$4.5M endowed chair gift will drive leadership of Mines' new School of Minerals and Subsurface Energy

As Colorado School of Mines advances Earth 2.0 — a university-wide initiative to reposition its earth-science and engineering expertise and programs to continue to meet the needs of industry, government, society and the future interests of students — Rob McKee '68 and his wife, Ann, have made a transformational $4.5 million investment to help bring this vision to life. 

Their gift establishes the Rob and Ann McKee Leadership Chair for Minerals and Subsurface Energy, which brings named recognition and financial support to the leader of the School of Minerals and Subsurface Energy, one of two new interdisciplinary schools created in Earth 2.0.  

“We're really impressed with the direction Mines is taking under President Johnson's leadership to stay at the forefront of energy-related education, research and innovation,” McKee said. “The faculty and staff doing the hard work to implement that vision deserve equal recognition. Ann and I are proud to be part of the long line of alumni and their spouses who’ve supported Mines’ excellence.” 

Collectively, the new Earth 2.0 schools will focus on solving the world’s needs for sufficient, reliable, affordable and sustainable minerals and energy supply chains; for trusted data, analyses and answers related to our changing planet; and for technology and policies needed for the future of space exploration.  

The schools will prepare graduates with depth in their specific disciplines, an understanding of the complex issues surrounding energy, critical minerals and the dynamic nature of our planet, as well as business acumen – all of which will serve them well wherever their careers take them. They will have experienced work in multidisciplinary teams and will be ready to leverage developments in AI and quantum computing.  

“We are incredibly grateful to Rob and Ann McKee for their visionary leadership and generosity,” said Paul C. Johnson, president of Colorado School of Mines. “Their investment further strengthens our position as the university leader in minerals and subsurface energy. Funding from this new endowment will be a catalyst to better connect our technical, economic and policy expertise, to attract and support amazing students and to build on our proven record of successful industry-university and university-government partnerships.”   

Earth 2.0 brings together faculty and programs in petroleum engineering, mining engineering, geophysics, geology and related interdisciplinary areas, while maintaining all existing degrees and the rigor and hands-on experience that define a Mines education.  

It comes at a time when Mines is preparing to welcome more than 200 USGS experts in energy and mineral resources to its campus with the opening of the new Energy and Minerals Research Facility building in early 2027. 

Mines expects to have the new schools’ permanent leaders in place in Fall 2026.  

About Rob and Ann McKee 

Rob McKee ’68 built a distinguished career spanning 37 years with ConocoPhillips and Conoco Inc. He managed the effort to restore Iraq’s oil industry following the 2003 invasion, appointed by President George W. Bush. A longtime leader and supporter of Mines, McKee serves on the Foundation Board of Governors, has been recognized with a Distinguished Achievement Medal and inducted into the Mines Athletic Hall of Fame and Petroleum Engineering Hall of Fame. The McKees have supported scholarships, athletics and key campus initiatives, including the President’s Bridge Award and the Clear Creek Athletics Complex. 

This latest investment reflects their continued commitment to ensuring Mines remains a leader in the fields that matter most to the future.