S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Proud Partners in Utah’s Future: Chevron and USU’s Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air
Chevron presented a check to the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air to support research to help Utah plan for a more sustainable and resilient future.
For nearly four decades, Chevron has been a steadfast supporter of Utah State University —investing in research, education, innovation and the wellbeing of communities throughout the state. One of Chevron’s most impactful relationships with USU in recent years has been with the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air (ILWA) — a hub for science-based, policy-relevant research that’s helping Utah plan for a more sustainable and resilient future.
With Chevron’s most recent gift, the company’s total support of ILWA now surpasses $130,000 in just the last six years, making them the institute’s first — and one of its most committed — corporate partners.
“Chevron’s early support was more than just a donation,” said Anna McEntire, managing director of ILWA. “It was a vote of confidence. Their partnership helped us communicate our mission more broadly and attract additional corporate support. They’ve been incredible ambassadors for our work — not just through funding, but by connecting us with thought leaders across the state.”
Chevron’s contributions have supported a wide range of initiatives at ILWA that help the institute achieve its mission of connecting decision-makers with high-quality research.
ILWA impact grants empower faculty and student researchers to generate data that directly shapes policy decisions. Among the work highlighted in every ILWA report to date is research by USU’s Randy Martin. While some reports feature his ILWA-funded study on ammonia concentrations in Cache Valley, others showcase his ongoing investigations into PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution—critical air quality data that guides environmental policy at local and state levels.
Last year, impact grants also advanced projects aimed at better understanding Utahns’ concerns about natural resource issues, including air quality. Both the Utah People and Environment Poll and the Utah Wellbeing Project received support to provide actionable insights for decision-makers.
Corporate funding further extended ILWA’s reach by supporting student-led research, such as Molly Blakowski’s dissertation on the generation, transport, and composition of Great Salt Lake dust — a pressing concern for residents along the Wasatch Front and beyond.
“These are the kinds of efforts that simply wouldn’t be possible without philanthropic support,” said Brian Steed, ILWA’s executive director. “We’ve been able to fund student researchers, invest in new technologies and bring the right science forward to policy-makers. Chevron’s flexibility in allowing us to use the funding where it’s most needed has been key.”
That flexibility, and trust, has empowered the ILWA team to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
“They’ve given us the ability to grow our capacity in a meaningful, strategic way,” said McEntire. “They don’t micromanage, they partner. That kind of trust allows us to take on the biggest challenges facing our state.”
Chevron’s role extends beyond financial support. The company has a seat on ILWA’s External Advisory Board, where it engages directly with researchers and provides valuable insight on issues facing Utah’s environment and industries.
“It’s a two-way conversation,” said McEntire. “We share our latest research, and they help us understand the practical challenges and opportunities from their perspective. That makes our work more relevant and actionable.”
For Chevron, the partnership is a natural extension of its longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and community investment.
“USU’s mission as a land-grant institution and ILWA’s focus on land, water and air directly align with Chevron’s values,” said Arikka Von, corporate affairs representative for Chevron U.S.A. Inc. “We’ve been part of the Utah community since 1948. Our people live and work here, so we’re deeply committed to protecting the environment and investing in solutions that make life better for all Utahns.”
Chevron’s support of ILWA is just one facet of its broader relationship with Utah State. The company’s total giving to the university now exceeds half a million dollars, including contributions to the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, the Bingham Entrepreneurship & Energy Research Center and various STEM education and student support programs.
“We take pride in the many ways we’re making an impact in the community,” said Von. “Supporting energy research and partnering with local food banks, teen centers and technical education programs, are a direct result of listening to our community and investing where we can make the greatest difference.”
Through initiatives like upgrading their Salt Lake Refinery to reduce emissions and producing Tier 3 gasoline that improves air quality, Chevron has consistently chosen to lead.
“They walk the walk,” said Stephanie Frohman, associate director of ILWA. “Chevron goes beyond compliance, they innovate and take initiative. That makes them a partner we’re proud to work with.”
From innovative projects like hydrogen storage to air quality improvements and pipeline management, Chevron’s presence in Utah reflects a deep commitment to both progress and preservation.
“We believe in public-private partnerships,” said Von. “Solving Utah’s land, water and air challenges isn’t the job of one group alone — it takes collaboration between industry, academia, policymakers and communities. That’s why we support ILWA and USU.”
“And it’s not just about today’s challenges,” she added. “It’s about building a future where today’s students will be equipped to lead responsibly as tomorrow’s innovators. That’s why we invest in education, workforce development and research.”
For ILWA and Utah State University, Chevron’s continued partnership is more than generous — it’s foundational.
"We couldn’t do this work without them,” said Steed. “Their support has helped build a community of corporate partners who all have a stake in Utah’s future. And Chevron has led the way.”
Chevron employee testing fuels in refinery lab.
Chevron lab demonstration at community event.
Chevron Oil Refinery in North Salt Lake, Utah.
Contact
Karah Altman
Senior Director, Corporations and Foundations and Strategic Initiatives
214-683-3632
Karah.altman@usu.edu