Brigadier General Shane Reeves to Lead University of Wyoming

Rock Springs native and West Point dean returns home to become the 29th president of the state's flagship university.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:53pm

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An extremely abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm tones depicting the blurred silhouettes of students walking through a tree-lined university campus, conceptually representing the transition of leadership at the University of Wyoming.The University of Wyoming's new president, a decorated military leader, will bring his experience and vision to guide the state's flagship institution.Medicine Bow Today

Brigadier General Shane Reeves, a Rock Springs High School graduate who currently serves as the dean of the Academic Board at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, has been named the next president of the University of Wyoming. Reeves will assume the role in July, bringing his extensive leadership experience in the military to lead the state's flagship university.

Why it matters

Reeves' appointment as the University of Wyoming's new president represents a homecoming for the Rock Springs native, who will leverage his military background and academic credentials to guide the state's largest public university. His selection signals the university's commitment to securing strong leadership and continuing its mission of serving Wyoming communities.

The details

Reeves graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1992 before enrolling at West Point, where he earned a bachelor's degree in European history in 1996. He began his Army career as an armor officer, leading soldiers at the platoon and troop levels. Reeves later earned a Juris Doctor from the College of William and Mary in 2003 and was deployed to Iraq as a brigade judge advocate, advising commanders on operations, detainee prosecutions, and international law. For his combat service, he received the Bronze Star.

  • Reeves was named the 29th president of the University of Wyoming on April 2, 2026.
  • Reeves will assume the presidency in July 2026.

The players

Brigadier General Shane Reeves

A Rock Springs native and graduate of West Point, Reeves currently serves as the dean of the Academic Board at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. He will become the 29th president of the University of Wyoming in July 2026.

University of Wyoming

The state's flagship public university, located in Laramie, Wyoming.

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What they’re saying

“I am deeply honored and humbled to return home and serve as the next president of the University of Wyoming. The future is bright for our incredible community, and I am excited about what we will accomplish together.”

— Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Incoming President, University of Wyoming

What’s next

Reeves will officially assume the presidency of the University of Wyoming in July 2026, where he will work to continue the university's mission of serving the state and its communities.

The takeaway

Brigadier General Shane Reeves' appointment as the University of Wyoming's new president represents a homecoming for the Rock Springs native, who will leverage his extensive military leadership experience to guide the state's flagship university into the future.