E. G. MEYER

E. G. Meyer (Gerry) -2007 Outstanding Former Faculty
A&S College

The quintessential Renaissance man, E.G. “Gerry” Meyer rides his Harley to the office most days and seldom misses a morning jog. He collects art—mostly Western American. A member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Meyer served on the national council for 27 years and was a founder of the ACS Western Region group. He is a physical chemist and holds 14 United States and foreign patents. He’s published three books and numerous papers in professional journals, and he is a consultant for many federal and private organizations. Meyer also was a board member of the Chemical Heritage Foundation Board, The American Institute of Chemists, Associated Western Universities, and those of several private corporations.

Meyer came to the University of Wyoming in 1963 to begin his 12-year stint as dean of the A&S College. Oliver Walter, dean, comments, “The college saw its greatest growth under Dean Meyer’s leadership. Both our science and fine arts complexes were constructed during his tenure. A&S moved from a college that was solely devoted to teaching to one that emphasized both teaching and research.” And he taught physical chemistry during the first three years of his tenure as A&S dean—an uncommon venture for administrators. Meyer was a founder of the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences and, over the years, served as its secretary/treasurer, president, newsletter editor, and supervisor of the Washington D.C. office for one year.

In 1976, Meyer was appointed the first UW Vice President for Research. In that role, he raised the reputation of the university. In 1981, Meyer served as director of the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center, and he received emeriti status in 1987. He remains involved with and interested in the College of Arts and Sciences. Founding chair and current member of the A&S Board of Visitors, Meyer has brain stormed ideas such as the Ben Franklin Circle to encourage and thank continuous A&S supporters, and he chairs the college committee that grants summer independent research awards to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Meyer established in the E.G. Meyer Family Staff Award to ensure that hard working UW staff are recognized each year. And he carries his service into the community, serving on the Laramie City Council (1996-2000), the Laramie Chamber of Commerce Board (1980-1998), and on the Laramie Regional Airport Board (1986-present). A friend to all and stranger to none, Meyer greets everyone he meets with a friendly smile and a cheerful word.