University of Wyoming | Laramie

The University of Wyoming in Laramie is the state’s flagship public research university and a cornerstone of higher education, culture, and innovation in the Mountain West. Founded in 1886-four years before Wyoming achieved statehood-it has grown into a vibrant campus that blends academic excellence with the rugged beauty of the high plains and surrounding mountains. The university’s bucking-horse logo and proud “Cowboy” spirit reflect both its frontier heritage and its forward-looking mission.

Campus and Architecture

Set on a scenic plateau at over 7,000 feet, the University of Wyoming campus combines historic sandstone buildings with modern facilities. Old Main, completed in 1887, remains the university’s architectural centerpiece, with its grand arches and honey-colored stone quarried nearby. Around it stretch tree-lined walkways, open lawns, and panoramic views of the Snowy Range Mountains. The campus showcases both Collegiate Gothic and contemporary architecture, including the Coe Library, Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, and Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center.

Academic and Research Excellence

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse fields, from engineering and agriculture to business, education, and the arts. It is particularly known for its research in energy, geology, environment, and wildlife biology-disciplines closely tied to Wyoming’s natural landscape. The School of Energy Resources and the Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center are leading institutions driving innovation in sustainability, resource management, and technological advancement.

Cultural and Community Life

Beyond academics, the University of Wyoming is the cultural and social heart of Laramie. The Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts hosts concerts, plays, and dance performances, while the University of Wyoming Art Museum displays exhibitions from regional and global artists. The American Heritage Center, housed in a striking modern building, preserves archives documenting the history and culture of the American West. Student life is vibrant, with countless clubs, outdoor programs, and spirited athletic events-especially football games at War Memorial Stadium, where fans rally beneath the wide Wyoming sky.

Natural Setting and Outdoor Spirit

Surrounded by expansive wilderness, the university is ideally positioned for adventure. The nearby Medicine Bow National Forest and Vedauwoo Recreation Area provide opportunities for hiking, climbing, and skiing within minutes of campus. The Outdoor Program organizes regular trips that emphasize exploration and environmental stewardship. This strong connection between academics and the natural world gives the university a distinctive identity shaped by Wyoming’s open landscapes and independent spirit.

Legacy and Impact

For over a century, the University of Wyoming has played a defining role in shaping the state’s character and opportunity. Its motto, “Equality,” reflects Wyoming’s progressive history as the first state to grant women the right to vote. Today, the university continues to uphold that tradition of inclusivity, scholarship, and community service. Its enduring influence and distinctive sense of place make it not just an institution of learning, but a symbol of Wyoming’s past, present, and promise.