A Conversation with Alumnus Joe Parsley, an Oil Industry Entrepreneur and Patriarch

How does it feel to see your own name on the stock exchange?

I think Bryan used my name early on because we had a reputation in Midland with other oilmen and with mineral owners. When acquiring new deals and properties, Bryan liked to let them know that this is the Joe Parsley of the old Parker & Parsley. He and his landman said it has helped them get some deals that they might otherwise not have. We had a decent reputation, so he kept it. And I think he’s proud of it — I’m surprised [laughter]!

It is nice to see Parsley Energy come across the exchange. I’m very proud of Bryan and Scott.

Parsley was named a Distinguished Engineering Graduate in 2003 and maintains close ties to the university. He is a generous contributor to the Friends of Alec annual giving program and funded the Joe M. Parsley Scholarship Fund and the Joe M. Parsley Excellence Fund. Joe has two daughters, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He and his wife Lucy reside in Kemah, Texas.