Southwestern Energy Presents $75,000 For Petroleum Technology Program

Southwestern Energy Presents First Installment of $200,000 Three-Year Commitment to Establish UACCM Petroleum Technology Program 

From left to right: Senior VP for SEECO, INC. John
Theater presents $75,000 to UACCM Chancellor
Nathan Crook, UACCM Board of Visitors Chair Raye
Pearce, and U of A System President Dr. B. Alan Sugg.

New jobs and careers are under way for dozens of students enrolled in the first semester of the petroleum technology program at University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, thanks to Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE: SWN).  On October 23, the company delivered a check to college officials for $75,000 – the first installment of a three-year, $200,000 pledge -- to fund the establishment of the new program and associate degree.  The company was honored at a special reception on campus for its support.
During the reception, attendees heard remarks from Nathan Crook, UACCM chancellor; John Thaeler, senior vice president, SEECO, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwestern Energy; Dr. B. Alan Sugg, University of Arkansas System president; Jeff Lambert, petroleum technology instructor; and David Young, a student in the newly established program.

UACCM now offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in petroleum technology, which was launched this fall.  The program is designed to provide specialized education in oil and gas exploration, production, and development particularly for individuals pursuing jobs and careers in the Fayetteville Shale play, one of the country’s largest known unconventional reserves of natural gas.  

“These are exciting times for this region as we see a company like Southwestern Energy rapidly expanding their operations and offering exceptional jobs to local residents,” said Chancellor Crook.  “We’re especially grateful to Southwestern Energy for helping us pioneer this new degree program, which will have a positive impact for many students, families and communities.”

UACCM Petroleum
Technology Student
David Young

Curriculum for the associate degree covers a broad range of subjects and was developed with assistance from Southwestern Energy.  Currently, 36 students are enrolled in the program, studying electives ranging from an introduction to the crude oil and natural gas industry, to drilling and production operations. The degree requires students to complete 62 credit hours.  

“Southwestern Energy has been operating in Arkansas for more than 75 years, and we are committed to growing our business in partnership with the local community,” said Thaeler.  “Helping develop careers in our industry in Arkansas is a win-win for everyone involved.  We applaud the vision of UACCM for positioning this program on a fast-track and allowing so many students to get started on their degree this fall.” 

Southwestern Energy, through SEECO, Inc., is credited with discovering the Fayetteville Shale play and being the first company to successfully produce gas from the shale.  As of July 31, 2006, Southwestern Energy held approximately 883,000 net acres in the play, equivalent to more than 1,300 square miles, and had drilled and completed a total of 105 wells in the play of which 54 are designated as horizontal wells.

Southwestern Energy Company is an integrated natural gas company whose wholly-owned subsidiaries are engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, natural gas gathering, transmission, and marketing, and natural gas distribution.  Additional information on the company can be found at www.swn.com.