PETEX, a professional education unit of The University of Texas at Austin and one of the world’s leading training organizations for the oil and gas industry, has appointed William Robert (Bob) Parkey Jr. as its new director and executive in residence. Parkey, who received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from UT Austin in 1981, joins PETEX after an accomplished career serving in senior leadership and management positions with companies such as ChevronTexaco, Texaco Inc., ICO, Inc./ICO Polymers and Exxon.
During his career, Parkey has been a key contributor on several innovative engineering projects across the globe, partnering with companies in over 30 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Most recently, Parkey served as president and CEO of Corinthian Advisors LLC in Houston.
“Bob has achieved tremendous success and become a respected leader in the oil and gas industry,” said Eric Roe, executive director of Texas Engineering Executive Education, the division of UT’s Cockrell School of Engineering that operates PETEX. “Having worked for several top companies in this sector, Bob will bring a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to the role. We are thrilled to have one of our very own — a Texas Engineering alumnus — back on campus leading PETEX.”
PETEX, or Petroleum Extension, was founded in 1944 to provide first-in-class industry training and educational resources for employees and companies in the oil and gas industry. It is headquartered at UT’s J.J. Pickle Research Campus and also operates hands-on and technology-enhanced training and talent development centers in Houston and Odessa.
The unit has worked with companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, Occidental Petroleum, Schlumberger, Saudi Aramco and others, offering programs and resources that train workforces on new technologies, equipment, standards and practices. PETEX also offers educational opportunities with traditional, instructor-led courses both in the classroom and online to match the needs of every future industry leader.
“As PETEX celebrates its 75th anniversary, I am eager and excited to come back home to UT and lead this historic organization,” Parkey said. “I look forward to collaborating with my oil and gas industry colleagues as PETEX continues to serve the current and future innovators of our industry.”
