HOUSTON, TX- Gaurdie Banister, vice president of business development & technology, Shell Exploration & Production Company, received an honorary doctorate degree in arts & sciences from Fort Valley State University. This marks only the second time that the Historically Black College/University, established in 1895, has awarded an honorary doctorate.

Banister received this unique honor because of his commitment to and involvement with Fort Valley’s Energy Industry Development and Recruitment Program. The program makes energy industry executives available to minority students to encourage them to consider careers in the energy sector -- the oil and gas industry.  “It’s important for me to open up young minds to the energy field,” said Banister. “Minorities need to see people they can relate to in executive level positions.” Banister added that “Fort Valley State is doing a fine job of producing future leaders and I am proud that I can lend myself to their development.”

Banister holds a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. In addition to his involvement with Fort Valley State University, he is a member of the boards of the National Science Resources Center, Greater Houston Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Communities in School Program.  Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land grant school in Georgia, is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, 20 miles Southwest of Macon. Its 1,365-acre campus is the second largest (in acreage) public university in the State.