UW College of Ag Recognizes Outstanding Alumni, Supporters at Annual Banquet

The University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources recognized outstanding alumni, valued partners and generous supporters at the 2026 Dean's Legacy Dinner in Laramie Friday, Oct. 16.

The annual event occurs during Agriculture Appreciation weekend, a celebration of UW's connection to the agricultural community.

This year's Outstanding Alumni Award recipients were Wyoming ranchers Frank Moore and Tom Davis. The Wyoming Wool Growers Association (WWGA) was recognized as an Outstanding Partner, and former Wyoming legislator John Hines received the Legacy Award.

Wyoming Rancher Recognized for Lifelong Leadership in the Sheep Industry

A third-generation rancher in Converse County, Frank Moore has served as a leader in the Wyoming sheep industry -- and beyond -- for decades.

Moore studied agricultural business at UW, heading home in 1974 to run the family's sheep and cattle operation with his wife, Elaine. The couple also launched an outfitting business specializing in archery, an unconventional decision at the time.

The impacts of Moore's forward-thinking leadership and willingness to innovate extended well beyond the Spearhead Ranch. He also was a founding member of the Mountain States Lamb Cooperative, taking on various leadership roles during his two decades of involvement.

In 1994, Moore was elected president of the WWGA. From 2003-05, he served as president of the American Sheep Industry Association.

Recently, the Moores established an endowed excellence fund supporting the UW Sheep Program and Wyoming Wool Initiative, amplifying the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources' efforts to facilitate student involvement in agriculture.

UW Alum 'Borrowed' CSU Ram in 1975, Has Championed UW Ever Since

Gillette native Tom Davis graduated from UW in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in farm and ranch management. He worked in agricultural lending for several years before returning to the family ranch.

Davis is known for his thoughtfulness and generosity -- as well as his pivotal role in the Wyoming Farmhouse Fraternity's capture of Colorado State University's beloved ram mascot in 1975.

From this carefully planned stunt to his generous support of current College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources students, Davis has been an enthusiastic advocate for UW throughout his life.

"The university is so important to the state of Wyoming," he says. "It provides opportunities for kids, and it's everybody's university, whether you go there or not."

Recently, Davis worked with family and friends to establish a student enrichment fund in honor of his parents, Dorothy Jean Davis and the late Richard L. Davis. The endowment supports student involvement in agriculture, especially in the sheep and wool industries, through educational opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

Wyoming Wool Growers Legacy Fund Establishes Endowed Faculty Position

The WWGA has established an endowed fund supporting a sheep and wool extension specialist position in UW's Department of Animal Science. The fund also will provide financial support to the UW Sheep Program and Wyoming Wool Initiative, both of which work closely with Wyoming producers and students.

For more than a century, WWGA has helped protect, preserve and enhance the lamb and wool industry in Wyoming and the West. The organization collaborates with UW and other partners to disseminate research-based information relevant to the sheep and wool industry, helping Wyoming producers increase the profitability and sustainability of their operations.

"We really wanted to instill that the sheep and wool program in Wyoming will never go away," says Alison Crane, WWGA executive director. "We view this position as essential to our industry, which is a huge testament to the history of the university and its partnership with industry."

A Lifetime of Generosity: Former State Legislator Supports Generations of College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources Students

John Hines, a Campbell County rancher and former state legislator, is remembered for his lifelong commitment to advancing Wyoming agriculture and generously supporting College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources students.

After attending UW, Hines joined the U.S. Army. He later became president of the WWGA and served for 29 years in the Wyoming Legislature.

In 2005, Hines established the Hines Family Scholarship to support College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources students in financial need, with preference given to students from Wyoming. A generous gift from Hines' estate has further strengthened and sustained the scholarship program. The gift also bolstered funding for UW's Wildlife Livestock Health Center Endowment.

"John Hines devoted his life to serving Wyoming's agriculture, education and rural communities," says Kelly Crane, Farm Credit Services of America Dean. "This gift continues John's legacy of community and industry service in an extraordinary way … empowering our students and programs to advance the agricultural industry, which John dearly loved."

About the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources

The University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources serves students and communities through innovative scholarship, research and outreach. Guided by the land-grant principles of discovery and experiential learning, the college facilitates meaningful educational opportunities in the classroom, laboratory and community. The college offers degrees in the departments of agricultural and applied economics, animal science, botany, ecosystem science and management, family and consumer sciences, molecular biology, plant sciences, veterinary sciences, and zoology and physiology. The college also offers degree programs in agricultural communications, microbiology, and ranch management and agricultural leadership.

To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag or call (307) 766-4133.