The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Engineering and Computer Science announced Nov. 19 that Thomas Kalb will be the university's first Director of Midstream Research, effective Nov. 20, 2024.

“Having Tom join our team will dramatically strengthen our connections with the midstream industry," said Dr. David Ma, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. "His leadership philosophy and extensive experience align seamlessly with our mission to prepare hey industry-ready graduates and push the boundaries of engineering research through innovation and close collaboration with our industry partners.”

Kalb will develop, manage, and pursue a mandate to create and build a bridge and trusted partnership between TAMUCC and the midstream industry, promoting and leading practical research, education, and knowledge transfer relevant to the midstream sector, as well as students and faculty.

Kalb is an oil and gas executive with 44 years in financial and operating commodity businesses. He most recently spent more than four years taking Lamar University’s midstream center from concept to a highly successful program. Prior to that baptism in academia, he spent 33 years serving as an oil and gas-focused institutional investor and provider of corporate finance advisory services, and seven years as a petroleum engineer.

During his career, Kalb was involved in many upstream and midstream projects and founded, secured funding, and managed two oil and gas investment companies. He either started or was a founding member of the oil and gas investment businesses of GE Capital, AIG Financial Products, and Freepoint Commodities. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Chicago where, respectively, he earned a BSc degree in petroleum engineering in 1979 and an MBA specializing in finance in 1988.

“I am incredibly honored and happy to be working with Dean Ma and playing a part in building a strong bridge between TAMUCC and the midstream industry," Kalb said.

Kalb was a guest this summer on the Let's Clear the Air podcast where he joined hosts Andrew Parker and Adam Murray to discuss midstream education and awareness. In his new role, Kalb will build a new program that connects the rising generation of talent with interesting and well-paying careers in midstream.