Energy 101 Series

Energy 101 Series

EKU's Energy 101 Discussion Series is intended to spark a dialogue between industry experts and the campus community on pressing local, state, national and global energy issues.  Energy 101 is intended to allow EKU students an opportunity to connect with energy leaders and foster the exchange of ideas in an open and respectful forum where ideas can be discussed and viewpoints shared.

Past Speakers:

Dr. Rodney Andrews, Center for Applied Energy Research

Dr. Rodney Andrews is the Director of the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research and Associate Professor of Engineering at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Andrews boast a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University and a Ph.D in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky.

The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy (CAER) investigates energy technologies to improve the environment; contributes to technically sound policies related to coal, energy and the environment; adds to the teaching and instruction aim of UK by educating students from pre-college to postgraduate levels and being involved in labor force development for Kentucky; promotes UK's objective of developing and benefiting from its Intellectual Property with a balance between the publication of scientific results and patenting; and provides public service through scientific education and its energy-related competencies.

Timothy Dean Hughes, Division of Biofuels - Kentucky

Tim Hughes is the Director for the Division of Biofuels for the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.  Previously he served as the Senior Policy Analyst of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy where he also held various other roles since 2004.  Tim and his wife Lori own TLC Farms in Simpson County.  Mr. Hughes has been an active agricultural leader in both Logan and Simpson Counties.  He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University where he also served as their farm manager in 2002 and 2003.  Tim has served as the state chairman of two young farmer groups and has played leadership roles in various national farm organizations.  He was recognized (a few years ago) by the Daily News as “one of 20 people under 40” who was making a difference in their communities.  Tim and Lori now reside in Frankfort, KY where they are active members of Buck Run Baptist Church.

Bill Bissett, Kentucky Coal Association

On February 3, 2010, Bill Bissett was named the President of the Kentucky Coal Association. Bissett was previously employed as the Chief of Staff/Senior Vice President for Communications of Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia.

Prior to working for his Alma Mater, Bissett served as Vice President of Public Relations for Charles Ryan Associates (CRA), an integrated marketing firm with offices in Charleston, WV, and Richmond, VA. During his tenure at CRA, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Friends of Coal campaign. Prior to his work at CRA, Bissett served as Director of Communications for both the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia Department of Transportation. He has also worked in television marketing and advertising and was a columnist for The Charleston Gazette.

Bissett earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Marshall University, in addition to receiving his commission in the United States Army. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Leadership Studies.