Collection:LPB

Genre: Interview

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2001-08-31

Duration: 00:26:09

Subjects: Taylor, Patrick F., 1937-2004 | Business | OIL INDUSTRY | Taylor Energy Company | HIGHER EDUCATION | Taylor Opportunity Program for Students | TOPS PROGRAM | McKeithen, John J. (John Julian), 1918-1999

Contributors:

• Weill, Gus Host
• Bush, Charles Producer
• Taylor, Pat Interviewee

This episode of the series “Louisiana Legends” from August 31, 2001, features an interview with Patrick Taylor conducted by Gus Weill. Taylor, an alumnus of LSU, is the founder and CEO of Taylor Energy Company and the creator of the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). He discusses: growing up near the oilfields in Beaumont, Texas; receiving a scholarship to attend the prestigious Kinkaid School in Houston; his decision to attend LSU because of a free tuition and deferred payment plan; his passion for the oil business; working for independent oilman John W. Mecom, Sr.; how he accrued his wealth; the importance of preparing for success; the reasons he developed the Taylor Plan, which offers every kid a free education based on merit; the expansion of his scholarship plan in other states; the possibility of his plan going national; and his memories of the late Governor John McKeithen.