TCU announces the first holder of the Ross B. Matthews Professorship in Petroleum Engineering

Fort Worth, TX

9/1/2009

The TCU College of Science and Engineering and the TCU Energy Institute announces Dr. John R. Fanchi as the first holder of the Ross B. Matthews Professorship in Petroleum Engineering.  Mr. Matthews and his wife, Kathleen, established the endowed position because of their passion for energy education.  Mr. Matthews, who earned a Master of Science in geology from TCU in 1984, is the chief operating officer of The Sinclair Companies and president of Sinclair Oil and Gas Company. 

“As a former student, I’m impressed by TCU’s many achievements over the past two-and-a-half decades,” he says. “The professorship is a way to give back to the school and industry that have made my successful career possible.”

Dr. Fanchi comes to TCU with a strong background in energy education.  He was a professor at Colorado School of Mines, an advance senior engineer with Marathon Oil Company and, most recently, Chevron Energy. He is the author of eight books covering such topics as reservoir engineering, math for scientists and engineers, flow modeling, and energy technologies. Dr. Fanchi says he is looking forward to working with the TCU community and improving energy education for all students along with the general public.

Dr. Fanchi will teach “Sustainable Energy in our Society” for TCU energy minors in the Energy Institute and upper level petroleum engineering courses to support the Department of Engineering. He is also interested in developing ongoing research and program ties with local energy companies. In addition, Dr. Fanchi wants to continue writing and publishing books related to his teaching and research interests in energy education.