University of Wyoming Faces Major Funding Shift: Second Key Donor Reassesses Support – WyoFile

The University of Wyoming is facing a funding crisis after the controversial demotion of its engineering college dean, Cameron Wright. This decision has left two major donors reconsidering their financial support, raising concerns about the university’s leadership.

One of those donors, Alan “Gene” Humphrey, a successful inventor and prominent alumnus, has contributed over $2 million to the university through scholarships and his 9H Research Foundation. He expressed his disappointment in a letter, stating that the shift in leadership affects his comfort in continuing to support the university. Cam’s leadership made us comfortable in our philanthropy,” he remarked, signaling that future donations may be at risk. Humphrey’s emotions reflect a broader sentiment within the donor community about the university’s direction.

Wright was demoted on April 2, and the board claims it was due to performance issues related to the goal of elevating the engineering program to a top-tier status. Some critics, however, argue that his opposition to a proposed funding shift towards the School of Computing—led by the president’s partner, Gabrielle Allen—was a key factor in the decision. Wright even brought a lawyer to a meeting to express his legal concerns about this funding shift, highlighting the tensions between faculty and administration.

Minutes from prior board meetings show that up until recently, trustees were satisfied with Wright’s efforts. In November 2023, he received praise for his management and progress towards university goals with no noted criticisms until the sudden demotion.

Another major contributor, the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, has also paused its support. They stated they will not consider new grant applications until there is restored confidence in the university’s leadership. Their president, Mary Ellbogen Garland, emphasized the need for transparency in decision-making processes, suggesting that trust is as vital as financial support.

The demotion has sparked widespread outrage within the university community. Other deans have voiced significant concern, and even the faculty senate voted overwhelmingly in no confidence in President Ed Seidel’s leadership—an unusual occurrence in higher education contexts. The trustees have thus far stood firm in their support for Seidel, claiming he has their unanimous backing.

As institutions rely heavily on donations, this scandal may have lasting repercussions. Philanthropy in higher education is often sensitive to leadership changes. According to a recent study by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), 67% of donors said that effective leadership is a key factor in their funding decisions. This current crisis highlights the relationship between university management and donor confidence, a dynamic that could hinder future financial growth for the University of Wyoming if not addressed promptly.

Amidst this turmoil, university spokesperson Chad Baldwin has stated that while they cannot specifically comment on individual donor actions, they remain committed to transparent communication with all donors during this challenging time.

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