NORMAN, OKLA. – Nicole Baird is the 2024 recipient of the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy’s Distinguished Service Award. Baird is the immediate past chair of the college’s Board of Visitors and the managing director of Reverie Energy Management LLC.
“The vision of the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy is to educate scientists and engineers and create knowledge of Earth’s past and present to navigate a future that meets societal needs for energy and a livable environment. Throughout her career, Nicole Baird has exemplified this vision and the university’s legacy of excellence,” said John Antonio, Ph.D, dean of the college.
With more than 25 years of experience in the energy sector, including leadership roles in engineering, operations, strategic planning and senior management at ExxonMobil, Shell and Equinor, Baird offers a deep well of knowledge and expertise. Her unwavering dedication to the college and impactful leadership on the Board of Visitors have greatly benefited the faculty, staff and students of Mewbourne College.
“When Nicole puts her mind to something, she is very focused, and she approaches every task with a passion and energy and determination to succeed,” said Mark Schumacher, current chair of the Board of Visitors.
Baird earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and a certificate in petroleum engineering from the University of Southern California, as well as an MBA and M.S. in finance from Tulane University.
The award was granted at the Legacy of Excellence event held this past November. The Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy Distinguished Award is given to alumni and supporters who have made a lasting impact in business, academia, science and industry, advancing both their fields and the lives they touch. It is the highest honor bestowed by the college.
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. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
Wei Yue, Ph.D., a professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the OU College of Pharmacy, has received a $1.9 million National Institutes of Health award to uncover new ways to predict when multiple medications taken together could cause dangerous side effects.
People with type 2 diabetes were much more likely to achieve remission after weight-loss surgery than after intensive medical and lifestyle management, according to a long-term study. Researchers also identified patient characteristics linked to remission and to the likelihood of diabetes returning.
The University of Oklahoma College of Law has named Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice James R. Winchester as the 2026 recipient of the Eugene Kuntz Award. The annual award recognizes professionals who have made significant contributions to oil, gas and natural resources law.