BUTTE, Montana – Bob Morris has been selected as the first Lance Energy Endowment Chair. The chair will increase Montana Tech's profile as a national leader in energy by leveraging private funding and developing partnerships with industry, trade associations, national laboratories, and state/federal agencies. .
“Montana Tech has been a leader in the energy sector since its founding. The Lance Energy Chair will help enhance this focus and expand our efforts. There is great momentum in the energy transition, and the Lance Energy Chair will help advance this focus and expand our efforts. , Bob has both the expertise and vision to ensure Montana Tech continues to lead this transformation,” said Chancellor Les Cook.
This position was created in April 2023 as part of a historic $31 million gift to Montana Tech from alumnus Ryan Rance (Petroleum Engineering '84) and his wife Lisa.
“Lisa and I are very pleased to hire Bob Morris as Lance Energy's first endowed chair. Bob has had a distinguished career in the energy industry and has no doubt that energy education and It will accelerate Montana Tech’s position as a leader in research,” Lance said. “His experience in the private sector focuses on interdisciplinary opportunities for the University to expand its reach with government, industry and independent stakeholders to ensure a sustainable energy future for all.” , will create new and innovative ways to develop.”
Morris, a Butte native, earned a bachelor's degree in geophysical engineering from Montana Tech in 1984. She then earned a master's degree in engineering science from Montana Tech University in 1991.
“We welcome Bob Morris to the Montana Tech family as the first Lance Energy Chair. Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the energy field to inspire students and enrich our academic and research environment. I would also like to thank Lisa and Ryan Lance for their generous gift and vision to make Montana Tech a distinguished leader in the energy field.'' said Lance, Dean of the School of Mines and Engineering, Kenneth. Lee said.
Morris began his professional career in the oil and gas exploration business before pivoting to the power systems industry.
“I have worked in the power industry for the past 35 years, focusing on the protection and control of power systems around the world, including high-voltage power grids and large industrial power plants in refineries and mining operations,” said Morris. he said. .
Mr. Morris retired five years ago to become a power systems consultant specializing in energy and materials. He worked with Montana Technological University, mining companies, and tribal governments on projects involving carbon-free energy sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear power.
Morris decided to apply for the position after seeing the work the university, Montana Tech University, and the Rance family are doing to make a difference in the world.
“I am honored to join the Montana Tech team,” Morris said. “After a rewarding career in the energy industry, I saw an opportunity to give back to the university and continue to contribute to society. Working in the energy industry is intellectually stimulating. It's very rewarding because I'm contributing to improving the standard of living for humankind.”
In addition to forging important partnerships with industry partners, academic institutions, agencies, and trade associations, Morris will welcome the next generation to Montana Tech to address pressing engineering problems that impact nearly all of humanity. I'm looking forward to that.
“We will work hard to attract students to the important energy industry,” Morris said. “The world is undergoing an energy evolution that is impacting everyone's lives. At Montana Tech, we have 125 years of experience in this field. This position is designed to strengthen the leadership of technology companies. It’s important, but it’s also important to remember the past and stay true to the basics.”
