George C. Frison Institute

The George C. Frison Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology is a research and educational institute in the Department of Anthropology.  We support the research and educational mission of the department by funding archaeological and anthropological research and through the presentation of an annual public archaeology lecture in September.  The institute was named after George C. Frison, one of the department’s founders.  Doc Frison is a legendary figure in Wyoming archaeology, and the institute aims to honor his legacy by ensuring that the study of the human past in Wyoming and beyond continues. 

We have been growing the institute’s endowment since its beginnings in 1995.  Every donation received builds our capacity to support research. Through its grant programs, the institute funds research by graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, postdocs, and other professional archaeologists.  It provides critical research support for graduate students working on MA and PhD research projects.  Since its inception, the Frison Institute has awarded more than 150 grants totaling over $200,000. Most of that money supports students and faculty at the University of Wyoming, but we have funded projects for investigators across the nation and world, including individuals from the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist, Central Wyoming College, University of New Mexico, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Max Planck Institute, St. Cloud State, University of Iowa, and Grinnell College.  The Frison Institute is the engine that makes Wyoming archaeology go.

Born and raised in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, Dr. Frison spent his early years working sheep and cattle. But he devoted his spare time to collecting arrowheads, exploring the many caves of the Bighorn Mountains, and developing a love for the history and prehistory of Wyoming.  During World War II he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific.  Encouraged by several professional archaeologists, he entered the University of Wyoming to study archaeology in 1962.  He then attended the University of Michigan, obtaining his doctorate in a record three years.  Dr. Frison returned to Wyoming in 1967 as head of the new Department of Anthropology; in 1968, he became the first Wyoming State Archaeologist.

George literally wrote the book on Wyoming archaeology (Prehistoric Hunters of the High Plains).  His many books and papers have made him an internationally-recognized figure in archaeology. He has received the lifetime achievement award from the Society for American Archaeology, the University of Wyoming’s Distinguished Former Faculty award, and the College of Arts and Sciences Medallion award.  When he retired, the state legislature celebrated George Frison Day to recognize his election to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences.  His commitment to quality research, his selflessness, and quiet western manners have enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Director of the Frison Institute:
Dr. Todd A. Surovell
surovell@uwyo.edu