John W. Hoyt, former Wyoming Territorial governor, became the first president of the newly established University of Wyoming in Laramie in 1886. During his three years as president, President Hoyt oversaw the construction of Old Main and designed a liberal arts-centered curriculum.
He also helped to reinforce Wyoming’s reputation as the “Equality State” when he appointed female professors who made their mark at the University of Wyoming, including Grace Raymond Hebard, June Etta Downey and Agnes Wergeland.
Learn more about President John W. Hoyt and the University of Wyoming.