Contact: Laura Martin
A Mississippi State graduate who went on to become an oil and gas industry executive is designating the university's engineering college as the sole beneficiary of a $1 million insurance policy.
Bobby S. Shackouls is president, chief executive officer and chairman of Burlington Resources Inc. in Houston, Texas. A Greenville native who received a chemical engineering degree in 1972, he was the College of Engineering's Alumni Fellow for 1997.
The company Shackouls has led since 1995 sponsors a charitable award program for each of its directors. Upon their deaths, $1 million is paid to a designated educational institution.
"Bobby has provided leadership to the College of Engineering in so many ways over the years that we couldn't begin to thank him enough," said Dean A. Wayne Bennett. "This gift will help ensure that the future of the college is bright."
Shackouls heads one of the world's largest independent exploration and production companies. Under his administration, Burlington has diversified its resource base and gas markets in the United States.
He previously held management positions with Exxon, Houston Oil and Minerals, Houston Oil Fields Co., Plains Resources Inc., and Torch Energy Advisors Inc.
An Eagle Scout, Shackouls actively is involved in the Boy Scouts of America, serving on the board of the Sam Houston Area Council. He also serves on the board of the Children's Assessment Center for Abused Children, Mid Continent Oil and Gas Association and Mississippi State University Foundation.