NEWS
The Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy is pleased to announce the appointment of Prue Smith, Ph.D., as the new director of the Irani Center for Energy Solutions, effective August 9, 2025. Smith will also join the faculty as an associate professor in the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering.
Smith brings deep technical expertise and vast operational experience in the energy industry. With a background in petroleum engineering, digital transformation, and decarbonization, she is uniquely positioned to guide the Irani Center for Energy Solutions into its next chapter, strengthening collaboration with industry partners while advancing research and solutions for the evolving energy landscape.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Smith to the Irani Center and to the Mewbourne College,” said John Antonio, dean of the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy. “Her experience at the intersection of technology, innovation, and energy systems will expand our capacity to deliver real-world solutions for industry while training the next generation of energy leaders.”
“Dr. Smith brings an exciting global perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset that aligns perfectly with the mission of ICES,” added Runar Nygaard, director of the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering. “Her leadership will be a great asset to both the Center and the school.”
The college also extends its appreciation to Dean Sergent, who has served as director of ICES since 2020. Under his leadership, the center has advanced its mission of bridging academic expertise with industry needs, launched successful student-industry collaborative projects, and expanded its impact across Oklahoma’s energy sector.
Sergent will step down from his role at the end of July to pursue his growing software venture, North by Northwest. We are grateful for his service and wish him continued success in this exciting next chapter.
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.
Mary Margaret Holt, dean of the University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, has been honored with the Paseo Arts Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to Oklahoma’s arts community.
With winter weather already bringing low temperatures to the state, the Oklahoma Poison Center is urging residents to take extra precautions to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as they begin heating their homes for the winter season. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly when inhaled in large quantities, and it poses a heightened risk as people rely on heating devices for warmth during cold weather.
Thanks to support from the Chickasaw Nation, the University of Oklahoma College of Law has announced the continuation and expansion of the Chickasaw Nation – Henry Family Lecture Series. Under the new name, the event will continue to showcase thought-provoking discourse surrounding the rule of law.
