FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A team from Phillips 66 made an annual visit to the University of Arkansas campus recently. The visit marked the culmination of another year of collaboration between the energy manufacturing and logistics company and the university, particularly with the Sam M. Walton College of Business and the College of Engineering.

The Phillips 66 team presented the university with a $100,000 check in support of various initiatives in the Walton College and College of Engineering, including the Technology Awareness Program, Supply Chain Management Research Center, the Engineering Career Awareness Program and the SAP Support Program.

Pam McGinnis, chief procurement officer for Phillips 66 and an alumna of the College of Engineering, led the campus visit. McGinnis is the executive liaison between the company and the university and was joined by Kendra Deaton, senior adviser in university relations; Farrah Mojabi, procurement recruitment lead; Ashley Jones, accounting/finance recruitment lead; and Jason Hardy, information technology recruitment. Jones and Hardy are also graduates of the university.

“We recognize that the partnerships we have at schools like the University of Arkansas are critical to Phillips 66,” McGinnis said. “Our university partners are helping us build the depth and breadth of capabilities our company needs to provide energy and improve lives now, and in the future. And they’re instilling a passion for excellence in our future workforce.” 

During their visit to campus, the Phillips 66 team met with faculty and staff from the College of Engineering to discuss the possibility of increasing the number of engineers hired from the university. The team also met with representatives from the Walton College, including faculty from the Department of Supply Chain Management, to discuss further collaboration and partnerships.

“We are humbly grateful for the continuous support we receive from Phillips 66,” said Marla Mayberry, acting director of corporate and foundation relations at the U of A. “They have strategically placed their resources across disciplines in the colleges from which they recruit, volunteer and develop future leaders. Because of their investment in the University of Arkansas, we can strengthen programs, perform cutting-edge research and develop excellent talent and future leaders. Together, we are creating the workforce for tomorrow.”

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.