journey.”
For more information about this gift or ways to support the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, visit www.uwyo.edu/foundation.
This story was originally published on UW News.
