Spears Business launches Commodity Cowboys program in partnership with Phillips 66

(STILLWATER, Okla., April 14, 2026) — Oklahoma State University celebrated the launch of the Commodity Cowboys, a new program from the Spears School of Business' Department of Finance designed to equip undergraduates with the specialized skills needed to succeed in commodity trading and energy markets.

The program launched thanks to the donation and founding partnership of Phillips 66, a leading integrated downstream energy company and a longtime supporter of Spears Business.

OSU President Jim Hess, Spears Business Dean Jim Payne and representatives from Phillips 66 joined faculty, students and industry partners at the launch event on Friday to celebrate the new program and discuss the career opportunities it will create for OSU graduates.

“Behind every high-performing trading floor is a culture of preparation,” said Kim Head, senior vice president of commercial operations at Phillips 66. “That is why we are proud to be the founding partner of the Commodity Cowboys program. Phillips 66 has a strong relationship with Oklahoma State University and shares Oklahoma roots, where our company’s story began. Together, we are turning those shared roots into a shared vision for advancing the energy industry — investing in the next generation through real-time, market-based learning that prepares students for high-impact commercial roles and helps shape the next chapter of global energy talent.”

Commodity Cowboys is a comprehensive program in the OSU Department of Finance that will include a certificate with coursework in energy finance, energy economics, commodity trading and experiential industry learning. The program, which begins in fall 2026, will provide students with applied, market-ready expertise in commodity trading, risk management and energy markets to make them competitive in one of the finance industry’s fastest-growing job fields.

In addition to the certificate program, the Commodity Cowboys will field a trading team that will compete across the nation and will even host competitions in the Business Building. In addition, the program will provide students with opportunities for industry internships and visits to the Phillips 66 headquarters in Houston to see their trading floor and experience the commodities business firsthand.

A select group of students will be chosen through a competitive application process to participate in the Commodity Cowboys Scholars. These scholars will receive an elevated level of engagement that includes direct coaching and mentorship from energy partners in order to prepare them for success in the commodities industry. These students will also earn scholarships and participate in select commodity trading competitions nationwide.

"The Commodity Cowboys program addresses a real need we've heard directly from energy industry leaders and our students,” Payne said. "Phillips 66 has been an outstanding partner to Spears Business across so many areas, and their support in launching Commodity Cowboys demonstrates their commitment to preparing the next generation of energy professionals.

"Their investment also reflects the spirit of OSU's comprehensive campaign, The Code Calls. We are bringing together the university and industry to create opportunities that strengthen Oklahoma's workforce. Spears Business answered the call to launch this program, Phillips 66 answered the call to pave the way for it to start, and we look forward to partnering with other industry leaders in the weeks and years ahead to ensure Commodity Cowboys prepares our students for success in this dynamic field."

The Commodity Cowboys program grew from a shared vision between Spears Business, Phillips 66 and other industry partners. Together, they recognized that demand for finance professionals with specialized commodity trading expertise represents a significant and growing opportunity for OSU graduates. The goal is to equip students with the analytical tools, market knowledge and real-world perspective they need to compete and succeed in a dynamic, high-stakes industry.

The Commodity Cowboys program is the latest chapter in a long-standing relationship between Phillips 66 and Spears Business. Over the years, Phillips 66's support has touched nearly every corner of the school, including the School of Accounting, the Department of Management Science and Information Systems, the Spears Scholar Leaders program, the Eastin Center for Career Readiness, the Center for the Future of Work and the Women's Business Conference. Phillips 66 is also among the top 10 employers of Spears Business graduates over the last five years.

“I'm excited about the new Commodity Cowboys program, which gives students a rare opportunity to engage with markets that power the world,” said Dr. Dave Carter, head of the Department of Finance. “We are equipping them with the analytical tools, practical skills and global perspective needed to succeed from day one. We are building more than a program; we are creating a pipeline of talent ready to operate at the intersection of finance, energy and global trade.”

The OSU Department of Finance prepares students for successful careers by providing a quality education through caring, dedicated and qualified faculty. The department conducts research to benefit the financial and business community, while also serving business, government and nonprofit organizations through education and outreach.

Phillips 66 is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes midstream, chemicals, refining, marketing and specialties, and renewable fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
 

PHOTO: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCQVg5

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Howard | Director of Marketing and Communications | 405-744-4363 | stephen.howard@okstate.edu 

Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success. OSU has more than 36,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 27,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and more than 127 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 300,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.