Mike Gaskins graduated from OSU in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in geology. He is the West Africa Operations Manager for ExxonMobile in addition to being the vice president of several of its affiliates in Africa.

With more than 30 years of industry experience, Gaskins has also been involved with ExxonMobil's U.S. offshore and onshore operations as well as in the Eastern European region. He has served on the T. Boone Pickens School of Geology Board for more than 10 years.

He and his wife, Sue, are longtime supporters of OSU, especially programs for student success. He is an active leader in several of ExxonMobil's eduation programs. He is also involved with the Boy Scouts and his local Methodist church.