News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has announced that its upcoming Engineering Discovery Building will be named after Autry C. Stephens, a notable alumnus and leader in the oil and gas industry. Set to open in 2026, the 210,000-square-foot facility will enhance education in petroleum and chemical engineering while fostering collaboration among students and faculty. The building underscores UT Austin’s dedication to advancing energy education and research in a transforming industry, serving as a testament to Stephens’ enduring legacy in the field.
Houston, TX — UT Austin Honors Oil Pioneer with New Building
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) recently announced that its new Engineering Discovery Building (EDB) will be named after Autry C. Stephens, a distinguished oil and gas industry leader and a notable alumnus of the university. This significant addition to the campus, covering 210,000 square feet, is slated to open in 2026 and will house the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering and the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering.
Stephens, who passed away in 2024, was a trailblazer, being the first in his family to attend college. He graduated with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in petroleum engineering from UT Austin in 1961 and 1962. The founder of Endeavor Energy Resources, which was acquired by Diamondback Energy in 2024, he made a lasting mark on the energy sector, enhancing Texas’s reputation in oil and gas production while inspiring countless future engineers.
Design and Purpose of the Engineering Discovery Building
The Engineering Discovery Building is designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation among students and faculty. With features like large open laboratories, flipped classrooms, and environmentally inspired study areas, the facility aims to enhance the learning environment for future engineers. Additionally, the building will include modern lecture halls and a redesigned Mulva Courtyard, which will feature artwork from renowned sculptor Maya Lin.
Connecting seamlessly with the existing Gary L. Thomas Energy Engineering Building, the EDB will create a centralized hub for energy-focused engineering education and research on the UT Austin campus. This strategic design underscores the university’s commitment to advancing education in the evolving energy sector.
Impact on Energy Education and Research
The naming of the Engineering Discovery Building after Autry C. Stephens is a testament to his enduring legacy in the oil and gas industry. It reflects UT Austin’s ongoing commitment to supporting energy research and education, particularly at a time when the sector is experiencing significant transformation. The EDB is expected to become a pivotal resource for students and faculty engaged in tackling the complex challenges facing the energy industry today.
The facility will host cutting-edge resources that align with the university’s goals of producing competent graduates who can contribute effectively to society. By fostering a space designed specifically for interdisciplinary study and collaboration, the EDB will equip the next generation of engineers with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the modern energy landscape.
Prominent Features of the Autry C. Stephens Engineering Discovery Building
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 210,000 square feet |
| Departments | Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering |
| Opening Date | 2026 |
| Design Elements | Large open laboratories, flipped classrooms, environmentally inspired study areas, modern lecture halls, redesigned Mulva Courtyard with artwork by Maya Lin |
| Connection | Links to Gary L. Thomas Energy Engineering Building |
Legacy and Vision for Future Engineers
By naming the Engineering Discovery Building after Autry C. Stephens, the University of Texas at Austin honors a legacy that embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. The vision for this new facility is not only to provide state-of-the-art resources but also to inspire students to follow in his footsteps, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among future engineers. With his impact on the energy sector and commitment to education, Stephens serves as an ideal role model for aspiring students.
The opening of the Engineering Discovery Building represents a transformative moment for UT Austin, highlighting its focus on delivering top-notch education and research opportunities in the energy field. As the university gears up for this monumental development, it invites students, faculty, and the broader community to engage with the diverse educational offerings and initiatives designed to shape the future of energy.
Conclusion
The new Autry C. Stephens Engineering Discovery Building at UT Austin is poised to play a crucial role in supporting education and research in the rapidly-changing energy landscape. As the university continues its efforts to cultivate innovative leaders within the engineering community, the opening of this facility in 2026 will mark a significant milestone for both the institution and the state of Texas. Interested individuals are encouraged to explore the programs offered by the Cockrell School of Engineering and engage with upcoming campus events that celebrate educational advancements in Houston.
What is the Autry C. Stephens Engineering Discovery Building?
The Autry C. Stephens Engineering Discovery Building is a 210,000-square-foot facility at the University of Texas at Austin, scheduled to open in 2026. It will house the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering and McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, serving as a hub for energy-focused engineering education and research.
Who was Autry C. Stephens?
Autry C. Stephens was a UT Austin alumnus who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in petroleum engineering in 1961 and 1962, respectively. He founded Endeavor Energy Resources, which was acquired by Diamondback Energy in 2024, becoming the third-largest oil and gas producer in the Permian Basin region. He passed away in 2024.
What features will the new building include?
The building will feature large open laboratories, flipped classrooms, environmentally inspired study areas, modern lecture halls, and a redesigned Mulva Courtyard with artwork by Maya Lin depicting the night sky from the evening of the university’s founding. It will connect to the existing Gary L. Thomas Energy Engineering Building, creating a centralized hub for energy-focused engineering education and research on campus.
How does this building honor Autry C. Stephens’ legacy?
The building is named in honor of Autry C. Stephens to recognize his significant contributions to the energy industry and his alma mater. His entrepreneurial spirit and impact on the energy sector in Texas have inspired generations of engineers, and the facility aims to continue this legacy by providing state-of-the-art resources for future students and researchers.
When is the building expected to open?
The Autry C. Stephens Engineering Discovery Building is scheduled to open in 2026.
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