As energy companies diversify their resource management in the 21st century, the Robert M. Zinke Energy Management program continues to adjust curriculum to meet the needs of today’s students. Energy management’s unique focus draws from four of OU’s best academic divisions - business, engineering, geosciences and law - and equips students for diverse careers in energy at the domestic and global levels.
Graduates leave OU with the skills to succeed in many areas of the energy business, including exploration and production, land negotiations, energy finance, gas marketing and trading.
In a notable address at AAPL's 69th Annual Meeting, Mike McConnell, director of the Energy Management program, emphasized the paramount role of ethics in the energy industry. Drawing from his rich experience as the president and chief executive officer for Enron Global Markets, McConnell provided a unique perspective on key aspects shaping ethical practices within the energy domain.
Mike McConnell discusses Price College's brand new Renewable Energy Certificate, launching spring 2024, on The Land Department podcast, hosted by Dudley Land Company. He also shares keys to success in the expanding energy sector, adaptability, and what Price energy management students are learning about the future of energy.
The Robert M. Zinke Energy Management Program (formerly the Petroleum Land Management program) was established in 1958 as the first of its kind and remains the largest program in the nation. In 2008, the program's 50th anniversary, Robert M. Zinke, 1975 PLM graduate, created an operating endowment and established the first academic chair of the Energy Management program.
ConocoPhillips
Opportune LLP
Mewbourne Oil
Valero
NRG
The first and oldest program of its kind, established in 1958, the energy management program continues to advance the major and the student’s capabilities. *The program was recognized at the national level for its change from petroleum land management to Energy Management.
As a member of the Energy Management Student Association, students gain access a wide array of benefits, including opportunities for scholarships, field visits to wind/solar farms, oil rigs and the annual North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) and membership in the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL).
“Our program has an excellent career placement center that allows students the opportunity to network with companies face-to-face and make connections with people in the industry. It’s highly encouraged that every student gets an internship and our program has advisors willing to work one-on-one with the student to help them achieve that goal. I believe all of the students who leave the university with an energy management degree go into the workforce feeling confident and ready to take on their next endeavors.”
— Blakeney Boldrick, energy management major
The COVID-19 pandemic partially clouded Suh’s high school experience, so he was determined to maximize his time at OU by expanding his horizons and meeting new people.
Learn how he’s immersed himself into the OU community and utilized Price College’s array of resources to get closer to his professional goals.
Director, Zinke Energy Management Program
Management and International Business
Email: mmcconnell@ou.edu
Office: Adams Hall 105K
Phone: (405) 325-0758
Assistant, Zinke Energy Management Program
Management and International Business
Email: tgillis@ou.edu
Office: Adams Hall Room 105
Phone: (405) 325-6193
