Energy leaders to headline Montana Tech’s 31st annual “Jocko” Evans Symposium

Montana Technological University’s Petroleum Engineering Department and student chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) will welcome industry leaders, alumni, and students to campus April 16–18 for the 31st Annual “Jocko” Evans Technical Symposium and Golf Tournament.

The multi-day event is designed to connect students with professionals across the oil and gas industry through technical presentations, networking opportunities, and social events, culminating in a golf tournament at Old Works Golf Course. 

“The Jocko Evans Symposium is an amazing event that brings industry, alumni, and students together for some great educational tech talks and networking opportunities,” Interim Department Head of Petroleum Engineering Dr. Dave Rathgeber said. “Embedded events like the banquet, social, and trap shoot provide our students with a more relaxed environment to network with the industry."

The Symposium will open Thursday with a keynote address from Continental Resources President and CEO Doug Lawler, a nationally recognized energy executive with more than three decades of leadership experience. Lawler is expected to share insights on the evolving energy landscape, industry innovation, and leadership in a changing global market.

“The Jocko Evans Symposium is more than a technical event — it’s a platform where students engage directly with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and begin building the relationships that will shape their careers,” Assistant Professor of Petroleum Engineering Dr. Foued Badrouchi said. “Bringing together senior executives, managers engineers, and emerging professionals in one setting reflects Montana Tech’s strong commitment to bridging academic rigor with real-world impact.”

Additional keynote speakers include James K. Wicklund, managing director at PPHB LLC, who will deliver a dinner keynote titled “What’s Next?!?.” Susan Howes, president of Subsurface Consultants & Associates and incoming 2027 SPE president,  will speak during Friday’s lunch session.

Throughout the Symposium, speakers will cover a wide range of technical and industry topics, including drilling performance, reservoir engineering, artificial intelligence in energy, carbon capture, and emerging subsurface technologies.

There will be two panel discussions, titled “Geopolitics and the Evolving Energy Landscape” and “Generations in Energy: Career Journeys, Lessons Learned, and What Comes Next.” Organizers say the Symposium has long served as a bridge between the classroom and the field, giving students direct access to industry expertise while helping employers connect with the next generation of engineers. This year’s Symposium promises a robust program, balancing technical depth and industry insights.

The event will conclude Saturday with the annual golf tournament, followed by the Miners Ball and Digger Auction. For more information, click here.