Leading the transition to sustainable energy futures.
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The Center for Earth, Energy and Environment
The Center for Earth, Energy and Environment (CEEE) was created to help prepare leaders that shape our shared energy future. Serving as the region’s resource for education and information on energy systems development, environmental impacts of energy alternatives, and sustainable energy practices, CEEE prepares students for both well-established and emerging sectors of the increasingly sustainable energy industry.
In addition to preparing Marietta students to assume leadership roles across evolving energy sectors, CEEE will facilitate strategic alliances with external stakeholders, including learning partners, funders, governmental and industry leaders.
Marietta College is proud to publicly launch this effort with an inaugural energy symposium. Keep reading for more details.
CEEE invites you to the Inaugural Symposium
on April 20 and 21, 2026
Energy and Resource Management:
A Path Forward for Appalachia
Dr. Scott W. Tinker
CEO of Tinker Energy Associates and Chairman of Switch Energy Alliance
Sustained revitalization for Appalachian communities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky requires attracting new business to the region from innovative sectors, such as advanced manufacturing and cleaner energy. The long-term viability of those businesses will rely on a robust and integrated infrastructure that can facilitate the extraction and conveyance of crucial local natural resources, deliver sufficient and reliable baseload power, and offer effective and efficient transportation network(s). This also requires careful planning and a well-orchestrated partnership between private businesses, local/state/regional governments, and economic development organizations, as well as an available educated and skilled work force.
The CEEE Energy Symposium will convene a panel of individuals from companies representing different energy and power sectors to offer perspective on opportunities and challenges facing providers from both traditional and emerging energy markets. These perspectives will elicit thought-provoking discussion and debate to help identify realistic opportunities to meet the future power needs of Appalachian industries and communities.
Symposium Agenda
Monday, April 20, 2026
12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Sessions dedicated to interaction with students, faculty and staff
4:00 to 6 p.m
Sponsors' Dinner with Scott Tinker
(invitation only)
6:30 p.m.
Screening of feature film: "Switch On," starring Scott Tinker
Followed by Q&A with Scott Tinker
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
At the historical Peoples Bank Theatre
This event is free and open to the community
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions
Kathleen Poorman Dougherty, President of Marietta College
Ben J. Stuart, Dean of the Center for Earth, Energy, and Environment
9:15 a.m
Keynote Address: Global Energy: Factually Complete
Scott W. Tinker, Chairman, Switch Energy Alliance
10:30 a.m.
Energy Panel: The Future of Energy Demand vs Deliverability
Moderator, Elena S. Melchert, President of Energia Consulting LLC
- Dan Lopata, VP Completions, Facilities & Production, Expand Energy
- Panelist, Oklo
- Panelist, Constellation Energy
- Rahul Rambhatla, Development Manager, Fervo Energy
- Kreg Levengood, Commissioning Director, Kiewit Power
12:00 p.m.
Lunch
12:30 p.m.
Luncheon Plenary
John Lassek, Deputy Assistant Secretary Subsurface Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office
1:15 p.m.
Roundtable: Advancing Business in Appalachia Through Effective Use of Resources
Moderator: Craig Butler, Executive Director, MWCD; Past Director, Ohio EPA
- Jerry James, President ARTEX, Founder of Shale Crescent
- Harold Rinehart, VP East Operations MPLX Gathering & Processing
- Panelist, Vallourec
- Nikhil Joshi, CEO Decarcs
- Taylor Abbott, Executive Director, Ohio River Commission
3:00 p.m.
AI/Data Science in the Energy Industry
Tommy Balez, President of NexTier
3:30 p.m.
The Value of a STEM Education
Terry Palisch – CTO CARBO, 2024 SPE President
4:00 p.m.
Wrap-Up
Dr. Ben J. Stuart, Dean of the CEEE at Marietta College
4:30 p.m.
Meet and Mingle – Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres
"Switch On"
The film will be screened on Monday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m.
at the Peoples Bank Theatre
Followed by Q&A with the film's creator Scott Tinker
This free event is open to the community
Sponsored by Peoples Bank Theatre
"Energy powers the people to power themselves." Scott Tinker
Dr. Scott Tinker's documentary, "Switch On," you will meet leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens working to eradicate 'energy poverty' in their countries. In a journey that's enlightening and emotional, Switch On will change the way you look at energy and the developing world forever.
Tinker is a global energy visionary, educator and pragmatist working to solve major societal challenges in energy, environment, and economy. His career in industry, academia, government, and non-profits, underpin his global speaking, writing, filmmaking, television, radio, and board work. He has led the dialogue on balancing energy access for human flourishing with environmental protection in what he calls the “radical middle.” His views of the global energy landscape have proven prescient and impactful to industry leaders, policymakers, and educators.
EXPLORE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
CEEE MISSION
The CEEE will recruit, guide, and develop students through rigorous academic programming and practical applied experiences that prepare them to address the complex challenges facing global energy markets, and empowering them to lead the transition to sustainable energy futures.
Powering the future of energy education and leadership.
The Center for Earth, Energy and Environment prepares a path forward.
The Center embraces the value of combining technical preparation with broad-based education and experiential learning. Building on the strengths of Marietta College academic program areas, including petroleum engineering, geology, environmental sciences, energy systems, and land and energy management, CEEE also is an innovation hub where relevant new programs related to energy system development and sustainability will be developed.
Ben Stuart, Ph.D., P.E., serves as Dean of the Center for Earth, Energy and Environment. Stuart’s expertise spans sustainable energy, environmental systems and water treatment technologies, and he has been sought after as a consultant for reputable organizations including NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
He embraces the role of the Center, emphasizing that the Center connects "students, faculty, practitioners and governmental agencies to create diverse communities working together to advance sustainable solutions to the problems facing EEE systems."
Stuart previously was dean of Old Dominion University’s Batten College of Engineering and Technology in Virginia. He also spent two decades at Ohio University, where he directed the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment and led the Biofuels Research Laboratory.
Building on Marietta’s longstanding strength in petroleum engineering, the Center ensures the College remains a leader in preparing students to tackle today’s energy challenges responsibly, while equipping them with the skills and opportunities to create sustainable solutions for the future. Energy-related programs at Marietta College, listed below, include undergraduate and graduate programs that offer majors, minors and certificates in multiple departments.
Petroleum Engineering: Historically one of the top programs in the nation
Marietta’s Petroleum Engineering program prepares students to be leaders in the industry. The program provides students access to talented professors, in-depth course curriculum and valuable internship opportunities, all within the framework of a liberal arts education. The Petroleum Engineering program is accredited by the Petroleum Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Land & Energy Management: The public-facing (business) side of an energy exploration and production team
The need for energy and for responsible land and resource management is spurring the demand for professionals knowledgeable in fossil fuel and renewable energy resource development. Land professionals can grow their careers through the traditional oil and gas sector or flourish through wind, carbon capture, solar and other renewable energy projects. Marietta’s Land & Energy Management program is one of only 11 undergraduate APPL (American Association of Professional Landmen) accredited programs in North America, and the only one at a small liberal arts college. 100% of Marietta College’s Land & Energy Management graduates in 2024 and 2025 passed the Registered Landman (RL) exam, the first level of certification for landmen.
Energy Systems: Expanding options
Marietta's Energy Systems Engineering program is designed to offer both non-science and science students a strong foundation of knowledge in energy sources with a secondary focus on the environmental, social and economic aspects of energy systems and energy utilization.
Environmental Science: Problem-solvers and change agents
Students in the environmental science program develop skills necessary in this ever-changing environmental landscape. They spend time in the classroom, in the lab, and in the field, and put the knowledge they gain into action during internships and at professional conferences as they prepare for careers where they become problem-solvers and change agents in the field, in the corporate world, and in government.
Environmental Studies: Gaining understanding of how people interact with the environment
The Environmental Studies program focuses directly on the social issues surrounding environmental concerns in order to prepare you for a career in government, law, nonprofit management or journalism. The program prepares students to have rewarding careers in environmental education, fishery and wildlife management, and environmental law. Students learn about the social issues surrounding environmental problems, and gain a deeper understanding of how people interact with the environment, the impact of that interaction and opportunities to improve environmental concerns.
Geology: Studying the Earth, its materials and history, and the processes that shape it
Students completing our Geology program find petroleum and mineral resources, and they also work to mitigate natural hazards, locate groundwater resources and track subsurface pollution. Graduates work in the oil and gas, mining, environmental and engineering industries, as well as for national, state, and local government agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA, NOAA, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service and the Department of Energy.
Environmental Engineering: Dedicated to lasting, positive impacts (program currently paused)
Although currently paused and not accepting applications, Marietta's Environmental Engineering program, which is ABET accredited, is designed to prepare students to excel in the design and oversight of remediation projects that minimize or redress pollution and ecosystem disruption.
Master's in Environmental Sustainability Leadership: Understanding complex systems that intersect in sustainability leadership
Marietta's Master of Arts degree in Environmental Sustainability Leadership (MESL) program is a fully online multidisciplinary program that empowers students to tackle sustainability challenges from different perspectives and work collaboratively to find solutions that address the triple bottom line of protecting people, the planet, and profits.
Related Programs
The energy industry encompasses far more than exploration and production. Students interested in the energy sector may elect to major in a related area; business, STEM, and policy majors clearly are needed in the industry. These students may choose to minor in an energy-related program, gaining a broader knowledge that prepares them for a role in the industry.
The science of energy
Marietta programs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics prepare students for research and innovation.
The business of energy
Marietta programs in Finance, Management and Policy prepare students for careers within parts of the energy industry that keep the business of energy powered.
Join us as we grow.
Contact the Center for Earth, Energy and Environment
EMAIL THE CENTER: CEEE@Marietta.edu