Dear SPE Members; 

Needed is your help in qualifying and answering with a response to The University of Texas of the Permian Basin in adding an Engineering Program here in West Texas. This would be a tremendous asset to both energy and service companies in keeping and hiring future engineers. Based on statistics, there is a much higher retention rate for a student to stay in this area if they go to school here. Also, with the major University engineering colleges getting to their maximum enrollments in the next decade and the inability for some very bright students to not get in those schools due to the 10% rule, this could be a great draw for future local students that want to become Engineers.

David Watts, President of UTPB has requested letters of interest and support for the proposed degree programs (see below message for more details). As a service to UTPB in meeting our local future engineering demands, the SPE Trans Pecos and Permian Basin members are requested to furnish a letter or have someone from their company write a letter in this regard if they feel compelled.

We all need qualified workers and especially Engineers. Most local managers and department heads are pulling their hair out trying to find replacement engineers. It is the number one concern with the service and operating companies through out the US. Many parents would like to send their sons and daughters down the street to attend an engineering program rather than miles away. It should save them a few thousand dollars as well.

Dr Watt’s message and request:

UTPB is proposing to develop three engineering programs: mechanical, chemical and petroleum. Our request for preliminary authority is pending before the Coordinating Board. By March 31, UTPB needs to prepare a case showing the staff that UTPB will be able to graduate 60 engineers a year. While demand information is important, we must show that UTPB will attract and graduate 60 a year.

Employer letters that address the following factors will be most helpful:

1) Willingness to provide tuition for employees
2) Prepared to establish scholarships for students
3) Experience with hiring locals who are committed to the area vs. hiring outside the area and move away after a time.
4) Level of need for engineers both from retirement and new hires in particular.
5) Commitment of other financial support for engineering at UTPB.
6) Long term prospects for engineering demand. Is the current situation cyclical? We assume it is not. 

Letters supporting UTPB's prediction that 60 engineers a year will be graduated from UTPB will be most helpful. While the Coordinating Board will not act until April 24, the staff recommendation will be critical. Please feel free to call David Watts at 432-552-2100 [watts_d@utpb.edu ] or Dr. Bill Fannin, 432-552-2110.

Please address your letters to:

Dr. William Fannin
Provost
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762

fannin_w@utpb.edu
432-552-2110

Thanks for your help with this effort to provide engineers for the Permian Basin.

The position of Southwest North America Regional Young Professional Coordinator assigned for the term 2008-2010. 

Troy Kelly, Reservoir Engineer with Kinder Morgan CO₂ Company has accepted this position and will begin providing information and coverage that is being developed and shared by other regional and section Young Professional Committees. This is proposed to be a two year term position.

This is a position that will provide the SWNA Region communication and functionality for the under 35 SPE members of our region. Troy can help provided SPE guidance and planning in the future concerning the needs and desires of its Young Professionals. This position would not replace any Troy is currently serving on with the Permian Basin SPE Section.

The Regional Coordinator would be responsible for communications and developments for supporting it’s under 35 members. Development of ideas and sharing these with other YP coordinators around the globe would be a valuable experience for Troy. The Region consists of sections in Austin, San Antonio (Balcones), Midland (Permian Basin), Odessa (Trans-Pecos), Lubbock (South Plains), Hobbs, Amarillo, Wichita Falls (North Texas), Farmington (Four Corners), and Socorro-Roswell. There would be a link to the Universities with SPE Chapters in this Region as well – Texas Tech University, The University of Texas, New Mexico Tech, & The University of The Permian Basin.

We are requesting your support for Troy in bringing this coordination together.

The 3^rd SMU Geothermal Lab Conference is going to be June 17 - 18, 2008! 

Geothermal Energy Utilization Associated with Oil & Gas Development

 Focusing on applications of geothermal energy in oil and gas settings from fields in Texas and around the world, this conference will be the talk of the industry.  It is highlighted as the conference that brings together new low-temperature technology, geothermal expertise, financers, and developers for exceptional networking and partnership opportunities.  The two-day conference will be held in the state of  the art SMU - COX Executive Education Collins Center, Dallas, Texas.  Last year nearly 200 people attended the conference.  Based on the increasing numbers of requests regarding geothermal energy development, even more people will attend this year. 

Meeting Information

Sponsorships available

Become a Sponsor today of this timely and exciting conference to maximize visibility.  (see attached  sponsorship document)

Have you been working on a project?  Presentations are being solicited on projects and related topics.   Email David Blackwell regarding your suggestions. blackwel@smu.edu or call him at 214-768-2745.

 Why wait to the end?  Mark your calendars and Register Today online!  http://www.smu.edu/geothermal

 Presentations from the previous two conferences are on our website at:  http://www.smu.edu/geothermal/Oil&Gas/Oil&GasPresentations.htm.   

 Maria Richards
SMU Geothermal Lab Coordinator
Room 220 Heroy
214-768-1975
mrichard@smu.edu
PO Box 75-0395
Dallas, TX 75275-0395
http://www.smu.edu/geothermal

Facility Shortages in Petroleum Engineering:

An article [white paper] attached along with its Table 1 dealing with the Facility Shortage we are experiencing and how the SPE is trying to develop a strategy and plan to assist the universities.

“Industry works together to address 2007 Faculty Shortage“

            Table 1 dealing with the Facility Shortage in 2007

New Student Chapter - The University of Texas Permian Basin

The students at UTPB have formed a new SPE student chapter and a campus club. The Trans-Pecos SPE Section will be their sponsor. For more information - contact

Hyperlinked if available

2006-2007 TTU SPE student chapter officers pictured left to right: 

Lonnie Grohman, Internal VP, Mark Washburn, Secretary, Katy Sperry, Treasurer, Giovanni Paccaloni, SPE International President 2005, Maanisaad Shahriar, SOAC, Daniel Hermann, External VP, Patrick Mayne, Membership, Austin Frey, Publicity, Jason Kincaid, President, Dr. Zhao, faculty advisor (not pictured)

Section Sponsor: Austin SPE Section

The students at UTPB have formed a new SPE student chapter and a campus club. The Trans-Pecos SPE Section will be their sponsor.

2006-2007 Student Chapter officers with their Charter

From left: Brandon Hayse - web developer, Aaron Reed - social director, Susan Schrader - faculty advisor, Prentice Creel - SWNA regional director, Clint Bizzell - president, Vernon Presswood - vice president, & Melissa Aguirre - treasurer

Not pictured: Maria Valencia - secretary

For more information - contact

You (and your colleagues) are invited to visit 4 free Websites dedicated to online engineering computations, graphics and data:

Chemical Engineering (added 1-Jun-2006!): www.mycalculations.com/chem/

Petroleum Engineering: www.peteng.com

Mechanical Engineering: www.mechengcalculations.com

Civil Engineering: www.civilengcalculations.com

The Trans-Pecos SPE Section wants to express special thanks to the following companies for their support and services.

For Information on the Trans-Pecos SPE Section;