The University of Tulsa's Petroleum Engineering Department

After graduation from The University of Tulsa with a BS in Petroleum Engineering in 1980, Paul went to work for Shell Oil Company in it’s Mid-Continent  Division in Houston. While at Shell, Paul managed the operations of several West Texas waterfloods and completed Shell’s extensive training program.

Paul left Shell and went to work for Petro-Lewis Corporation, a large independent, in 1982. During his five years at PLC, Paul held a variety of positions including District Engineer for the Central and South Texas assets, New Opportunities Manager and Gas Marketing Manager.

In 1987, Paul joined with two of his colleagues from PLC to form an independent oil and gas operating company based in Austin, TX. During the late-1980’s and early-1990’s, Paul and his partners focused on acquiring and enhancing producing properties in the lower 48 of the US. In 1991, the group added another TU grad, Gordon Deen, as partner.  In the mid-1990’s, the group began to diversify its holding into areas outside of oil and gas. The group’s assets now include residential and commercial real estate, hotels, entertainment ventures and  pre-IPO investments  in addition to their oil and gas portfolio. Paul and his partners continue to be active in the oil and gas business with positions in several of the gas resource plays. In 2002, Paul moved to Las Vegas with his wife, Janice. He maintains an office in Austin with his partners.

Paul in his own words:

Why did you choose TU?
I chose TU because I thought I would get a better education in a small school environment and I believe I did.

Do you think that TU prepared you well for your career?
My education at TU was well rounded because the classroom work was supplemented with real work experience during the summer and winter breaks. Overall, from my experience I think a TU graduate can compete with any graduate from around the world.

Any fond memories you would like to share with us?
Most of the fond memories I can't repeat or it might incriminate someone. However, I hope the current students realize what they are missing by not having to go to the North Campus everyday.