Laurie Sternberg Nichols, ‘88 PhD, of Laramie, Wyoming, began her tenure as the first female president of the University of Wyoming in May 2016. The Family and Consumer Sciences Education alumna was unanimously chosen to become the land-grant university’s 26th president.

“It was a surreal day that I will never forget. As soon as the announcement was made, my phone started ringing and didn’t stop for about two days.”

Nichols has built her educational and professional career at land-grant universities and believes in their mission of teaching, research, service and outreach. As president, she expects to exemplify this mission to both the higher education community and the state of Wyoming.

“I really believe it is my responsibility to give back. I have benefited from those who came before me, and who offered their service so that I might have a strong education and a successful career. I must be willing to do the same for those who will come after me. If I can leave this world — and the University of Wyoming — a little better place, I will have been successful.”