NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – A significant gift from Williams, an Oklahoma-based energy industry leader, will allow the University of Oklahoma to grow student support and mentorship programs, as well as degree offerings across multiple colleges. The gift is the latest in Williams’ history of commitment to OU academic excellence and student engagement.
“Williams is investing in the workforce of tomorrow through this gift to the University of Oklahoma, a respected leader in curriculum for energy and related emerging technologies,” said Williams President and CEO Alan Armstrong. “Providing students with educational experiences that are aligned with evolving industry needs creates a pipeline of energy innovators who are ready to help the natural gas industry lead the charge in the clean-energy future.”
Williams’ commitment will allow programs across the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, the Gallogly College of Engineering and the Price College of Business to continue creating a place where all students can excel academically and socially with support from peer mentors and industry leaders alike.
“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 understanding that a student’s journey at OU is enriched not just by classroom learning but by the meaningful connections they make here.”
Some $500,000 of this gift will support the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy’s new Sustainable Energy Systems program, which will offer a new Geoenergy engineering degree with courses in all aspects of modern sustainable energy.
Williams’ $680,000 investment in the Gallogly College of Engineering will fund mentorship and development programs including the Engineering Catalyst program and the Wayfinding Program, both of which offer engineering students personalized support and community to help them thrive.
“Our college relies on industry partners like Williams not just to keep raising the bar on our academic offerings but to connect our students with top professionals during their time with us,” said Gallogly College of Engineering Dean John Klier. “This remarkable gift will expand so many resources for engineering students, offering them critical academic and community support that is sometimes the only thing standing between a student and a decision 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 enrichment programs that provide students with industry knowledge and connections to established professionals.
“Williams has had a tremendous impact on our students here at OU, where their gift will have far-reaching effects and impact countless students in the years to come,” said OU Senior Vice President and Provost André-Denis Wright. “As OU’s student population grows, the support of key partners like Williams allows us to expand our programs on the Norman and Tulsa campuses and provide our students with the best that OU can offer.”
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. OU was named the state’s highest-ranking university in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Colleges list. For more information about the university, visit ou.edu.
About the OU Foundation
The University of Oklahoma Foundation is an independent charitable organization that facilitates and manages philanthropic gifts to support the University of Oklahoma. With a culture of integrity, skill and persistence, we align the passions of donors and our alumni with the indelible mission of the University of Oklahoma.
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