L-R: Dean Sara Freedman, Chuck L. Watson, daughter Carly Watson and wife Kim Watson attend a
formal “ringing in” ceremony to formally dedicate the Chuck L. Watson Trading Floor
within the Spears School of Business.

The OSU Spears School of Business recognized Houston-based energy marketer Chuck Watson and his family today for the Watson’s $2 million gift to the planned business building project.

In honor of the family’s leadership and generosity, the Spears School will name its trading floor the Charles L. Watson Trading Floor.

“We greatly appreciate Chuck and Kim for believing in us and making the first lead gift for a new business building,” said Dean Sara M. Freedman, Myers Chair and the Poole Professor of Excellence. “We are fortunate they have chosen to become involved in a project that will directly benefit thousands of Spears School students and faculty for many generations.”

The gift adds to a long history of Watson family support for Oklahoma State University and for the Spears School which includes the Watson Family Chair and various business scholarships.

“The Spears School has always been recognized for outstanding achievement in instruction, research and outreach; however, to stay vital and relevant students need a new facility in which to learn,” said Chuck Watson. “Kim and I are pleased to help in any way we can.”

Watson, a 1972 OSU business graduate, is the co-founder and chairman of Eagle Energy Partners, a Houston-based energy marketer established in 2003 that focuses on the purchase, distribution and sale of natural gas and electric power. He is also chairman of Wincrest Ventures, a venture capital company he founded in 1994, and a partner in Caldwell/Watson Real Estate that he co-founded in 1995.  

Watson was inducted into the Spears School of Business Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1997. He received OSU’s highest award, the Henry G. Bennett Award, in 2002. Watson also participated in CEO Day 2006 on the Stillwater campus, sharing his business wisdom and experience with OSU students.

Kim graduated from the OSU College of Education, and their children Brian, Keri and Carly also have OSU degrees.

The newly named Watson Trading Floor originally opened in 2001 with Watson’s help and initiative. According to John Polonchek, professor and head of the Department of Finance, a portion of the gift will allow the department to make upgrades to the room. “We are grateful for Watson’s continued support of the trading floor and the Department of Finance, which allows the Spears School to stay current and provide outstanding learning opportunities for future business leaders.”

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