University of Wyoming unveils two finalists for president

The University of Wyoming has narrowed its presidential search to two candidates, and the public can meet them Monday and Tuesday during public appearances in Laramie. Kelly Crane is dean of the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources at UW. Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves is dean of the Academic Board at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

The men were selected from a pool of 103 candidates vying to succeed President Ed Seidel, who will step down when his contract expires in June. Seidel has served as UW’s top administrator since July 2020 and was the fifth president hired in just over six years. His 2025 decision to step down came three months after the faculty senate overwhelmingly delivered a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

Crane is a University of Wyoming alum; he earned a doctorate in rangeland ecology and management and a Master of Science in range management in Laramie. He began his work with UW Extension in 1994 as a range specialist and educator and was named college dean in 2024.

Reeves is a native of Rock Springs. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1996 and was commissioned as an armor officer. He transitioned to law and holds a master’s degree in military law and a Juris Doctor from the College of William and Mary. President Joe Biden nominated Reeves to be dean of the Academic Board at West Point, and the U.S. Senate confirmed him in 2021.

Both candidates will make public appearances on campus next week. The board of trustees will seek public input before selecting the next president.