Energy Institute launched, Director named

Fort Worth, TX

6/18/2007

The rapid and unexpected discovery of the Barnett Shale beneath Tarrant County offers many opportunities. TCU has responded by recently creating an Energy Institute to take advantage of the educational opportunities. The general mission of the Institute is to help develop the emerging energy strategies that will define our future. The specific mission is to provide broadly-based educational support for the development of the Barnett Shale. TCU alumnus Ross Matthews, President of Sinclair Oil and Gas Company, has agreed to serve as the first Director of the Institute and is assembling a board of commercial, industrial and political advisors.

By design, the Institute is poised to involve the professional and educational communities in Fort Worth, incorporating advisors from many areas in the industry. The Institute integrates the College of Science and Engineering and the Neeley School of Business to provide a unique opportunity for students, faculty, professionals and the industry to examine energy resources. Through the Institute, individuals can take classes, conduct leading-edge technology research, and receive certification. The proposed curriculum provides comprehensive education in petroleum geology, petroleum engineering and petroleum land management in one program. The Institute plans to focus on areas and topics such as: prospect to production, materials technology, drilling navigation and guidance, geologic data integration, oil & gas marketing strategies, future energy sources, lease agreements, urban drilling issues, energy regulations and policy analysis.

“Because TCU is located in the heart of the Barnett Shale, it made sense for the University to develop new programs, add faculty, and create research areas.” said Dr. Ken Morgan, associate dean for the College of Science & Engineering.

The Barnett Shale will serve as a natural laboratory for the Institute, bringing the university to the forefront of energy research associated with the development of unconventional shale gas plays in Texas, throughout the U.S. and internationally. The Institute also will focus on newly-emerging technologies associated with alternative energy.

For more information, visit www.energyinstitute.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7721.