Hall of Fame Member Biographies

James P. Brill

Oklahoma's prominence in petroleum engineering has been enhanced by the academic career of James P. Brill. A native of Minnesota, James Brill earned a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas, quickly obtained a position in that area of study at the University of Tulsa in 1966. He served that institution until 2001, and though becoming emeritus, still remains a Research Professor there to this day. Known for his vigorous teaching style and love of students, he was selected by the TU Alumni Association as "Mr. Homecoming" in 1955. He was one of the key figures that elevated petroleum engineering at the University of Tulsa to international stature, as the Department, during his years, grew from three faculty to eleven; it now hosts six industrially funded research consortia. His reputation within his field is immense. He has published over 300 technical papers and research reports, taught courses on his area of expertise in fifteen countries, co-authored two books and has been elected to numerous positions of prominence by his peers. For the international reputation he has earned for the University of Tulsa and the State of Oklahoma, we are honored to induct James P. Brill into the2007 Higher Education Hall of Fame.