The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) Coastal Bend Midstream Program (CBMP) worked with Joyce Perhac, Executive Director of the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable and Michelle Jordan, Operations Manager of Techmar and Publicity Chairman of EGCR, to bring three TAMU-CC engineering professors to EGCR’s 2025 conference in Pittsburgh. EGRC generously funded all travel expenses for Dr. Dugan Um, Dr. Aref Mazloum, and Dr. Rajeev Kumar to attend the three-day conference.

“The EGCR was honored to host Dr. Um, Dr. Mazloum, and Dr. Kumar at the recent 53rd annual Roundtable in Pittsburgh,” Perhac said. “Each year, the EGCR strives to offer the latest and best educational opportunities in the natural gas industry to help everyone working in the industry stay  abreast of new developments and technology. Each year, the vendor hall offers attendees an in-depth look at new equipment and a chance to talk with knowledgeable company representatives who are willing to share their expertise. The EGCR looks forward to continuing our new partnership with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Coastal Bend Midstream Program and welcoming more professors and students in the future.”

For Dr. Um the experience was invaluable. “We met many people and learned some important lessons  regarding the midstream pipelines, natural gas, trends, and technologies for compressors,” Dr. Um said. “I never expected to learn so much about the insights and lessons in the natural gas industry.”

Thomas Kalb, Director of CBMP, believes opportunities like this show just how powerful the partnership between TAMU-CC and the midstream industry can be. “We are truly appreciative of Michelle and Joyce’s  efforts to make this faculty development opportunity successful, and of the incredibly generous financial  support of EGRC,” said Kalb. “This kind of industry-academia partnership reflects a core purpose of  BMP’s mission to build partnerships between TAMU-CC and the midstream industry. We are truly honored by  our new friendships with Techmar and EGCR.”

The EGCR is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to provide the Natural Gas Industry with cost-effective training programs focusing on engine and compressor maintenance. CBMP’s mission is to build the value proposition and partnership between TAMUCC, its faculty and students, and the midstream industry through research, education, and knowledge transfer.

Build, Baby, Build: Powering the Future with Natural Gas

In a time when building critical energy infrastructure has never been harder, the need for clean, reliable, affordable and scalable power is skyrocketing—fueled by data centers, AI, and the ever-growing needs of an electrified world. Join Toby Z. Rice, President & CEO of EQT, as he discusses the urgent need to supercharge natural gas infrastructure to meet those demands. With a call to action to “Build, Baby Build,” Rice will share insights on overcoming regulatory hurdles, unlocking domestic energy potential, and how natural gas is poised to be the backbone of America’s energy future. 

Toby Z. Rice
President and Chief Executive Officer

Toby Z. Rice is President and Chief Executive Officer of EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT), the leading natural gas producer in the United States. As an influencer and champion for the energy industry, Mr. Rice has been a strong proponent of unleashing American energy to strengthen energy security in the United States and to our allies around the world, while also achieving ambitious climate goals.

Professional Experience

Toby Z. Rice is the President and CEO of EQT Corporation, a role he assumed in July 2019 after leading a successful shareholder-led campaign to take over the company. Since taking the helm, Rice has spearheaded a remarkable transformation of EQT, positioning it as “America’s Natural Gas Champion.” Under his visionary leadership, EQT has significantly boosted its operational efficiency while, increasing productive capacity by 50%, reducing the corporate cost structure by 30%, and doubling profitability on a Free Cash Flow per share basis.

Mr. Rice’s strategic focus on sustainable operations has also led to impressive environmental milestones. EQT now boasts one of the lowest emissions intensities among natural gas producers worldwide. In October 2024, the company announced it had achieved net zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its upstream operations – surpassing its initial target of 2025. His leadership reflects a commitment not only to operational excellence but also to driving the energy industry toward a cleaner, more efficient future.

In 2024, Mr. Rice led the final piece of the transformation with the successful acquisition of Equitrans Midstream Corporation, creating America’s only large-scale, vertically integrated natural gas business. This acquisition allows our workforce to deliver on our mission to provide more affordable, more reliable, cleaner energy to the world.

Since May 2018, Mr. Rice has also served as a Partner at Rice Investment Group, a multi-strategy fund investing in all verticals of the energy sector.

Prior to being appointed EQT’s President and CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Rice served as President, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Rice Energy Inc. Previously, he served in a number of positions with Rice Energy, its affiliates and predecessor entities.

Mr. Rice is a frequent keynote speaker at energy and climate conferences and events across the globe. In addition, he has served as an energy industry analyst appearing on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, Fox Business and Fox News.

Education
Mr. Rice graduated from Rollins College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He completed his Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University in 2024.

Industry/Community Leadership
Mr. Rice serves on the Board of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s American Energy Innovation Council and the National Association of Manufacturers. He is also a member of the American Exploration and Production Council’s Executive Committee.

Additionally, Mr. Rice serves on the Board of the EQT Foundation, which is committed to supporting the education and training of children and adults; the development of diverse, livable communities; and preserving our natural environments.