College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

 

For Roger Harrod, success in engineering didn’t start in the field — it started over late-night study sessions and impromptu conversations with professors who truly cared. 

 

Roger earned both his associate and bachelor’s degrees in engineering from Oklahoma State University in the 1990s, and he credits much of his professional success to the real-world, application-based education he received at the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. But it was the dedication of CEAT faculty, especially professors like Dr. Don Adams, Dr. Eugene Buchholz, Professor F. Don Norvell and Dr. Marvin Smith that left a lasting impression. 

 

He recalls one night at Shortcakes Diner in Stillwater, where he and a few classmates were cramming for a thermodynamics exam. Around midnight, their professor, Dr. Adams, walked in to grade papers. Spotting the group, he stopped by to check in. 

 

“He told us if we were waiting for the great gods of wisdom from the skies to hit us with a bolt of knowledge, we may as well go home and get a good night’s sleep,” Roger said. “He was tough, but he wanted us to succeed. You could even call him at home before 8 p.m. with questions — he wouldn’t give you the answer, but he would teach you over the phone.” 

 

Another memory that stands out involves Dr. Buchholz, a respected professor and Society of Automotive Engineers advisor. After an on-campus meeting one evening, Roger and his classmates invited him to Joe’s for a burger and drinks in honor of Roger’s birthday. To their surprise, Dr. Buchholz arrived 15 minutes later smiling, engaged and even buying the first pitcher for the table. 

 

“They both taught more than engineering,” Roger said. “They taught us to think critically, solve problems and keep learning.” 

 

Since graduating, Roger has built a successful career in the oil and gas industry, working with companies including Marathon Oil, SOR Inc., Chesapeake Energy and Tapstone Energy.  

 

Today, he runs a small independent oil and gas company based in the Edmond/Arcadia area. He’s also pursuing entrepreneurial projects beyond the engineering industry, having invented niche consumer products he’s now introducing to the retail market. 

 

“It was rewarding to hit the ground running and contribute from day one,” he said. “The technical education I got from CEAT was incredibly practical and valuable. It’s what gave me the confidence to eventually go out on my own.” 

 

For current students, Harrod offers this advice:“Hang with it. Leverage as much of your education and knowledge as possible — it can open doors. And never stop learning.”