Recognition reflects Land and Energy Management program success
At this week’s annual meeting in Kansas City, the American Association of Professional Landmen—AAPL—will celebrate Tina Thomas as the AAPL Accredited University Program Director of the Year. The award recognizes a program director who provides support and leadership that challenges their students and provides industry opportunities. Thomas is the director of Marietta College’s Land and Energy Management program, one of only 10 accredited undergraduate programs in the nation and one of only two in the eastern U.S.
“Tina is an articulate and winsome advocate for the oil and gas industry,” an AAPL LinkedIn post stated. “She has a blend of professional and classroom experience and has expertly guided students through several industry cycles.”
Thomas has been part of Marietta College’s program since its 2014 inception and its success attests to Thomas’ leadership. In the past two years the pass rate for Marietta College students taking the AAPL Registered Professional Landman exam has been 100 percent. Six of the 49 students passing the test in 2024 were from the Marietta program. More than 80 percent of students in the program had paid internships last year and three of four May graduates had secured jobs several months before graduation.
Thomas’ encouragement of student participation in AAPL is another example of her attention to student development.
During the last year, Marietta’s program was the only one in the nation to claim 100 percent of Land and Energy students were AAPL members. The organization awards more than $250,000 in student scholarships annually to students enrolled in accredited programs. This year, Marietta student Gunner Fox will be awarded the top scholarship from the local/regional AAPL chapter, MLBC-- Michael Late Benedum Chapter. That scholarship will be presented at the chapter’s June meeting.
Current Land and Energy student, McKenna Hewitt, said being a part of AAPL has been invaluable for the mentorship, internships, and educational resources it provides. But Hewitt also is quick to recognize Thomas’ contribution to her professional development.
“Tina has been an incredible advisor and professor, always going above and beyond to support her students,” Hewitt said. “Whether it's offering career advice, helping us prepare for interviews, or simply being someone, we can count on, Tina’s impact is felt every day in the classroom and beyond. I feel lucky to have had the chance to learn from her."
Hewit said one of the most rewarding experiences has been participating in real-world case studies and networking events. She said these opportunities help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application. Notably, in recent industry challenges Marietta’s students have distinguished themselves, such as placing second in the TCU/NAPE Energy Innovation Case Competition against teams from much larger division one schools. The event provides a platform for students to engage with energy executives and showcase their expertise.
Thomas’ success extends to the very existence of the Land and Energy Management program at Marietta College. She was integral to the reaccreditation of the program until 2028. She also had a central role in reinvigorating the program, which paused acceptance of new students between 2024 and 2025. The program is once again accepting new students for fall 2025. More about Marietta’s Land and Energy Management program is available at https://www.marietta.edu/program/land-energy-management.