Kraig Sheetz has been appointed executive vice president of the University of Wyoming, following approval by the UW Board of Trustees on April 15. Sheetz is currently the vice dean for engagement and research at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and will begin his new role in July alongside incoming UW President Shane Reeves.
The appointment is seen as significant for the university’s leadership transition. The position requires a leader with experience in research, academics, and administration.
“The University of Wyoming’s mission calls for someone who can operate across research, academics and administration with equal credibility. Kraig brings all of that,” Reeves said. “I’m excited to have him as part of the leadership team.”
Sheetz holds degrees in geophysics from Millersville University and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, along with advanced degrees in applied physics from the Naval Postgraduate School in California and a doctorate from Colorado School of Mines.
After serving more than 28 years in the U.S. Army—including roles as a military intelligence officer and later as an associate professor at West Point—Sheetz retired from active duty in 2018. He subsequently served as executive vice president and dean at Mount St. Mary’s University before returning to West Point in his current role.
Reflecting on his new appointment, Sheetz said, “The University of Wyoming serves the state and its people in a fundamental way. That mission matters to me, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the important work ahead of us.” In his recent positions at West Point, he led strategic communications for academic programs, managed over $22 million in research activities, developed innovation hubs integrating work across numerous centers and partners, expanded publishing initiatives through West Point Press, among other responsibilities.
Sheetz’s professional interests include ultrashort pulse lasers. He enjoys cycling and outdoor activities with his wife Lori—an educator focused on science outreach—and they spend time near Dubois in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains.
