The UW board of trustees gained five appointees on Wednesday. Three of the appointees, Scarlett, McKinley and Baldwin, are UW graduates.
A former UW employee is one of five new gubernatorial appointments to UW’s board of trustees.
Mike Massie, who retired from his role as UW’s director of governmental relations last October, joined a list of appointments that includes Mel Baldwin of Afton, John McKinley of Cheyenne, Dick Scarlett of Wilson and Michelle Sullivan of Sheridan, it was announced Wednesday.
“I look forward to helping UW fulfill its mission as a land-grant university by providing high-quality higher education and conducting applied research that benefits Wyoming and students for a lifetime,” Massie said in a university news release.
Massie is not the only appointee with prior ties to the university. McKinley, a graduate of the UW College of Law, also serves on the College of Law Dean’s Advisory Board. McKinley said that he intends to be active on the board of trustees.
“I plan on being a productive member of the board of trustees to assist in guiding the university forward in providing quality education to its students,” McKinley said.
Having served in Wyoming classrooms more than the boardroom, Baldwin brings the most educational experience of any of the appointees, with teaching experience at multiple Wyoming colleges-including UW. Baldwin also works as president of the Wyoming High School Activities Association.
“My experiences should allow me to focus on important matters coming before the board of trustees and help the board make decisions appropriate to all areas of concern,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin also said that he hopes to “facilitate improved programming and instruction for all UW students.”
Scarlett made his impact on the university long before his appointment to the board through donations. He and his wife donated heavily to the College of Business and The Scarlett Auditorium in the college is named for the family. Scarlett also helped found the Cowboy Joe Club and provided donations for the Arena Auditorium renovation.
The lone businessman in the group of appointees, he said his background would benefit the board.
“My educational degrees, as well as my financial and managerial background, will be beneficial in my role as a trustee,” Scarlett said. “I am dedicated to maintaining a strong relationship with the Wyoming Legislature and state officials, as I know how critically important that is to the continued success of the university.”
Sullivan is the only female appointee of the group, and her background is based in educational consulting. Sullivan founded the Center for Inspired Learning Environments, an institution that consults on the effectiveness of educational settings.
Sullivan said the university is central to developing Wyomingites.
“UW is a critical nexus in the education and development of future leaders in Wyoming,” Sullivan said.
Gov. Mead submitted board of trustees’ appointments to the Wyoming Senate for confirmation on Thursday, Feb. 26. Mead said boards, like UW’s board of trustees, play a critical role in Wyoming.
“Boards and commissions play a significant role—from licensing doctors to overseeing highway budgets,” Mead said in a press release. “Those who serve on these boards and commissions commit their time and expertise.”
