Professor Norman Morrow

John and Jane Wold Chair of Energy

June 7, 2007 - The College of Engineering is pleased to recognize Professor Norman Morrow (right) as the John and Jane Wold Chair of Energy.

Morrow earned a B.S. degree in chemical engineering and a Ph.D. in mineral engineering from the University of Leeds. He joined the UW faculty in 1992 with a joint appointment as a professor in UW's Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and as a distinguished scientist at Western Research Institute. Previously he served 16 years as head of petrophysics and surface chemistry at the Petroleum Recovery Research Center at New Mexico Tech.

A professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at UW, he teaches undergraduate and graduate students. Morrow was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2001, the highest professional distinction accorded U.S. engineers. In addition, Morrow received the 2006 UW Presidential Award for Excellence in Research, and was selected as the 2006 UW Presidential Speaker. He is a recognized authority on the movement of hydrocarbons in geological formations and is credited with more than 150 publications representing work from his research group and collaboration with fellow scientists throughout the world.

John (UW Honorary Doctorate 1991) and his wife, Jane Wold of Casper, Wyoming, (pictured below) established the John and Jane Wold Endowed Chair in Energy at UW in 1990. John, who founded his own Casper-based oil, gas and minerals business in 1950 was the first professional geologist ever to serve in Congress, where he sponsored the National Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970. He received an A.B. in 1938 from Union College in Schenectady, New York and an M.S. from Cornell University.

John and Jane Wold of Casper, Wyoming

Candidates for the Wold Chair are expected to provide leadership to the University's efforts in the aspects of energy research. In addition, candidates are expected to share their knowledge by participating in the University's teaching mission at graduate levels and particularly the undergraduate level.

A geologist, Wold co-discovered and developed a body of uranium ore in Wyoming called Christensen Ranch. He also played a principle role in developing the Highland Uranium Mine, also in Wyoming, which is the largest uranium solution mine in the world.

John and Jane Wold are advocates for promoting new business in Wyoming and their generous gift to UW provides a wealth of student learning opportunities well into the future.