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Committee backs bill to add seven elected trustees to University of Wyoming board
Summary
House Bill 148 would expand the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees to include seven elected, district-based members in addition to the existing appointed trustees; proponents said the change would increase accountability and geographic representation, while opponents warned about creating problems that other land-grant institutions have not
Representative Rachel Rodriguez Williams introduced House Bill 148 to the Education Committee, asking the committee to expand University of Wyoming governance by adding seven elected trustees—one from each of seven districts—alongside the existing twelve governor-appointed trustees.
The sponsor said the change would increase representation, transparency and accountability at the state’s land-grant university without amending the Wyoming Constitution or removing the existing appointed trustees. The bill would add seven elected seats tied to districts, with conforming changes to election code and trustee definitions.
Ken Pendergraft, a cosponsor, told the committee the proposal aimed to rebalance governance and reduce overconcentration of power in the executive branch by giving citizens direct representation on the Board of Trustees. Turning Point USA’s campus president Gabe Saint, the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and other supporters said elected trustees would better reflect the perspectives of Wyoming communities.
Opponents in public comment urged caution. Gail Simmons (Civics 307/Y Vote) noted that of roughly 112 land‑grant institutions nationwide, only one—Michigan State—has directly elected trustees, and she urged the committee to examine why most other institutions keep appointed boards. She said a broad national practice against elections of trustees merited study before making a significant structural change.
Committee members discussed whether to expand the board further or instead pursue constitutional amendments. Representative Rodriguez Williams said she avoided a constitutional rewrite and instead proposed expanding the board through statute; she also noted the bill carries no fiscal note. Committee members expressed a range of views: some favored the added local representation for Wyoming’s distinct regions; others urged caution about unintended consequences.
On a roll call, the committee reported the bill as passed: Representatives Bratton, Erickson, Guggenmoss, Kelly, Lalli, Singh, Strock, Williams and Chairman Andrew voted "Aye." The committee recorded 9 ayes and forwarded HB 148 for further consideration.
Ending: The committee approved HB 148 to add elected trustees to the University of Wyoming’s board; proponents emphasized representation and accountability, while critics urged further study of governance models at other land-grant universities.
