Samuel H. Knight’s (1892-1975) association with the University of Wyoming began very early in his life. His father was a professor of geology and mining from 1893 until his untimely death in 1903, and his mother, Emma Howell Knight, was the Dean of Women from 1910 to 1920. Knight enrolled at U.W. in 1907 as a preparatory student and he went on to receive a B.S. in 1913. Knight then left for graduate school at Columbia University in New York. He finished his course work in 1916 and the University of Wyoming named him an assistant professor of geology and curator of the Geological Museum.

	Wilbur C. Knight, 1899. S.H. Knight's father Wilbur introduced Sam to the study of geology. Samuel H. Knight Papers, American Heritage Center.
	S.H. Knight and brother Everett, 1900. Samuel H. Knight Papers

During his 50 year career with the University of Wyoming Knight earned the nickname "Mr. Wyoming University." Knight helped to design and promote the construction of a new geology building and to expand the Geological Museum. Not only did he create an outstanding, nationally recognized Geology Department, but he also promoted the University of Wyoming to the nation and the world.

Geology Class in Field, 1912. S.H. Knight is third on the right, and W.H. Reed is on the far right. Knight claimed that in terms of field work he was far in advance of his school mates at Columbia. Samuel H. Knight Papers, American Heritage Center.

World War I Service and Early Teaching Career

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