A University of Wyoming professor running for the state Legislature lost his high-profile lawsuit against UW on Wednesday when a judge ruled that the evidence didn’t pose enough of a factual dispute for trial.
Cam Wright, who was a popular dean of the UW College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, was demoted last spring and worked as a professor until his retirement this spring.
Before his demotion, he’d refused to allocate $500,000 earmarked for the engineering school into a computing school that then-UW President Ed Seidel’s romantic partner was working to start.
Wright asserted the money should not be used that way.
State lawmakers wrote to the governor, saying they believed Wright would suffer retaliation. Wright was demoted about one semester later.
Sued For Retaliation
Wright sued the university for retaliation and violating whistleblower law in June 2025.
And in March of this year, he announced his run for state Legislature. He unseated Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie, in the Aug. 18 primary election and now heads into the Nov. 3 general election against Democratic nominee Gary Wilken.
Court documents describe the clash: The university claimed it had legitimate business reasons for demoting Wright. UW alleged that trustees and others had concerns about his work.
Wright countered, saying his demotion was “solely” retaliation, not tied to his work performance.
Albany County District Court Judge Misha Westby ruled from the bench Wednesday that after the evidence-swapping phase, the case no longer showed enough of a factual dispute to go to trial.
“While I am disappointed in the outcome, I recognize that there is a difference between what we believe to be true and what we can establish through the legal process,” wrote Wright in a Thursday post to his political Facebook page. “I respect that distinction and the court’s decision. However, the outcome does not change my experiences, what I know to be true, or my conviction to do what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost.”
Not Going To Appeal
Wright said he’s not going to appeal the dismissal, and he recognizes it’s time to move forward.
Wright told Cowboy State Daily in a Thursday text message that people who could have corroborated his evidence pool were afraid to come forward.
His social media statement voiced gratitude toward his attorney, Mary Elizabeth Galvan.
Galvan returned that sentiment in a Thursday phone interview.
“I’ve had the honor to represent Cameron Wright, who I believe is a man of honor and integrity,” said Galvan. “And I believe his filing of this lawsuit, processing this lawsuit is evidence of his honor and integrity.”
Galvan said it is her opinion that Wright did UW a service by questioning the former president’s directive.
She also opined that the university’s actions since Wright raised concerns have affirmed that, and that UW withdrew the memorandum of understanding to which Wright had objected.
UW spokesman Chad Baldwin, in response to a phone call request for comment, said “We agree with the judge’s ruling.”
UW’s new president Shane Reeves took over in July after Seidel’s contract ended.
Wright told Cowboy State Daily that he believes Reeves “will create a better environment for all UW employees. Let’s give him a chance to do that.”
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
