Fort Worth's Texas Christian University has named Ross Matthews, president of Sinclair Oil Co., first director of its new Energy Institute.

The institute integrates the College of Science and Engineering and the Neeley School of Business to provide an opportunity for students, faculty, professionals and the industry to examine energy resources. Individuals can take classes, conduct leading-edge technology research, and receive certification.

The proposed curriculum provides comprehensive education in petroleum geology, petroleum engineering and petroleum land management in one program.

"Because TCU is located in the heart of the Barnett Shale, it made sense for TCU to develop new programs, add faculty and create research areas," says Ken Morgan, associate dean for the College of Science & Engineering. The shale will serve as a natural laboratory for the institute.

Classes will begin this fall. In March, TCU named Four Sevens Resources Co. of Fort Worth as its natural gas operator with the right to negotiate a Barnett shale gas lease on campus. The company's owners and managers include some TCU alumni.