The McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering in The University of Tulsa’s College of Engineering & Computer Science has received an endowment from the Artificial Lift R&D Council (ALRDC), creating the Dr. James F. Lea Jr. Scholarship to support the advancement of petroleum engineering research. This gift will provide new scholarships for petroleum engineering students interested in a career or research in artificial lift systems. These systems use external energy to boost the flow of oil, gas and water from wells when reservoir pressure is low or insufficient.
“This endowment fund will provide a perpetual scholarship to support UTulsa petroleum engineering students for generations to come,” said ALRDC President Victoria Pons, Ph.D. “We believe in empowering students with the resources they need to succeed and innovate within the oil and gas sector. This ensures a legacy of support and opportunity.”
James F. Lea Jr. has dedicated decades of his work to advancing artificial liftsystems and technology. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Arkansas and a doctoral degree from Southern Methodist University. After several years teaching, he served as chair at the Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University from 1999 to 2005.
Eduardo Pereyra, Ph.D., is a petroleum engineering professor and holds the F.H. “Mick” Merelli/Coterra Energy Chair. He also serves as associate director at UTulsa’s Fluid Flow Project and Horizontal Wells Artificial Lift Projects.
“Naming this scholarship in Dr. Lea’s honor celebrates his remarkable contributions and lifelong dedication to the field,” Pereyra said. “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to fostering innovation, empowering future leaders in petroleum engineering.”
Lea’s family and the ALRDC says they hope this gift will further the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering’s legacy, providing additional access and opportunities for generations of engineers.
“We are immensely grateful for the generous support we receive from our friends, colleagues and alumni of the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering. These gifts are critical to our continued success and worldwide reputation,” said Ken McQueen, interim chair of the McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering.