History of University of Wyoming in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 5, 2025

The University of Wyoming (UW) is a public land-grant research university located in Laramie, Wyoming. Established in 1886 before Wyoming became a state, its location is enshrined in the state constitution. UW opened in 1887. The university provides education not only on its main campus but also through outreach programs in communities across Wyoming and via online platforms.

1902: Geological Museum Relocation

In 1902, the University of Wyoming's Geological Museum relocated to the Hall of Science, marking a significant expansion of its exhibits and collections.

1920: College of Law Founding

In 1920, the College of Law was founded at the University of Wyoming.

1923: College of Law Accreditation

In 1923, the College of Law received accreditation by the American Bar Association.

1956: Geological Museum Move to Current Location

In 1956, the University of Wyoming's Geological Museum moved to its current location. By this time, Knight's son, Samuel Howell Knight, had acquired many of the exhibits and paintings that are still on display, including the copper Tyrannosaurus at the entrance, the initial mounting of the Apatosaurus skeleton centerpiece, and the terracotta Stegosaurus and Triceratops panels.

1969: Black 14 Incident

In 1969, the UW football team was undefeated in mid-October. Head coach Lloyd Eaton kicked 14 Black players off the team for wanting to protest what they considered the racist policies within Brigham Young University (BYU) and the LDS Church.

1993: Centennial Complex Opening

In 1993, the Centennial Complex, designed by Antoine Predock and housing the University of Wyoming Art Museum, officially opened its doors.

1997: Outdoor Program Establishment

The University of Wyoming's Outdoor Program was established in 1997, offering activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

2006: Creation of the School of Energy Resources

In 2006, the School of Energy Resources (SER) at the University of Wyoming was created to enhance the university's energy-related education, research, and outreach.

2007: Climate Commitment

In 2007, UW president Tom Buchanan signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.

June 30, 2009: Geological Museum Closure

On June 30, 2009, the University of Wyoming Geological Museum was temporarily closed due to state budget cuts, leading to a controversial decision.

2010: Estate Gift from Neltje Doubleday Kings

In 2010, the University of Wyoming received its largest estate gift ever from the artist Neltje Doubleday Kings, known as Neltje. When realized, the gift created the UW Neltje Center for the Visual and Literary Arts, combining programs of three of the university's departments: creative writing, arts, and the art museum.

January 12, 2013: Geological Museum Reopening

On January 12, 2013, after infrastructure upgrades and the establishment of an endowment fund, the University of Wyoming Geological Museum reopened to the public with free admission, marking the resumption of regular hours and ongoing exhibit renovations.

2014: Outreach School Enrollment Statistics

As of Spring 2014, Outreach School students accounted for 23.6% of enrollments at the University of Wyoming.

2016: Haub School Announcement as Full College

In 2016, the university announced that the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources would become a full academic college beginning in the 2017 academic year.

May 2017: Honors Program to Honors College

In May 2017, the University of Wyoming began efforts to change the Honors Program to the Honors College and search for an Honors College Dean from within the university faculty.