Coupal Appointed as UW Faculty Conciliator

Roger Coupal, a professor of agricultural and applied economics, has been appointed as the University of Wyoming's faculty conciliator, effective Jan. 20.

The faculty conciliator, established by UW Regulation 2-2, plays a central role in the university's academic personnel dispute resolution process, assisting faculty and administrators in good-faith efforts to resolve disputes informally before they advance to formal grievance procedures. The position supports open communication, procedural fairness and collegial problem-solving, consistent with university regulations.

Coupal has been at UW for more than two decades and is a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. His previous roles at UW include department head, professor, researcher and extension specialist. Throughout his career, Coupal has worked extensively in collaborative, interdisciplinary and community-engaged settings, often navigating complex organizational and policy environments.

In addition to his academic leadership, Coupal has completed formal conflict mediation training as part of a Wyoming state extension specialist professional development program and has direct experience facilitating resolutions involving faculty, staff and graduate students. His professional background reflects a strong commitment to fairness, thoughtful dialogue and institutional stewardship.

The faculty conciliator is appointed by the president from a list of nominees submitted by the Faculty Senate and serves at the pleasure of the president, with duties and term established in consultation with the executive committee of the Faculty Senate. The Office of Academic Affairs provides administrative and financial support for the position.

Coupal's appointment supports the university's commitment to respectful engagement, due process and the informal resolution of faculty concerns whenever possible.