Navigating success: Scheller's Poundstone Lecture on the vital role of luck and preparation

Walter Scheller delivers this year's William N. Poundstone lecture. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Chief Executive Officer and Director of Warrior Met Coal Walter J. Scheller, III delivered the Poundstone Lecture in a private event at West Virginia University on Oct. 3, as part of the Mining Engineering William N. Poundstone Lecture Series at the Erickson Alumni Center.

Story by Paige Nesbit, director marketing and communications
Photos by Paige Nesbit

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Targeted at mining engineering students, Scheller emphasized the importance of planning, goal-setting, and being prepared for opportunities that may arise throughout their careers.

“An Italian philosopher once said, ‘luck is where preparation meets opportunity,’” Scheller explained. “In my career, I've been extraordinarily lucky, but I've always been prepared and gone after those opportunities when they were presented. I want every one of you to be lucky,” Scheller explained. “But the question is, are you going to be prepared for those opportunities arise?”

Before his current role at Warrior Met Coal, he was the CEO of Walter Energy, Inc., where he held various positions. He has also worked as Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations at Peabody Energy Corporation, as Vice President at CNX Gas Corporation, and in multiple executive and operational roles at CONSOL Energy Inc.

With over 40 years of experience, Scheller highlighted the significance of individual experiences and the necessity of carving out one's own path. He underscored the essential roles of time management and determination, noting that each person’s journey will differ from their peers.

“Make sure you take whatever opportunities you can to learn more about the industry so you can decide what works for you,” Scheller said.

Scheller began his education with a Bachelor of Science degree in mining engineering from WVU followed by his Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University and then a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh – Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.

“My advice for future mining engineers is to know why you are picking your field,” Scheller explained. “Do your homework, understand what you are getting into and why.”

Junior mining engineering student Samantha Roark took Scheller’s advice to heart.

“I am always going to have a plan for what I want to do and the path I want to take,” Roark said. “If that changes, that’s ok. I can adapt and be prepared for any opportunity that arises. It doesn’t matter what you don’t know going in; there is always an chance to grow.”

According to Scheller, success in the field is largely due to the outstanding people he has worked with and the importance of developing relationships to build successful teams.

Drew Reese, a senior dual mining and civil engineering, plans to apply that insight in his future career.

“Tonight, I learned how important it is to build good relationships and make connections with people who could be your mentors,” Reese said. “As you grow as an engineer, you won’t know everything. Ask questions and show interest — that will open up opportunities.”

“We are very lucky and thankful to have successful alumni like Mr. Scheller return to the university and speak with future mining engineers,” said Qingqing Huang, associate professor and Robert E. Murray chair of the mining engineering department. “Their experiences have paved the way for our students, and having them here to share those insights and network is truly special. These interactions embody the essence of the Poundstone Lecture.”

The William N. Poundstone Lecture Series was established in 2000 to honor distinguished mining engineering alumnus Poundstone 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. 

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