NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma nominated Williams, an Oklahoma-based energy leader, for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award. Williams and OU are one of 27 business and higher education partnerships throughout the state recognized as innovative collaborations that further the education of Oklahoma’s workforce.
Williams has made generous gifts to support several colleges and programs at the University of Oklahoma, including the Gallogly College of Engineering, Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, and Price College of Business.
The company most recently established the Williams Office Suite for Sustainable Energy Systems. This transformative addition to Sarkeys Energy Center at OU is a hub for collaborative research, innovation and learning, enriching the experience of all students and fostering future energy leaders.
“Williams’ strong support for student success, retention and mentoring has been a hallmark of this enduring partnership,” said John Antonio, dean of the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy.
“Williams is investing in the workforce of tomorrow through our partnerships with the University of Oklahoma,” said Alan Armstrong, executive chairman of the Williams Board of Directors and former CEO of the company. “Providing students with educational experiences that are aligned with evolving industry needs creates a pipeline of energy innovators who are ready to help the natural gas industry lead the charge in the clean-energy future.”
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions, businesses and the community to further cultivate the higher learning environment through State Regents’ Economic Development Grants. To learn more and see the other 2025 awardees, please visit the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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A newly funded study at the University of Oklahoma aims to increase prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening among Black men in Oklahoma, who die from prostate cancer at rates two to four times higher than other racial groups. An interactive app called Connect2Care may hold the key to early detection, which is crucial for improving survival.
The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded OU with a roughly $2 million grant to provide scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees. The program is expected to support cohorts of students beginning in fall 2027.
