Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System

News Release for Feb. 8, 2010

REGIONAL LAWMEN PREPPED ON OILFIELD EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION AT SUL ROSS

by Steve Lang, News and Publications

Energy production is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the Permian Basin.

Energy equipment theft in the Permian Basin is a multi-million-dollar industry. Both have global impact.

Regional law enforcement officials seek to slow down one growing segment of the economy while protecting another. About 200 law enforcement personnel from Ozona to El Paso attended day-long training sessions on oilfield equipment identification Feb. 3-4 at Sul Ross State University.

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Energy Security Council, the FBI- Permian Basin Oilfield Theft Task Force, Texas Rangers Co. E of Midland and the Sul Ross Law Enforcement Academy, conducted the training. Participants received identification tips on equipment as well as recognizing errors in paperwork accompanying transported gear.

Industry representatives were also on hand to discuss equipment identification. Training sponsors included SandRidge Energy, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, Andarko Petroleum and Apache Corp.

Ed Krevit, chief deputy of the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, said that from 2005-07, over $78 million of oilfield equipment was reported stolen in the 54-county Permian Basin region. Greater production usually means more theft.

“There is a direct correlation between energy sector crimes – the amount and frequency of theft – with the price of a barrel of oil,” said Lt. Kenny Ray, of the Co. E Texas Rangers, Midland.

“Everything in the oilfield is worth something,” Ray said. “One drill bit might be worth half a million dollars and you can put it in the trunk of your car.”

Oil and gas equipment and on a broader scale – energy equipment, encompassing coal, wind and solar technology – continues to be prime merchandise for thieves, ranging from opportunists to career criminals.

“The opportunistic thief may be a doper who walks onto a job site, steals a piece of equipment worth several thousand dollars, and not knowing its value, will sell it to a salvage yard for a few bucks for his next fix,” said Ray.

“Career thieves take orders for specialized equipment,” added Krevit, who has worked extensively in this area since 1989. In addition to oilfield equipment, copper wire used in wind generators and solar panels are frequently targeted by thieves.

As Ray indicated, oilfield equipment theft spans the globe. Several years ago, a piece of equipment stolen in Texas was found in Siberia.

During a presentation, Midland-based FBI agent Matt Espenshade added, “We have people coming in trying to take these technologies to their own countries. We also face terrorism issues. I am here today to give a perspective of theft that you can take to the next level of counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism.”

The Permian Basin produces 20-25 percent  of the nation’s oil and gas and about 60 percent of Texas’ total yield, prompting the FBI to establish the only task force dedicated to oilfield theft. During the Sul Ross training seminars, Midland-based FBI agents Matt Espenshade, Cheryl Herzberger and Justin Fleck assisted in the instruction.

Espenshade noted that awareness and cooperation from area law enforcement agencies was essential in reducing theft. He said that his department covered a 14-county area.

“We’re interested in this not just because of the theft issue, but because of the fact it bleeds into so many other areas,” Espenshade said. He added that $80 million in theft loss in a multi-billion-dollar industry may not seem significant, but broken down, it could mean bonuses denied to workers, or government infrastructure improvements not made because of tax losses.

“We can’t do what we do without your help,” Espenshade told the law enforcement officers. “We have nine (agents) to cover a 14-county area as big as the state of South Carolina.”

“There is a lot of local impact that we...have responsibility for,” he said. “When you see a load of pipe, we want you to have that intuition, as to why is that load on this particular road at this particular time?”

Law officers were urged to email or call the FBI with reports of theft, including the date of theft, types of equipment stolen and the location.

Krevit, a 31-year veteran of law enforcement, has served on the Energy Security Council Board of Directors for over 15 years. He has conducted similar classes in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Louisiana. Additional classes are planned for both South Texas and the Panhandle.

He said the classes have been effective, particularly from an awareness perspective.

“We actually got ahead of one of our career criminals,” he said. Krevit explained that a suspect had fled the Permian Basin and was suspected of moving to Pennsylvania.

“When we conducted a class in Troy, Pennsylvania, we gave out information on the individual,” Krevit said. “One of the officers said, ‘I’ve already seen his license number.’”

“It is so important that officers in this area receive training that is both current and relevant to the criminal activity that is occurring,” said Kellie Powell, director of the Sul Ross Law Enforcement Academey. “We are grateful to have been offered a role in providing this type of training.” For more information, contact Ed Krevit, Midland County Sheriff’s Office, (432) 688-4600.

Photo: Pipes and various oil field equipment on display during the Oil field equipment identification classes held at Sul Ross State University. Photo by Jason Hennington.

Photo: David Stark of Halliburton explains how to identify oil field equipment, and if it may be stolen to law enforcement officers. Photo by Jason Hennington.

Photo: Various oil field equipment is displayed and explained during the Oil Field Crime presentation at Sul Ross State University. Photo by Jason Hennington.

MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND HOSTS 24th TRAPPINGS OF TEXAS FEB. 26-27

Over 120 works by more than 60 artists will be featured in the 24th annual Trappings of Texas Custom Gear and Western Art Exhibit and Sale Friday-Saturday, Feb. 26-27.

Sponsored by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University, Trappings is the nation’s oldest Western art and gearmaking show. The opening reception and Trappings Wall Sale will be held Friday, Feb. 26, 6-9 p.m. in the Museum. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple and must be purchased in advance. For reservations and tickets call (432) 837-8143.

The annual public auction will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Pete P. Gallego Center, Room 129 (lower level). Preview and registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

The 2010 show will include numerous works by previous artists and gearmakers including Wayne Baize, Wilson Capron, Mike Capron, Don Yena, Leland Hensley, Billy Klapper, Nate Wald, Dave Alderson, Cary Schwarz and Russell Yates.

Artisans participating for the first time include: Tyler Crowe, Apache, N.M.; Etinne “A-10” Etcheverry, Truth or Consequences, N.M.; Alice Stevens, Alpine; Robert “Shoo-Fly” Shufelt; Jack Allen, Sr., Sierra Blanca; Mark Pardue, Midland; Ken Raye, Zachary, La.; Whit Olson, Bozeman, Mont.; and H.M. Wells, Penwell.

Last year’s Trappings produced record-breaking attendance and the highest-grossing public auction ever. More than 1,300 visitors toured the Museum of the Big Bend and the Trappings exhibits during the opening weekend.

“Sponsors from not only the Big Bend region but all over the state have proven to be more than loyal to our efforts and we could not run the many programs and exhibits throughout the year without them,” said Liz Jackson, assistant director.

The White family of Marfa will again donate their chuck-truck to the festivities, serving hot coffee, fun and fellowship behind the Museum beginning Thursday, Feb. 25.

Trappings will also feature the second annual Trappings of Texas Children’s Juried Art Show. Children are invited to participate for first, second and third prizes in elementary and junior high categories. Artwork is due no later than Friday, Feb. 19. The awards ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 in the Museum Education Center. For more inquiries, contact Louisa Mayfield (432) 837-8815.

For more information on Trappings, contact Jackson, (432) 837-8143 or ejackson@sulross.edu.

Photo: Paisano Longhorn Skull from J. Frank Dobie Ranch by Jim Bones.

Photo: Sterling silver and Gold Scarf Slide by Javier Ribeyrol.

GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE AT SUL ROSS

Beginning Fall Semester 2010, annual fellowships of $8,000-$10,000 each will be made available to a minimum of five promising graduate students with unmet financial need. All eligible students are invited to apply.

Deadline for application submission is April 1. Application materials and detailed information about the fellowship program are available at www.sulross.edu/graduates or by calling Graduate Center Developer Pamela Pipes at (432) 837-8247.

The fellowships are funded by a U.S. Department of Education Title V grant, awarded to Sul Ross in October 2009. In addition to direct support to low-income graduate students through fellowships, Sul Ross’ grant, “Puertas Abiertas” (Open Doors), is designed to increase  Hispanic and low-income students’ attainment of graduate degrees and provide new pathways to these degrees for students through distance education.

12TH DAY SUL ROSS HEADCOUNT SHOWS 6.95 PERCENT ENROLLMENT HIKE

Official Spring Semester enrollment showed a 6.95 percent increase at Sul Ross State University.

Figures for the 12th class day (Feb. 5) showed 1,862 students, 121 more than a year ago. Semester credit hours also showed a significant jump, 8.56 percent, from 18,163 in 2009 to 19,717.

Junior (up 17.41 percent) and sophomore (11.54 percent hike) classes showed the largest increases. Freshman enrollment rose 8.58 percent; graduate numbers were up 6.21 percent and senior, 0.39 percent.

SUL ROSS PRESIDENT APPOINTS NEW STAFF COUNCIL TASK FORCE

Sul Ross State University President Dr. Ricardo Maestas has named an 11-member Staff Council Task Force. The new group will develop recommendations for the creation and structure of a Staff Council.

Maestas noted that university staff members lacked an organization to represent their interests, similar to the Faculty Assembly and the Student Government Association. A survey conducted by Human Resources during fall semester confirmed overwhelming support for the creation of a Staff Council.

Members of the new task force include: Alpine Campus representatives Susan Chisholm, Administrative Assistant, Center for Big Bend Studies, chair; Helen Crane, Program Development Director, Title V; Ruben Garcia, HVAC Mechanic, Physical Plant; Joe Ray Ramirez, Building Maintenance Worker, Lobo Village; John Rayburn, Network Specialist, Information Technology; and Rebecca Urquidez, Associate Registrar.

Rio Grande College representatives are: Susan Land, Secretary, Liberal Arts, Del Rio; Yvette Mirelez, Assistant Director of Financial Assistance, Uvalde; and Mayra Rodriguez, Records Administrator, Admissions & Records, Eagle Pass;

Judy Perry, Director of Human Resources, Alpine Campus, serves as an ex-officio member.

The group has begun video conference meetings with Sul Ross State University task force members in Alpine and Rio Grande College. They are currently reviewing the mission and bylaws for staff councils at peer institutions with plans to develop recommendations to the President by the end of the spring semester.

For more information, contact Perry, (432) 837-8058 or jperry@sulross.edu.

SENIOR ART EXHIBITION BY SUL ROSS STUDENT ESTHER CORDOVA FEB. 15-26

“La Puesta Del Sol – The Setting of the Sun,” a collection of art works by Sul Ross State University student Esther Cordova, Alpine, will be on exhibition Feb. 15-26.

Cordova’s senior exhibition depicts the settings in and around the Big Bend area, and will be displayed in the Main Gallery, Francois Fine Arts Building. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. A closing public reception will be held Friday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m.

Oil painting is a big part of Cordova’s life. She considers herself an artist with a wide array of themes to paint and is not limited to a specific image or object. She likes to create work that is bright and vibrant, especially sunsets. Variations of colors that blend yellows, oranges, purples, reds and even whites make some of the gorgeous colors seen in sunsets in the Big Bend area.

Cordova was born with Colaboma, a condition that affects the eyes and over time has progressed to cataracts and glaucoma. Painting is one of her greatest passions and she tries not to let her condition interfere with her art. The West Texas scenery inspires and provides her with endless possibilities for expression.

Her goals is to work as a community artist, enabling persons of all ages, with and without disabilities, to express their innermost thoughts through the language of art.

ROOM AND BOARD INCREASES, $500,000 IN GIFTS AMONG SUL ROSS REGENTAL ITEMS

Approval for increases in room and board rates and acknowledgment of $508,000 in gifts and donations are among Sul Ross State University agenda items at the Feb. 18-19 meeting of the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System.

The Board will meet at Texas State University, San Marcos.

Sul Ross seeks Regental approval to increase the meal plan rates by about 1.7 percent and room rates approximately five percent beginning Fall Semester 2010.

ARAMARK, Sul Ross’ food service provider, has requested meal rate increase to address higher operating costs. If approved, the three existing meal plan rates would each increase $20 for the fall and spring semesters and $8 for the summer semesters. The seven-day/20-meal plan with $70 in Lobo Bucks would rise from $1,275 to $1,295 during the fall and spring. The seven-day/16-meal plan with $95 in Lobo Bucks would increase from $1,255 to $1,275; and the seven-day/12-meal plan with $120 in Lobo Bucks would rise from $1,215 to $1,235.

The seven-day/20-meal plan with  $35 in Lobo Bucks would rise from $460 to $468 in the summer semesters. The seven-day/16-meal plan with $48 in Lobo Bucks would increase from $450 to $458; and the seven-day/12-meal plan with $60 in Lobo Bucks would rise from $435 to $443. Meal rates were last raised effective Fall Semester 2009.

Room rate increases are sought to address increased costs of operation of the Lobo Village apartment style residential living facilities, primarily utilities and maintenance. With the increase, laundry facilities will be provided at no additional cost to resident students. Rates were last increased effective Fall Semester 2009.

Proposed residence hall rate increases are as follows:

• Lobo Village, from $1,910 to $2,005 per fall and spring semester and from $650 to $683 per summer semester.
• Fletcher Hall, from $1,015 to $1,065 per fall and spring semester and from $335 to $350 per summer semester for double occupancy rooms; and from $1,525 to $1,595 per fall and spring semester and from $500 to $525 per summer semester for single occupancy.
• Mountainside Hall, from $1,000 to $1,050 per fall and spring semester for double occupancy rooms; and from $1,500 to $1,575 per fall and spring semester for single occupancy.
• Lobo Village efficiency apartments, from $460 to $485 per month.
• Lobo Village family apartments, from $495 to $520 per month.

Other agenda items will include curriculum changes; the 12th day class reports, small class reports and admissions data for both Sul Ross-Alpine and Rio Grande College; fund balance and operating budget reports; personnel changes and acknowledgment of $508,000 in gifts and gifts-in-kind.

Gifts include:

• $10,000 to the Borderlands Research Institute’s Pronghorn Decline Investigation Project, $5,000 each from the West Texas Chapter of Safari Club International, Odessa; and the Paso Del Norte Chapter of Safari Club International, El Paso.
• $27,500 to the Borderlands Research Institute Fund, including $12,500 from the Alfred S. Gage Foundation, San Antonio; and $5,000 each from Tom C. Frost, San Antonio; Alberto E. Garza Santos, Monterrey, Mexico; and the Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation, San Antonio.
• $30,000 to the General Scholarship Fund for the Trans Pecos Scaled Quail Research Program Fund, $20,000Alamo Area Quail Unlimited, Inc., San Antonio; and $10,000 from Quail Unlimited – South Texas Chapter, Kingsville.
• $100,000 from the M.S. Doss Foundation, Seminole, to the M.S. and Meek Lane Doss Scholarship Endowment.
• $5,000 from Col. and Mrs. Richard W. Beck, San Antonio, to the Richard W. Beck and Elsie R. Beck Scholarship Endowment.
• $7,500 from the Beryl L.Rice and John W. Rice Foundation, Fowlerton, to the Museum of the Big Bend Education Program.
• $108,000 from Mr. And Mrs. Robert Eaves, McCamey, to the Robert P. (Robo) Cross Memorial Scholarship Endowment; the Art Endowment; the Geology Excellence Fund; the Edith Richardson, R.N., Memorial Nursing Scholarship Endowment; and to the Robert P. Amacker Memorial Geology, Chemistry and Mathematics Scholarship Endowment. Endowments supported by the Eaves now total $785, 667.
• $5,000 from the Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Va., to the Borderlands Research Institute Fund and the Center for Big Bend Studies.
• $5,000 from Ramona Munsell & Associates Consulting, Inc., Bella Vista, Ark., to the Sul Ross State University Endowment for Excellence to benefit the GEAR UP program.
• $210,000 to the Friends of the Center of Big Bend Studies, $200,000 from the Brown Foundation, Inc., Houston; and $10,000 from John Franklin Fort, III, Houston.

GREATER TEXAS FOUNDATION GRANT TO PROVIDE 50 $1,000 SUL ROSS SCHOLARSHIPS

A grant from the Greater Texas Foundation will provide 50 incoming or returning Sul Ross State University students with $1,000 scholarships during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Twenty-five community college transfer students will be awarded scholarships through the Foundation’s Rising to the Challenge Program. Another 25 first-generation students (whose parents never received a four year college degree) will receive awards under the Foundation’s Generation Proud Program.

Deadline for completed applications is March 19. Applications are available from the Sul Ross Office of Enrollment Management, BAB, Room 203. For more information, contact Kelly Dyal, (432) 837-8432 or Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.

Through its Rising to the Challenge Program, Sul Ross staff, will identify 25, undergraduate transfer students with unmet financial need who are seeking to complete a baccalaureate degree at Sul Ross.

Additional requirements for successful applicants are that they must be in good academic and disciplinary standings. Each student will be provided either $500 for both Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 or $1000 for either semester. Special preference will be given to academically successful transfers who have the greatest unmet financial need.

Successful Generation Proud scholarship applicants will receive $500 scholarships for Fall Semester 2010. Prior to the Spring 2011 semester, the award committee will review the academic progress and persistence of each of the 25 recipients and determine whether to renew the scholarship for the Spring 2011 semester or to reassign the scholarship to another deserving candidate.

“We are extremely grateful to the Greater Texas Foundation for providing financial assistance to deserving candidates,” said Gregory Schwab, associate vice president for Enrollment Management. “This grant will bolster our continuing efforts for increased recruitment and retention while offering expanded scholarship opportunities at Sul Ross.”

For more information, contact Schwab, (432) 837-8039 or gschwab@sulross.edu