NORMAN, OKLAHOMA – A generous gift from Williams, an Oklahoma-based energy industry leader, will enable the University of Oklahoma to expand student support and mentorship and degree offerings at several colleges. The gift is the latest in Williams’ history of commitment to academic excellence and student engagement at OU.
“With this gift to the University of Oklahoma, a respected leader in energy and related emerging technology education, Williams is investing in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Alan Armstrong, president and CEO of Williams. “By providing students with educational experiences aligned with the evolving needs of the industry, we are creating a pool of energy innovators ready to help the natural gas industry take the lead in the clean energy future.”
Through Williams’ commitment, programs in the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, Gallogly College of Engineering and Price College of Business can continue to create a place where all students can excel both academically and socially with the support of mentors and industry leaders.
“I am continually amazed by the generosity and vision of university friends like Williams, whose support provides our students with the invaluable community, mentorship and resources that make an OU experience so special,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “They share our belief that a student’s career at OU is enriched not only by the learning in the classroom, but also by the meaningful connections they make here.”
Approximately $500,000 of this donation will benefit the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy’s new Sustainable Energy Systems program, which will offer a new degree in geoenergy engineering with courses in all aspects of modern sustainable energy.
Williams’ $680,000 investment in the Gallogly College of Engineering will fund mentoring and development programs, including the Engineering Catalyst program and the Wayfinding program, which provide engineering students with personalized support and a community spirit that helps them succeed.
“Our college relies on industry partners like Williams not only to continually raise the bar on our academic offerings, but also to connect our students with top professionals during their time with us,” said John Klier, dean of the Gallogly College of Engineering. “This remarkable donation will expand many resources for engineering students and provide them with important academic and community support that is sometimes the only thing separating a student from deciding not to return to school.”
A $320,000 gift to the Price College of Business will support the Dean’s Speaker Series, the JCPenney Leadership Program, the Center for Management Information Systems Studies and other advocacy programs that provide students with industry knowledge and connections to established professionals.
“Williams has had a tremendous impact on our students here at OU. Your gift will have a far-reaching impact and will impact countless students for years to come,” said André-Denis Wright, OU senior vice president and provost. “As OU’s student population grows, the support of key partners like Williams will enable us to expand our programs on the Norman and Tulsa campuses and provide our students with the best that OU has to offer.”
