The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University
inducted five industry leaders into its Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 11, for their
exceptional leadership and contributions in their chosen fields. More than 250 people
were present at the ConocoPhillips Alumni Center to recognize their achievements.
Hall of Fame inductees included Debbie Adams (’83 Chemical Engineering), Harold Courson
(‘52-‘55 Engineering), Jeff Hume (‘75 Petroleum Engineering Technology), David Timberlake
(‘65 Architectural Engineering) and Janet Weiss (‘86 Chemical Engineering).
Debbie Adams currently serves as the senior vice president of Phillips 66 based in
Houston, Texas. After graduating from OSU with her chemical engineering degree in
1983, she began her career in oil and gas as a process engineer with Conoco. She worked
in several capacities for the company, including roles that took her to Sweden and
England after the 2002 merger that created ConocoPhillips. During the most recent
transition that resulted in the formation of Phillips 66, Adams was named the president
of transportation and promoted to senior vice president. She currently serves on the
Board of Trustees and Board of Governors for the OSU Foundation.
Harold Courson attended the engineering program at Oklahoma A&M from 1952-1955 before
leaving to pursue the oil and gas drilling business. He purchased speculative gas
leases in the Texas panhandle and founded Courson Oil and Gas in 1960. His company
drilled two of the first horizontal wells in the early 1970s, one of which is still
producing today. He has served three terms as mayor of Perryton, Texas, and is currently
the chairman for Courson Oil and Gas, Inc. and Natural Gas Anadarko Company. Courson
was one of 100 recognized as a History Maker of the High Plains by the Amarillo Globe-News.
Jeff Hume is a 1975 petroleum engineering technology graduate who began his career
prior to his time at OSU. Immediately following high school, Hume worked as a roustabout
in the oil fields outside Enid. He soon realized his passion for the industry and
came to Stillwater to obtain his degree. Since that time, he has been a leader for
Continental Resources, Inc. for more than 30 years. Hume is a registered professional
engineer and member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He is currently the vice
chairman of strategic growth initiatives for Continental Resources, Inc.
A 1965 architectural engineering graduate, David Timberlake received his degree and
joined the Army Corps of Engineers before transitioning to the private sector. In
Washington D.C., he worked in structural engineering and construction inspection for
government buildings. There he met an influential colleague who led him on the path
to founding his own company — Timberlake Construction. The company has built structures
in 48 of the 50 states and its founder currently serves as chariman and CEO.
Janet Weiss brought her love for math and science, especially chemistry, to OSU when
she enrolled in the chemical engineering program. Her father, Dr. Franklin Leach,
was a professor of biochemistry at OSU, so Janet grew up gaining a love for learning
from her father and the university. She graduated in 1986 and began her career at
ARCO, where she moved through the ranks. For the past 14 years, Weiss has worked for
BP, and she has been a leader in the oil and gas industry. She currently serves as
president of BP Alaska and is a published author on the Kuparuk River Field. Weiss
is an active member of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association Board, University of Alaska
Fairbanks Advisory Board and the Anchorage United Way Board.
Following Saturday’s ceremony, the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology
has recognized a total of 101 Hall of Fame inductees.
