LithiumLearns Offers SAU Students An Inside Look at ExxonMobil
More than two dozen representatives from Southern Arkansas University recently traveled to Texas for a multi-day industry immersion through the LithiumLearns program, gaining a first-hand look at operations inside one of the world’s largest energy companies.
Sponsored and hosted by ExxonMobil, the group — including 21 students among 26 participants — toured the company’s ExxonMobil Houston Campus (EMHC) and Baytown refinery facilities.
At EMHC, students learned about the company’s research operations, corporate culture and role in the Smackover Formation lithium industry. ExxonMobil executives also discussed areas ranging from safety and procurement to public affairs and finance.
Sheryl Edwards, SAU’s associate vice president for strategic initiatives and executive director of LithiumLearns, said the visit created an “awareness of opportunities” for students.
“Multiple ExxonMobil executives from various teams took the time to share their personal educational and career paths,” Edwards wrote in an email to Lithium Link. “That experience alone created a lasting positive impact on our students, and I am forever grateful.”
The visit ended at ExxonMobil’s Baytown complex, where participants observed refinery infrastructure and advanced recycling initiatives while engaging with industry professionals.
The Goal
LithiumLearns is a workforce and education initiative led by SAU in Magnolia, funded through Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) grants. The program collaborates with partners like The Venture Center and Apprenticely, to prepare the workforce with industry-specific skills
“This experience broadened our students’ awareness of opportunities with a global energy leader,” Edwards said, “and gave them the confidence that they are prepared to pursue those opportunities.”
Previously: How LithiumLearns Is Building the Talent Pipeline for the Smackover Formation (Nov. 21, 2025)
