Diamondback Energy Supports Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Midland College with $1.5 Million GiftApril 28, 2025

Midland College held a special ceremony on Monday, April 28, to celebrate a generous $1.5 million gift from Diamondback Energy. This contribution will support the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Midland College. The collaboration between Midland College, Texas A&M University and Diamondback Energy aims to create an affordable and accessible route for future engineers, addressing a vital workforce need in Texas. 

“At Midland College, we believe in the power of collaboration to create a meaningful impact to our students and our community,” said Dr. Damon Kennedy, Midland College President. “By partnering with institutions like Texas A&M University and now Diamondback Energy, we’re ensuring access to world-class opportunities right here in West Texas. This partnership isn’t just about today — it’s an investment in the long-term success of our students and the continued growth of our community. We’re extremely grateful to a play a part in building a stronger, more innovative future for Midland and the Permian Basin.”

“Through our shared commitment, we are cultivating an academic environment that attracts and sustains the brightest minds in engineering and technology,” said Dr. Robert H. Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of the Texas A&M College of Engineering. “We are grateful for the partnership and support of Diamondback Energy and Midland College. Together, we are equipping students to meet the growing demand for engineers across Texas and beyond.”

Diamondback Energy’s $1.5 million donation highlights Midland College’s and the Engineering Academies’ dedication to providing affordable and accessible higher education for students. Funds will be utilized for scholarships, enhance program resources and improve student services.

“At Diamondback, we believe the future of our industry and communities depends on bold investments in education and innovation,” said Travis Stice, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for Diamondback Energy. “Supporting the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Midland College is more than a donation. It’s a commitment to growing talent right here in the Permian Basin. These students are the next generation of problem-solvers, leaders, and engineers who will drive our region and country forward.”

About the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Midland College

The Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Midland College, the first transition program of its kind, allows students to co-enroll at Midland College and Texas A&M. Students complete their foundational courses at Midland College, benefiting from small class sizes, personalized support, and state-of-the-art facilities before transitioning to Texas A&M to complete their engineering degrees.

Since its launch in 2019, the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Midland College, has graduated 11 students since May 2023 (the first possible graduation date for Midland College Academy students). Currently, 52 students remain enrolled at Midland College or Texas A&M, and the program has grown 53% since its start in 2019.

The demand for engineers in Texas is growing, driven by the state's technology, energy and infrastructure industries. Engineers in Texas earn an average salary of $118,200, with opportunities spanning various fields, including civil, industrial, mechanical, electrical, petroleum and aerospace engineering, according to the JobsEQ Occupational Report. The report also notes that currently, there are approximately 154,000 engineers employed across the state and the need for engineers is projected to grow by 1.8% annually.

Learn more about the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Midland College.

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About Midland College: Midland College is a community college in the heart of Midland, Texas, dedicated to academic excellence, student success, and community partnerships. Since 1972, Midland College has been pivotal in the region's education and economy, offering associate degrees, workforce training certifications, continuing education, and cultural enrichment. 

About the Texas A&M University College of Engineering: With nearly 800 faculty members and more than 24,000 students, the Texas A&M University College of Engineering is the second-largest engineering school in the country. In U.S. News & World Report rankings, the college is ranked sixth in graduate programs and seventh in undergraduate programs among public institutions.

About Diamondback Energy: Diamondback Energy is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas.