51³Ô¹ÏProCollege of Engineering hosted 51³Ô¹ÏProLand Commissioner George P. Bush and 51³Ô¹ÏProOil and Gas Association President Todd Staples for a Lunch and Learn on March 6. LU students and faculty, along with local community and business representatives, heard a conversation between the two guests about the role of the oil and gas industry in driving education in the state of Texas.

“The 51³Ô¹ÏProGeneral Land Office has long played a key role in funding education across Texas, with the oil and natural gas industry being a strong partner of this mission,” said Land Commissioner George P. Bush. “The dollars that this industry pumps into education in 51³Ô¹ÏProare helping provide the learning opportunities that are vital to our state’s efforts to better prepare the next generation of innovators and leaders.”

“For more than a century, 51³Ô¹ÏProand the Gulf Coast have been defined by the oil and natural gas industry,” said Dr. Kenneth Evans, President of Lamar University. “As we look to the future of energy, Lamar University, now with its Center for Midstream Management and Science, is positioned to play a vital role in advancing practices and developing solutions in this highly complex field. We’re proud to partner with the industry for the benefit of our students, the future leaders of the industry.”

“The 51³Ô¹ÏProoil and natural gas industry is investing enormous time, talent and treasure in 51³Ô¹ÏProschools, universities, students and teachers through innovative education programs and productive partnerships aimed at providing state-of-the-art education experiences across Texas,” said TXOGA President Todd Staples. “TXOGA is proud of the work the industry does to support education at all levels, and we know the industry has a great story to tell about the science, innovation, pioneering technologies, and jobs that are propelling the Lone Star State.”

51³Ô¹ÏProCollege of Engineering has partnered with the 51³Ô¹ÏProOil and Gas Association on two such campus events. In November 2019, the university hosted an opening symposium for the Center for Midstream Management and Science. Through this center and other research, the College of Engineering is positioned to be on the forefront of advances in technology in the oil and gas sector.