The University of Tulsa's Petroleum Engineering Department

Tony, 48, was elected to the position of vice president and general manager, Gulf Division, in 2005. Vaughn previously served as vice president, Planning and Evaluation, since 2003. Vaughn joined Devon in 1997, serving in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility. Prior to Devon, Vaughn spent 12 years with Kerr McGee Corp., where he last served as manager of the Rocky Mountain District. Before joining Kerr McGee, Vaughn worked as an operations engineer for Amoco Production Co. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Tulsa and a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Oral Roberts University. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Tony in his own words:

Why did I choose TU?

I began my education at Oral Roberts University, pursuing a BS in Business Management while on a tennis scholarship.

After two years there I went to work for Hudson Petroleum Engineering, a reservoir engineering consulting firm in downtown Tulsa, working as an engineering tech. I enjoyed the work and became more and more interested in the energy industry. After considering other universities with petroleum engineering programs, Tulsa University was my first choice. I thought TU had the best team of instructors in any program and I was also attracted by the low student to faculty ratio. After persistent persuasion from myself the TU admissions director finally accepted me into the university in 1979. In truth, he probably didn't think I could make it through the program, but was tired of hearing my pleas to get in.

Did TU prepare me well for my career?

My education at TU was a great foundation for my day to day work in the industry. I thought TU did a very good job of providing the engineering fundamentals to build a career on. Tulsa grads are
recognized in the industry as being well trained and technically competent.

Any fond memories?

Students at TU today may not realize it, but all of the petroleum engineering class work was held at the north campus during this time frame. Therefore, virtually all of my course work at TU was in a relatively small and outdated building, rather than the pleasant atmosphere of the main campus. However, this was a positive in terms of parking and the walk to classes. I also have fond memories of some of the instructors, such as Dr. Brown, Dr. Day and Dr. Brill. They had a way of making classroom work very practical and not just theoretical problem solving.

I am very appreciative of my education at Tulsa and wouldn't trade that experience for anything.