In Remembrance of Gregory D. Elliott

It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we remember Gregory D. “Greg” Elliott, a visionary leader, dedicated engineer, and generous philanthropist whose impact on the petroleum industry, Louisiana State University, and countless individuals will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts go out to Greg’s family and his wife Missy who was by Greg’s side during his visits to Patrick F. Taylor Hall.

Greg earned his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from LSU in December 1981, launching a distinguished career that would span decades and continents. He began his professional journey with Chevron Corporation in 1982 as a Drilling Engineer in the Gulf of Mexico and the Deep Gas Tuscaloosa trend of South Louisiana. His expertise and leadership quickly earned him a position at Chevron’s overseas headquarters in San Ramon, Calif., where he served as a Well Test Engineer and later joined the International Drilling team. From 1989 to 1996, Greg planned and drilled complex wells across Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Former Soviet Union.

In 1997, Greg founded Workstrings International, headquartered in Lafayette, La., a pioneering company in the premium drill pipe rental market. He transformed a previously non-existent sector of the oil industry into a global enterprise. Under his leadership, Workstrings became an international leader in supplying engineered rental tubular goods for well construction worldwide. The company was acquired by Superior Energy Services in 2001, but Greg continued to lead with vision and innovation.

Greg’s professional excellence was matched by his deep commitment to service and education. He was an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE), and the LSU Alumni Association.

In recognition of his professional achievements and lasting impact, Greg was inducted into the LSU College of Engineering Hall of Distinction and the Society for Engineering Excellence in 2017. He also served on the Dean’s Advisory Council, where he was a trusted advisor and advocate for engineering education.

Greg’s legacy at LSU is especially profound. His philanthropic contributions have supported numerous initiatives, including the Gregory Dale Elliott Dean’s Seminar Suite in Taylor Hall, the Greg Elliott Laboratory Support Fund for Petroleum Engineering, the PERTT Lab Student Workers Support Fund, the Engineering Recruitment and Retention Scholarship, and the LSU Alumni Fund.

These contributions have enhanced facilities, supported students and staff, and ensured the resilience of LSU’s Petroleum Engineering programs.

“The College of Engineering was fortunate to count Greg as one of our most active advisors,” LSU College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin said. “A long-time member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, his commitment to helping shape the future of engineering at LSU was matched by his joy in sharing with our students his real-world and field experience with petroleum engineering.”

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Greg Elliott, a true leader in the energy community,” LSU Craft & Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering Chair David Schechter said. “Greg’s career was defined by vision, innovation, and perseverance—from his early years as a drilling engineer at Chevron to his entrepreneurial success in founding Workstrings International and leading it to global prominence. He represented the very best of LSU Petroleum Engineering, and his legacy will continue to inspire our students and alumni, showing them what is possible when technical excellence is paired with entrepreneurial spirit.”

To honor Greg’s memory and ensure his legacy continues to inspire future generations, gifts are welcomed for Safari Club International—Louisiana Acadiana Chapter and Friendship Baptist Church. Also, his colleagues will establish the Gregory Dale Elliott Memorial Scholarship at LSU, which will be awarded annually to high-performing undergraduates in Petroleum Engineering. To contribute to the scholarship in Greg’s honor, visit giveLSU.org/gregelliott.