Univ. of Wyoming Trustees Hear Criticism of Nichols Decision

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Students, faculty and staff are questioning the decision by the University of Wyoming's Board of Trustees to not extend the contract of President Laurie Nichols.

The board heard public comment about the issue on Thursday at its meeting in Laramie.

On Monday, the university made a surprise announcement that trustees would not renew Nichols' three-year contract after it expires in June. The trustees have declined to provide an explanation for the move.

UW student body president Alex Mulhall says the announcement caused "a resounding shock among students."

Both Staff Senate president Renee Ballard and Faculty Senate chairman Donal O'Toole voiced praise for Nichols and expressed confusion at the decision.

Two students who spoke also suggested that the trustees' decision was a betrayal of the university community.