The Texas A&M University College of Engineering honored six former students during the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Awards Banquet, which was held on April 27. The Outstanding Alumni Honor Awards and the Outstanding Young Alumni Honor Awards are the most prestigious honor given by the college, and they recognize the professional accomplishments of the awardees.
The recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Honor Award was Drew Dudley ’12. The recipients of the Outstanding Alumni Honor Award were Joseph “Joe” W. Ashy ’62, Robin Fielder ’02, Darryl Heath ’84, Dan Tinker ’96 and Darren Woods ’87.
Outstanding Young Alumni Honor Award
Drew Dudley ’12
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Principal for DUDLEY
Drew Dudley is a highly accomplished principal at DUDLEY, a reputable engineering firm that specializes in structural, geotechnical and environmental engineering. With locations in College Station, Austin and Houston, the firm has established a strong reputation for delivering exceptional engineering solutions to clients.
Drew began his career in 2013 with Walter P Moore, a leading engineering firm in Houston. During his three-year tenure, he worked full-time on the renovations to Kyle Field at Texas A&M. In addition to his work, Drew also actively volunteered for various organizations, including the ACE Mentor Program, where he taught preparatory classes for architects studying for their licensing exams.
Drew's dedication to volunteering and teaching earned him an adjunct professorship at the University of Houston’s College of Architecture, a role he held until 2017. Subsequently, he founded Dudley Engineering in College Station, transitioning to teaching at Texas A&M while continuing to provide exceptional mentorship to aspiring Aggie engineers.
As a professor of practice in the Department of Architecture and Construction Science, Drew leverages his extensive industry knowledge and experience to shape the future of Aggie engineers.
Outstanding Alumni Honor Awards
Joseph “Joe” W. Ashy ’62
Mechanical Engineering
President and Chief Executive Officer of Ashy and Associates LLC
Joseph Ashy, the founder, president and CEO of Ashy and Associates LLC, is a highly accomplished veteran who served as a four-star general in the United States Air Force for 35 years. During his career, he held several high-profile positions, including the commander in chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command.
As a student at Texas A&M, Joseph was a first sergeant of Squadron 11 in the Corps of Cadets before joining the Air Force and attending flight school. He completed 289 combat missions as part of his assignment to the 3rd Fighter Wing at Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam, and accumulated over 3,500 hours of flight time in fighter and attack aircraft.
Joseph has received numerous awards and honors for his service, including the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Air Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal. He was also recognized with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Roy Wilkins Award in 2004 and the National Defense Industrial Association’s General James V. Hartinger Space Award in 1997. He was inducted into the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor.
Joseph continues to support Texas A&M and its mechanical engineering students as president of the Sul Ross Group and as a mentor in the capstone and Pinnacle programs of the Independent Strategic Assessment Group.
Robin Fielder ’02
Petroleum Engineering
执行官维克e President of Low Carbon Strategy and Chief Sustainability Officer at Talos Energy
Robin Fielder is an accomplished leader in the energy industry, serving as the executive vice president of Low Carbon Strategy and chief sustainability officer at Talos Energy. In these roles, she spearheads the company's efforts in carbon capture and sequestration, which are critical for shaping the future of the energy industry.
Robin's extensive experience includes influential executive positions such as director, president, chief operating officer and CEO in multi-billion-dollar energy corporations. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and successfully guided Noble Energy through its acquisition by Chevron Corporation. Additionally, Robin implemented innovative technologies and applications to reduce emissions, which are essential in addressing climate change.
Beyond her professional achievements, Robin is dedicated to improving the industry and the lives of others. She serves on eight boards and committees, including the Executive Committee for the Greater Houston March of Dimes. In 2017, she served as the campaign chair for the United Way of Greater Houston, leading efforts that raised $3 million for Day of Caring.
罗宾的承诺赋予女性在她的事业d is also notable. Her accomplishments led her to be recognized as one of the 2022 Hart Energy 25 Influential Women in Energy. She actively contributes to the Women Corporate Directors’ Houston Chapter, Women’s Energy Network, 50/50 Women on Boards and McKinsey & Co., Advancing Women Executives in Energy Cohort.
Darryl Heath ’84
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Owner of Heath Family Holdings
Darryl Heath ’84 is an accomplished business leader. As the owner of Heath Family Holdings, he focuses on investing in a diverse range of entities, including startups, restaurant franchises and technology companies. Darryl's expertise in leadership, relationship management, board effectiveness and change management has helped him become a sought-after mentor and coach.
Before his entrepreneurial journey, Darryl spent three decades with Accenture, one of the world's leading professional services companies. During his tenure as the office managing officer for the Dallas/Fort Worth location, he led a team of over 3,000 employees and generated $650 million in local revenue. Darryl's contributions to Accenture's success were significant, as he managed key relationships with some of the company's largest global clients, including PepsiCo, DuPont, Chevron and ConocoPhillips.
Apart from his client-facing responsibilities, Darryl held several leadership positions within Accenture's human performance and change management practices, as well as the chemicals and energy practices. He leveraged his expertise to develop innovative solutions that helped organizations achieve their goals and thrive in competitive markets.
Darryl is deeply committed to inspiring excellence in higher education, evident through his active involvement in various organizations. He serves on the Engineering Advisory Council, the Texas A&M University Chancellor's Century Council and The Association of Former Students’ Leadership Council. Through his dedication to selfless service, Darryl has created a bright future for Aggie engineers and many others.
Dan Tinker ’96
Engineering Technologies and Industrial Distribution
President and Chief Executive Officer of SRS Distribution
As the president and CEO of SRS Distribution Inc., one of the country's top distributors of building products, Dan Tinker has a distinguished record of leadership and achievement. Prior to joining SRS in 2008 as the chief operating officer, he held various leadership positions at companies such as Cameron Ashley Building Products, MMI Products and Shelter Distribution.
Dan is widely recognized for his ability to establish strong relationships with suppliers, customers and employees. During his 15-year tenure at SRS, the company has expanded significantly, opening more than 200 new greenfield locations and acquiring 130 companies. Today, SRS is one of the largest building products distributors in the nation, with over 700 locations, 10,000 employees and a presence in 44 states.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dan has been instrumental in advancing the careers of Aggie engineers through the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution’s Talent Incubator Program. By leveraging his position at SRS, he has helped create opportunities for young professionals to thrive in the industry.
工作以外的,丹是致力于提供back to the community. He serves on the boards of two nonprofits, including One Tribe Foundation, which seeks to end veteran suicide. He is also the president of the SRS Raise the Roof Foundation. Over the past decade, this foundation has raised more than $15 million to support wounded veterans, individuals affected by weather-related disasters and other community needs. Dan's dedication to making a positive impact on people's lives is truly inspiring.
Darren Woods ’87
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman for ExxonMobil
Darren Woods’ leadership at Exxon Mobil Corporation, where he currently serves as both chairman and CEO, has been remarkable. With over 30 years of experience, Darren has held numerous positions within the company, including director of refining for ExxonMobil's Refining and Supply Company. His dedication and passion for the industry have led him to achieve great success and drive positive change within the company.
In addition to his career at Exxon, Darren has also made significant contributions to the oil and gas industry at large. As chairman of the National Petroleum Council, he advises the U.S. Secretary of Energy on matters related to oil and natural gas. He is also actively involved with several other influential organizations, including the American Petroleum Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. His involvement in these groups has allowed him to use his expertise to shape policies that benefit the industry as a whole.
Darren's commitment to education and engineering is evident through his role as an executive member of the Texas A&M Engineering Advisory Council. He plays a pivotal role in guiding the college's various initiatives and priorities, ensuring that future generations of Aggie engineers are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
Overall, Darren's leadership and contributions to the oil and gas industry have established him as a respected and influential figure. His unwavering dedication to enhancing the industry's global impact has led to positive change and set a standard for others to follow.