Chancellor's Award of Distinction: Ryan Lance

Chancellor's Award of Distinction 2021

Montana Technological University alumnus Ryan Lance has received the university’s first-ever Chancellor’s Award of Distinction. The new award is the highest honor conveyed by Montana Tech in recognition of an alumnus or friend of the university whose outstanding personal and professional accomplishments and community service have brought distinction to Montana Tech. The award is given at the sole discretion of the Chancellor.

“We are pleased to recognize Ryan with Montana Tech’s highest honor,” said Chancellor Les Cook. “There is no one who better exemplifies Montana Tech’s success at preparing our graduates to assume leadership in advancing science, engineering and technology to benefit society. Ryan’s humble nature belies his lifelong achievements and all that he has done for Montana Tech and the communities in which he is a member. We are so proud of him.”

Lance has served as chairman and chief executive officer of ConocoPhillips since 2012, guiding the firm’s transformation into the world’s largest independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company. He now has 37 years of industry executive and technical experience with ConocoPhillips and predecessors Phillips Petroleum and ARCO.

He graduated from Montana Tech in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering and has long supported the university’s development and educational excellence initiatives. Lance is also a graduate of Great Falls High School.

Among Lance’s other professional commitments, he is a board member of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a trustee of both the George H.W. Bush Library Foundation and PGA Reach, and an advocate for various charities benefiting youth through his service on the board of Spindletop International and the advisory council of the University of Texas Energy Institute.

He is a member of the executive committee and former chairman of the American Petroleum Institute, and currently chairs the National Petroleum Council’s Agenda Committee.

“Montana Tech students benefit daily from the contributions of Ryan and his wife Lisa via The Ryan Lance Family Fund,” said Chancellor Cook. “They were instrumental to completion of the Living Learning Center and have regularly contributed to the Annual Fund, the Petroleum Department, the Digger Turf project and student scholarships. In addition to being a major donor, Ryan’s leadership and passion for Montana Tech as a prior member of the Foundation Board of Directors was instrumental in the successful fundraising and completion of the Natural Resources and Research Center. It’s fair to say that all Montana Tech students are better prepared for the future through the Lance family’s leadership and generosity.”

The university recognized Lance during Homecoming activities on September 24 and 25.