DATE: June 1, 2005

CONTACT: communications@mail.cox.smu.edu

Dallas (SMU) – It is with great sadness that SMU Cox School of Business announces the passing of Mark A. Baxter, Director of the Maguire Energy Institute. Mark passed away on May 30, 2005 at his home from a heart attack. He was born on June 16, 1952 in Galesburg, IL.

Mark was the heart and soul of the Maguire Energy Institute and built the reputation to one of international prominence. He loved working directly with students, and he influenced many lives and careers with his passion for the energy industry. Mark also served as a trusted, reliable source for the media, and was quoted as an internationally renowned energy expert.

Baxter joined SMU Cox in May 2001, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry, including engineering and management experience in project management and business development both domestically and oversees.

Prior to joining Cox, Mark was with Marathon Oil Company for 26 years, gaining extensive global experience in the energy industry. He was instrumental in negotiations and business development with several domestic and international projects, but most notably dedicated to efforts in Russian territories. He managed negotiations of a joint venture between Marathon Oil and a major oil company in Russia while also spearheading the technical and commercial due diligence on one of Siberia’s major oil fields. In the early 1990s, Mark worked on both the SAGE project in the North Sea sector of the United Kingdom. Also starting in the early 1990s, he worked on the Sakhalin Project in Far East Russia, evaluating economic development and working closely with Russian officials. Mark has either worked in or conducted studies for projects in Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, and China. In 1999, he co-chaired a half-day session at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). Mark has given presentations covering the Sakhalin II Project in 1995 at a forum in Vienna, Austria; in 1999 to energy experts and Japan’s Diet representatives in Sapporo, Japan; and in 1998 to State Representatives of the Energy Council.

He was an active Member of Highland Park United Methodist Church, where he served as a greeter. He volunteered at the CC Young nursing home and at Dallas Life Foundation, serving meals to the homeless. Mark was a sports fan and a youth soccer and basketball coach. Among the countless ways he gave back to the community in life, Mark is also an organ donor.

Mark received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Illinois in 1974. He has served as an expert witness in cases for offshore pipeline in Federal Court and onshore pipeline in Magistrate Court. He is a registered professional engineer in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio and Texas.

Mark is survived by his loving wife Wendy Foster Baxter, who lives in Dallas, along with two daughters, Melissa Hickox and Amanda Baxter, and a granddaughter, Britaini Lynn Hickox, all of Houston. His biggest pride and joy in life was his family. He loved his girls and didn't go a day without speaking with them on the phone.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home in Knoxville, IL. A memorial service will be held at Highland Park United Methodist Church on June 17. Donations may be made in Mark’s name to Special Olympics, Little Lighthouse, and Dallas Life Foundation.