Charles C. Stephenson Jr.
Charles C. Stephenson Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Antlers, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Petroleum executive, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1960–present |
| Known for | Founder and CEO of Vintage Petroleum; philanthropy in Oklahoma |
Charles C. Stephenson Jr. is a prominent figure in the petroleum sector and a noted philanthropist residing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originating from Antlers, Oklahoma, where his family operated a prosperous grocery business, he completed his secondary education at Antlers High School in 1955 before obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1959.
Business accomplishments
Stephenson launched his professional journey with Amerada Petroleum Company in 1960 and continued there until 1971. He subsequently assumed the role of vice-president of operations at Andover Oil Company and was elevated to president by 1974. In 1983, he co-established Vintage Petroleum Company headquartered in Tulsa, where he held the presidency until its initial public offering in 1990. Presently, he occupies the positions of chairman and CEO. Vintage Petroleum is distinguished for its assertive pursuit of oil and natural gas exploration, acquiring producing assets from major industry players and distributing production within the United States and South American markets.
In addition to his leadership at Vintage, Stephenson has served on the board of directors for AAON since 1996 and has co-founded several investment firms, including Regent Private Capital LLC, Growth Capital Partners, and Premier Natural Resources. Furthermore, he presides over Stephenson Investments, Inc.
Contributions to society
Together with his wife Peggy, Stephenson established the Charles and Peggy Stephenson Chair in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Oklahoma in 1994. He maintains active involvement with the university through board memberships within both the College of Engineering and the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy.
Stephenson was instrumental in enhancing OU’s energy research capabilities by founding the Sarkeys Energy Center and providing funding for both the Stephenson Research and Technology Center and the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center. His philanthropic efforts also extend to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, notably including substantial contributions to the Dean McGee Eye Institute. In 2010, the couple’s $12 million donation resulted in the naming of the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center at OU Health Sciences Center.
He holds trustee positions on the boards of both the University of Tulsa and the University of Oklahoma Foundation.
Although originally from Antlers, Oklahoma, Stephenson’s charitable activities in that community commenced only in 2015 when his foundation contributed $100,000 toward a multipurpose athletic facility for Antlers Public Schools. He retains limited personal or commercial connections to that region.
Honors and awards
The University of Oklahoma honored Stephenson with an honorary doctorate and inducted him into its Distinguished Graduates Society in 1996. He was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 2000 and received the Tulsa Humanitarian Award two years later. In 2008, Stephenson was named to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and recognized by the I Believe in Oklahoma organization.