Chesapeake Energy Establishes Presidential Scholars Program
Students to Benefit at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business will begin offering a new leadership and scholarship program this fall through a $5 million donation from Chesapeake Energy. The Chesapeake Presidential Scholars program, a 5-year commitment to the university, will prepare undergraduate business students for rewarding careers in finance, economics, accounting, marketing, business administration, computer science and information technology. The program will provide up to $25,000 per year in tuition to each scholar.
Scholars will take part in a Chesapeake Presidential Leadership Course, undergraduate business research, internships, workshops, networking events, team-building competitions and community service. Scholars will also meet regularly with OCU President Robert Henry, participate in a leadership seminar with Meinders School of Business Dean Vince Orza and visit with a variety of distinguished guest speakers and leaders from business, government, the arts, education and other areas.
“This innovative and challenging academic program is a hands-on approach that will allow students to explore, learn and lead, while putting them on a path to success,” Henry said. “Chesapeake is a leader in its industry and has set a fine example for our scholars to follow. This is a world-class program for a world-class university.”
“This is a transformational program for Oklahoma City University and signals a step to the next level for the Meinders School of Business,” Henry said. “Chesapeake’s generous gift will enable us to attract top Oklahoma students. Chesapeake is a great corporate citizen. Aubrey McClendon is a visionary CEO and Senior Vice President Martha Burger serves as an OCU trustee and helped design the program. They are great partners for our university.”
Aubrey K. McClendon, Chesapeake’s Chief Executive Officer, said the scholarship program will give students the opportunity to obtain a well-rounded, quality education in a city on the rise.
“Great cities have great universities,” McClendon said. “Just as prestigious universities like Duke and Rice are centered in the heart of their communities, Oklahoma City University is in the heart of Oklahoma City. What better way to build on the future of our community than investing in the education of the promising leaders of tomorrow?”
Chesapeake Energy Corporation is one of the largest producers of natural gas and the most active driller of new wells in the U.S. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company’s operations are focused on discovering and developing unconventional natural gas and oil fields onshore in the U.S. Chesapeake owns leading positions in the Barnett, Fayetteville, Haynesville, Marcellus and Bossier natural gas shale plays and in the Eagle Ford, Granite Wash and various other unconventional oil plays. The company has also vertically integrated its operations and owns substantial midstream, compression, drilling and oilfield service assets. Further information is available at www.chk.com.
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Chesapeake Energy Presidential Scholars with their high schools:
Hanna Daly, Bishop McGuinness High School
Matthew Cody Carson, Bishop McGuinness High School
Mitchell Thrower, Casady School
Brock Turner, C.E.A., Tulsa
Nathan Terpstra, Classical School of Wichita
Addison Broberg, Edmond Memorial High School
Tyler Stukey, Edmond Memorial High School
Brittany Webb, Enid High School
Hannah Grayson, Harrah High School
Nicolas Jewell, Harrah High School
Christian Cox, Mount Saint Mary High School
Kyle Elliott, Norman High School
Leslie Denner, Putnam City High School
Kevin Culbertson, Putnam City High School
Dillon Byrd, Putnam City North High School
Kaci Buchanan, Putnam City West High School
Jared Elliot, Western Heights High School
