Tom Templeton, land services supervisor at NextEra Energy Resources LLC, speaks
during a reception hosted by UW’s School of Energy Resources (SER) Sept. 22. NextEra
Energy Resources announced a three-year, $30,000 gift to support SER’s growing Professional
Land Management program. The reception was part of SER’s Energy Day celebration. (Christine
Reed Photo)
The University of Wyoming has received a major gift from NextEra Energy Resources
LLC to support the growing Professional Land Management (PLM) program in the School
of Energy Resources (SER).
The gift of $30,000 over three years will establish the Excellence Fund in Professional
Land Management, which will be used to expand the recruiting efforts and maximize
student retention.
A formal announcement was made as part of SER’s Energy Day celebration reception Sept.
22 in the Energy Innovation Center.
SER’s PLM program is one of two concentrations offered in the energy resource management
and development bachelor’s degree. It provides an interdisciplinary learning experience
founded in practical engagement and exposes students to many different disciplines,
including law, business, mathematics and environmental science. It is among only 11
undergraduate programs accredited nationally by the American Association of Professional
Landmen.
“NextEra Energy Resources is proud to support this program, which will continue to
build momentum for SER and the University of Wyoming,” says Ryan Fitzpatrick, NextEra
Energy Resources executive director of development and a UW alumnus. “We are hopeful
this donation will accelerate progress for renewable energy and help students gain
valuable practical experience in one of the fastest growing job fields in America.”
The program specifically trains graduates to determine mineral and surface ownership,
prepare necessary reports and serve as the public-facing agent for mineral and energy
development lease negotiations. Students are trained for a career addressing the business
and legal challenges within the industry. The program has a strong reputation for
producing successful students who work in a variety of fields within the energy industry
and beyond.
“The PLM concentration in the energy resource management and development degree program
has grown over the past decade,” says SER Academic Director Kami Danaei. “Due to opportunities
to learn in the field and engage directly with industry professionals, our students
have flourished and benefited from a competitive edge when exploring employment prospects.
NextEra Energy Resources’ recognition of the value of our program and its investment
in helping our students achieve excellence will help to bolster enrollment and, in
turn, meet the needs of the energy industry through a talented workforce.”
Examples of activities that would be supported by the excellence fund include field
courses; recruitment events for college and high school students; engagement with
high school and community college advisers; student organization support; and sending
current PLM students to professional development opportunities such as industry conferences.
Since NextEra Energy Resources established a presence in Wyoming, it has been an extremely
engaged industry partner with the university, bringing employment opportunities to
UW graduates and economic growth to the state.
“We are so grateful to NextEra Energy Resources for their generous gift to drive student
success,” says Angela Ver Ploeg, UW Foundation senior director for corporate engagement.
“This is a great example of industry collaboration with UW to understand what the
needs for growth are within an academic program, which, in turn, helps grow the workforce
pipeline. NextEra Energy Resources’ gift will make an immediate impact while building
on a strong foundation to support continued success for years to come.”
