Chief Operations Officer of Compass Minerals to deliver Poundstone Lecture

George Schuller will deliver the 2021 Poundstone Lecture. (Submitted photo)

George J. Schuller Jr., chief operations officer at Compass Minerals, will speak to faculty and students as part of West Virginia University’s Department of Mining Engineering’s William N. Poundstone Lecture Series. The lecture, entitled “Identifying Success from Failure: A Real Life Lesson,” will begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the Erickson Alumni Center.

Story by Adrianne Uphold, Graduate Assistant

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Schuller has more than three decades of experience in senior management roles in both surface and underground mining operations, beginning his career as an underground laborer in southern West Virginia. Prior to joining Compass Minerals, he served as president of Peabody Australia. His experience also includes global roles in continuous improvement and technical services where he integrated many emerging technologies from markets such as South America and the Asia Pacific into mining practices. 

Schuller has a degree in mining engineering from WVU and has held professional memberships and board positions with several organizations such as board member of Minerals Council of Australia and Queensland Resources Council, chair of the COAL21 Fund, director of Australian Coal Association and president of National Mine Rescue Association.

In 2018, Schuller received an honorary doctorate degree in mining engineering from WVU for his contributions to the mining industry. He also has an MBA from the University of Charleston.

The Department of Mining Engineering established the William N. Poundstone Lecture Series in 2000 to honor Poundstone, a distinguished alumnus of the Department, and to bring mining industry experts to campus to share their expertise with students and faculty. Poundstone, who passed away in 2015, was inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in 2016.

“George is a dedicated champion of diversity, belonging, inclusion and equity in the workplace,” said Vladislav Kecojevic, Robert E. Murray Chair and professor in the Department of Mining Engineering. “We’re excited to have him lead this discussion and bring a new industry insight to WVU.”

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