Joseph and Stephanie Leimkuhler Scholarship

Supporting the Next Generation of Drilling Engineers

The Joseph and Stephanie Leimkuhler Scholarship provides financial support for students pursuing a master's degree in petroleum engineering, with a focus on drilling engineering. This competitive scholarship covers tuition and fees for remote students, and fully-funded graduate assistantship positions for main-campus students.

Click here to view the Scholarship Flyer

About Joseph & Stephanie Leimkuhler

Joseph “Joe” Leimkuhler, chief operating officer of Beacon Offshore Energy -- with offices in Houston, Texas and Covington, La. -- has deep ties to UW. After earning a bachelor's degree in geology and forestry from the University of Montana, he began working as a “mud engineer” on drilling rigs in Wyoming. It was there that he met Jack Evers, UW’s former head of petroleum engineering, during a student tour of a rig in the Snowy Range.

Originally set on attending law school, his path changed when Jack Evers encouraged him to pursue engineering instead. After completing prerequisite coursework while working on drilling rigs across Wyoming, Joe, along with his wife and children, moved to Laramie. With the financial support of a state teaching assistantship, Joe completed his master’s degree in petroleum engineering in 1987. This experience laid the foundation for his long and successful career in the Oil & Gas Industry.

Joe Leimkuhler serves on the Department of Energy Petroleum Engineering Industrial Advisory Board and the Dean's Advisory Council for the UW College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Joe, along with his wife, Stephanie, established the Joseph and Stephanie Leimkuhler Scholarship to provide aspiring drilling engineers the opportunity to earn a master’s degree at the University of Wyoming and achieve success in the Oil & Gas Industry. 

Scholarship Degree Options

The University of Wyoming offers three specialized graduate programs designed to equip students with the technical expertise and practical experience needed needed to lead complex drilling operations anywhere in the world. 

• Master of Engineering with Specialization in Advanced Drilling

Complete 30 credits of coursework in as little as one year (3 semesters) with this flexible degree designed for industry professionals. This option is available on campus, online, and in hybrid mode.

• Research-Based Master of Science with Drilling Focus (MS Plan A)

Complete 26 credits of coursework and 4 credits of thesis research related to drilling engineering applications. This option is available on campus only.

• Course-Based Master of Science with Drilling Focus (MS Plan B)

Complete 28 credits of coursework and 2 credits of research credits related to drilling engineering applications. This option is available on campus only.

Please visit the department's Application Information page to find information on eligibility and required application materials for these graduate programs.

Scholarship Eligibility

Please review the following eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify:

• U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder

• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, on a 4.0 scale.

• Open to all engineering and science degree backgrounds. 

• Past experience in Drilling Engineering is preferred, but any demonstration of a clear interest in drilling or those with field experience are encouraged to apply. 

Please note that scholarship funding is contingent upon successful admission to the University of Wyoming and the graduate program of your choice (see options above). Continuation of funding is subject to maintaining good academic standing throughout the program (GPA of 3.0 or above).

Scholarship Application Information

To be considered for the Joseph and Stephanie Leimkuhler Scholarship, please email a copy of your unofficial transcripts and a cover letter detailing your interest in the program to pete-info@uwyo.edu. Additionally, you must submit an application to your chosen program and upload all required documents through the UW Admissions Online Application.

Candidate selection will be based on the credentials and experiences of the applicant. Interviews may be conducted as necessary.

Applicants selected for the Joseph and Stephanie Leimkuhler Scholarship will be notified via email with a department offer letter outlining the start date and funding offer. Upon receipt of the signed offer letter, the application will be processed by UW admissions.