Andy Graham, a University alum and Terra Alta native who serves as an adjunct assistant professor for the Environmental, Energy, and Land Management program in the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has been selected for the January Faculty Feature.
As a dedicated faculty member, the full-time energy lawyer at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC in Morgantown is committed to shaping students into highly trained and sought-after professionals equipped with the skills to lead in the environmental and energy industries.
Despite the early morning start time, former students maintain that Graham’s Energy Land Management Contracts 1 and 2 courses are incredibly valuable, offering an enjoyable learning experience and a lasting impact on their careers.
Examples of these sentiments include the following:
• “The 8 a.m. Andy Graham Special! So much knowledge I learned in that class that I apply every day in the field.”
• “The time I got to spend with Andy was invaluable. I still find myself referring to the PowerPoints I saved from his classes. He truly is a master of his craft.”
Additionally, one legal colleague recalls a young alum making his way through the crowded Blue Lot after spotting the firm’s flag flying at a tailgate to thank Graham for the positive impact he had on his career.
“Practicing law is my job, but teaching at WVU is effectively my hobby,” Graham said. “Seeing my students successfully launch careers and make a significant impact across the energy sector, from oil and gas to renewables, is incredibly heartening.”
Graham has also periodically taught courses on energy transportation and the industry’s depiction in popular culture, laughingly noting that he taught these long before Billy Bob Thornton’s exaggerated, cartel-negotiating character in the series “Landman.”
“Billy Bob’s character makes for great TV, but our students are learning the real-world skills needed to navigate the actual land business,” he said. “Whether they are negotiating for oil and gas wells or solar panels, our alumni are building a more accessible and dependable energy future.”
The bachelor’s degree program grew out of a collaboration between the University and local industry professionals. Having been a part of the initial discussions, Graham expressed an interest in teaching some of the new courses, which led to an invitation from Shawn Grushecky, program coordinator for what is now the Environmental, Energy, and Land Management program, to join the faculty in the fall of 2015.
He notes that his passion for teaching evolved from his experience as a presenter of continuing education classes for lawyers and landmen through various professional organizations.
A 2004 WVU College of Law graduate and Order of the Coif inductee, Graham also earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Shepherd University, where he graduated as a McMurran Scholar.
“It might be a cliché, but my proudest accomplishment has been the success of my students,” he said. “While some have gone on to practice law, most of them serve on the front lines as landmen, working deals that satisfy America’s growing energy demands.”
Long before his legal and teaching careers, Graham covered elections as a reporter, announced play-by-play for Preston High School sports, and filled in as a country music DJ at WKMM in Kingwood.
Outside of work, he enjoys reading nonfiction, and watching old detective movies and Westerns. He also attends Mountaineer and Baltimore Orioles baseball games and always looks forward to relaxing with his wife, Gail, and their two cats, Herman and Oliver.
Nominate a University faculty member for a future Faculty Feature by sending an email to enews@mail.wvu.edu.