Southwestern Energy Contribution Funds New Training Center

Southwestern Energy Company officials announced a recommitment to the Petroleum Technology Program at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton today with a pledge to contribute $50,000 over the next five years.  The funds are earmarked to setup and equip a multimedia health, safety and environmental training (HSE) center.  The contribution will also help fund operating expenses for the program.

front row (left to right) UACCM Board of Visitors Chair
Raye Pearce and UACCM Chancellor Dr. Larry Davis accepts
$50,000 donation pledge check from Southwestern Energy Vice
President George Sheffer as Petroleum Technology
Instructor Jeff Lambert and others look on.

"UACCM has developed a program that is not only a great asset to the natural gas industry and the state of Arkansas but a tremendous opportunity for students who want to pursue a degree in the petroleum technology field," said George Sheffer, vice president, exploration and production services, Southwestern Energy.  "Our company has been a staunch supporter of the program since its inception and will remain committed to its growth and development." SWN also supports the program through the Fayetteville Shale Scholarship Fund.

The HSE building, which utilizes existing but unused space on the university campus, will be outfitted with new technology that will aid in instruction. Classes that will take place in the building focus on health, safety and environmental studies include First Aid, Soft Skills for Technicians and Petroleum Regulations and Safety.  The center will launch a new class in May,  Understanding OSHA Regulation Basics. 

"The benefits students will receive from this additional training is crucial to their careers because it is all focused on safety," said Jeff Lambert, petroleum technology program director, UACCM.  "Southwestern Energy's continued support is essential for us. We would not be able to reach the number of students we do and the level of the program we have now without financial support, equipment and time donations to the program." Lambert says that SWN often provides guest speakers to their program and offers facility tours to students in the program.

According to Sheffer, the company's commitment to responsible resource development begins with its decision to make health, safety and environment the underlying foundation for the decisions it makes it all areas of operations. SWN has established processes and programs that include self-monitoring, partnerships with state and federal agencies and collaborative projects focused on environmental stewardship.

For more information on the petroleum technology program at UACCM, please visit their website at uaccm.edu.