People

The Center is a hub for scholarship, teaching, and conversation about the West — past, present and future. Our team is composed of staff, Stanford faculty, visiting scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and students.

Faculty Leadership

The vision and research agenda for the Center is directed by a Stanford faculty member. In 2025, Zephyr Frank, professor of history and environmental social sciences, stepped into the faculty director role. Frank succeeds political scientist Bruce Cain, the Spence and Cleone Eccles Family Director from 2012-2025.

Center Staff

A small core administrative staff supports the Center's daily work to advance undergraduate education, academic research, and journalism of the American West.

Advisory Council

Members of our Advisory Council are united by shared commitments to Stanford, the West, research, and undergraduate education.

Researchers and Fellows

Our researchers come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Visiting fellows at the Center come from Stanford and other institutions and bring with them a wealth of experience on a range of western issues.

Alumni

Browse profiles of past academic staff and affiliates of the Center.