Vernard Henley

In addition to developing and managing STEM outreach events and programs, I assist undergraduate students in obtaining internships with companies throughout Arkansas and the region. The growth of the College of Engineering & Information Technology (EIT) is important to the economic development of Arkansas and we must ensure the curriculum delivered is one that is developed in accordance with the needs of the firms hiring our students. EIT students must be ready to enter the workforce and be able to contribute to the growth of their company's profitability.

I spent fourteen years working for Exxon, primarily in the New Orleans Drilling Organization. During that time, I designed and helped drill wells in the Gulf of Mexico and inland wells in Illinois, Louisiana, and Mississippi. I also worked compliance issues during a brief stint in Regulatory Affiars where I was responsible for submitting permits, production equipment revisions, and drilling plans. I also coordinated pipeline inspections and offshore rig inspections.