The College welcomed Ameil Shadid as its new Director of Development in February 2009.  Shadid replaced John Ritz who returned to industry after many years at OU. 

Passionate about his family, the university, his job, Ameil grew up in Norman and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in communication in 2001 and a master's degree in human relations in 2003.  A member of OU Development for almost six years, Shadid joined the President's Associates staff in August 2003 before moving to the Price College of Business in August 2004, where he worked as a development officer for the college.

Shadid's goal for the College is to close out the campaign in a timely fashion given the current economic environment. Currently, the MCEE Campaign has raised $52 million of the $80 million goal.  He sees the role of the College as providing students with the resources and opportunities necessary to set them apart from their peers as leaders in their fields.  He says this can be accomplished by making sure our students can utilize labs in a hands-on environment rather than through a virtual experience, giving them the tools and equipment to do so, which in turn will make them more attractive to potential employers.

Shadid cites Dean Larry R. Grillot as another of his reasons for joining the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy.  He says Dean Grillot is a perfect leader for the College as it continues to grow and take shape.  He knows that Dean Grillot is well respected both on and off campus by other deans as well as alumni.  With Dean Grillot's leadership, coupled with key support from our alumni and corporate partners, Shadid is totally committed to the mission.  He enjoys meeting with alumni as well as visiting with our faculty.  He feels it is his job to listen to them and to learn their interests.  He has built strong relations across the University, both with the OU Foundation and OU's Office of Development, and he has developed many good friendships with alumni over the years.