Story and photo by Joe Vinduska
Barton Community College's Natural Gas Program recently received a metering skid with flow control from Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. This is a sign of the company’s commitment to being a part of educating natural gas professionals as a way of furthering its vision of providing clean, safe and reliable energy.
Southern Star President and Chief Executive Officer Shawn Patterson said the natural gas transmission and distribution program at Barton provides tomorrow’s workers with the hands-on experience that is crucial to their success in the natural gas industry and that access to genuine equipment serves to familiarize students with the equipment that they may encounter on the job. Several of Southern Star’s employees have been through the Barton program.
“Southern Star recognizes the importance of training young men and women who are working hard to be a part of our industry,” Patterson said. “This metering skid will provide students real-life experience to advance their skillset as they prepare to enter the workforce.”
Executive Director of Workforce Training & Economic Development Mary Foley said the donation, valued at approximately $225,000, will be put to good use.
“This piece of equipment will be of great value to our students,” Foley said. “The experience they gain from working on and with industry-standard equipment is critical for their training and job readiness. We are grateful that Southern Star has made this investment in our students and our program.”
About Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.
Southern Star is a leading transporter of natural gas to America’s heartland, with approximately 5,800 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline in the Midwest and Mid-Continent regions of the United States. Its pipeline system, facilities and employees are located in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and Texas. Its headquarters are in Owensboro, Ky.