Oklahoma University Regents to Discuss Energy College

A new college on the Norman campus that will focus on energy research and education is among items to be discussed by the OU Board of Regents at its regular meeting today at Rogers State University in Claremore.

The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the third-floor board room of the Stratton Taylor Library at Rogers State University in Claremore.

The regents will consider a recommendation to establish a new College of Earth and Energy and the restructuring of the university’s assets in energy education and research to achieve multidisciplinary study and research. The new college will incorporate the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, School of Geology and Geophysics, current Sarkeys Energy Center institutes and programs, and Oklahoma Geological Survey.

The appointment of members of the College of Earth and Energy Dean Search Committee, composed of faculty, students and staff, also will be considered.

Key components of the restructuring also include strategic sessions to review the name and mission of the College of Geosciences, which will continue to include the School of Meteorology and the Department of Geography and an expanded role in atmospheric sciences, and strategic planning sessions in the College of Engineering to determine specific research initiatives and to define its priorities. Additionally, alternative energy initiatives will continue to be a focus at OU as well as conventional energy sources, and both the new college and College of Engineering will work with the Michael F. Price College of Business and College of Law to provide more opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.

The regents also will rank architectural firms under consideration to provide professional services required for the renovation of Science Hall, Hester Hall and Rhyne Hall, all on the OU Norman campus.