The University of Wyoming was founded in 1886, when Wyoming was still a territory. In September 1887, UW opened its doors to 42 students and five faculty members as befitted the university of “The Equality State” both the students and faculty included women from the first day. Built on the outskirts of town in Laramie’s city park, Old Main was UW’s first building and held classes, the library, and administrative offices during the first years of the university’s existence. The university today is a nationally recognized land-grant research institution with expert faculty, top-ranked academics and world-class facilities.

UW offers 80 undergraduates and more than 90 graduate academic programs through seven colleges and multiple interdisciplinary institutes and schools. With a small student/faculty ratio of 15:1, the university is a community of scholars and learners committed to excellence. The University of Wyoming's academic programs of distinction are focused in six broad areas: science and technology, the arts and humanities, environment and natural resources, life sciences, and professions critical to the state and region.

Nestled between mountain ranges at 7,200 feet, this 1860s railroad town is now home to nearly 32,000 residents, several respected museums and countless one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. A dozen vibrant murals, painted by local artists, bring the historic Laramie downtown to life, while the rumble of trains reminds this Western town of its roots.