Mark Worthey
Mark Worthey
By: Claire Winesett
Mark A. Worthey graduated from Mississippi State University in 1984, but his impact on this university did not end there. Since graduating, Worthey has not only gone on to build a very successful career in the field that MSU and the College of Arts and Sciences prepared him for, but he also continues to give back to current students at MSU – leaving a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.
A current resident of Mckinney, Texas, Worthey gained his Bachelor’s of Science degree in petroleum geology from MSU. Worthey claims that his time at MSU was “full of study and work,” but this hard work has paid off.
Through various mentors and an education in the Department of Geosciences, Worthey says that Mississippi State “gave [him] a start” in his career. After graduation, Worthey became a geologist and exploitation manager with Newport Petroleum.
In 1992, Worthey began his position as senior vice-president of operations at Denbury Resources, an independent oil and natural gas company, where he also served as a founding officer. He worked at Denbury Resources until 2006, and is currently the Founder and President of McClaren Resources Inc., a private oil and gas company.
Worthey continues to generously give back to his alma mater and to the College of Arts & Sciences. Worthey recently established an endowed fund that will allow students studying in the Department of Geosciences at MSU to engage in real-world experiences while they are still students. The Mark Worthey Endowed Field Studies Fund allows current students to take part in hands-on experiences that will prepare them for their careers before they even graduate. Worthey continues to leave a legacy at MSU that will impact students for years to come.
While becoming a successful professional, Worthey claims that his greatest success was “closing the New York Stock Exchange on May 8, 1997.”
Worthey believes that one of his favorite memories of his time at MSU was attending football games to cheer on the Bulldogs. He encourages current and future MSU students to persevere through school. “It took me nine years to earn my degree. Never give up,” said Worthey. He added, “Get up every day with a great attitude and work ethic.”
Worthey enjoys hunting, fishing, reading and biking in his free time.