How does a CSU chemistry student from New York end up leading one of the largest liquefied natural gas export facilities in the world?

In this episode of The Next 150, President Amy Parsons sits down with Michael Smith, founder, chairman, and CEO of Freeport LNG. Michael shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path—from studying chemistry and math at CSU in the 1970s to founding Basin Exploration in Fort Collins to launching and leading Freeport LNG. The conversation explores what it takes to build companies that last, the role luck plays in success, and why giving back to CSU matters to him. His support has created full-tuition scholarships in the Colleges of Business, Natural Resources, and Natural Sciences, along with the Michael Smith Natural Resources Building and the Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center. Plus, hear Michael's advice on following your passion, taking chances, and preparing for a changing world.

More about Michael Smith:

Michael Smith founded Freeport LNG Development, L.P. in 2002 and serves as the company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Freeport LNG has become the seventh largest LNG export facility in the world and the second largest in the United States. The facility is the largest all-electric liquefaction plant of its kind, reducing carbon emissions by more than 90 percent compared to gas turbine-driven facilities.

Prior to Freeport LNG, Michael founded Basin Exploration, Inc., in Fort Collins in 1981, building it into a publicly traded oil and gas company and serving as Chairman, CEO, and President until its sale in 2001.

Michael has served on numerous business and community boards across Colorado, including National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Colorado Ocean Journey, and the Colorado Governor's Minerals, Energy, and Geology Policy Advisory Board.

Colorado State University awarded Michael an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2008. His wife, Iris, also supports CSU through the Flint Animal Cancer Center and One Cure within the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

How do you balance more than a century of tradition while preparing for what comes next? That’s precisely what Wes Allison has been doing since he stepped into his new role as President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show last May.

In preparation for the Stock Show kicking off this week, the Next 150 podcast hits the road to the National Western Center's new Legacy Building to talk with Wes about the transformation underway at one of the largest livestock shows in the world.

Wes shares his journey from growing up in Texas as an extension agent’s son to leading the Stock Show during a pivotal moment marked by new facilities, expanded year-round programming, and a renewed focus on education.

The conversation also explores strengthening the rural–urban connection, the importance of youth programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America, and how the partnership with Colorado State University and CSU Spur helps shape the future of agriculture and Western heritage.

Shortly after winning her third WNBA championship as coach of the Las Vegas Aces, CSU Women's Basketball legend Becky Hammon '99 returned to campus to receive Colorado State University's Founders Day Medal, which recognizes an individual, family or group whose service and contributions have created a significant, lasting impact on the University's history and progress toward future goals.

While in Ram Country, she joined President Amy Parsons for an energizing and deeply personal conversation. Becky reflects on her rise from an undersized, undrafted point guard to one of the most influential coaches in basketball today. She shares how she found her way in the WNBA, forged a groundbreaking path in the NBA as the first female coach, and ultimately built a coaching dynasty in Las Vegas. She discusses the grit required to push through closed doors, the importance of character and chemistry inside a winning locker room, and the lessons she carries from every chapter of her journey.

She also looks back on her years at CSU, the friendships that still anchor her life, the memories of a packed Moby Arena, and the on-court learning experiences that shaped her approach to the game. Becky explains how those early years taught her to think differently, compete with joy, and lead with authenticity — traits that continue to define her coaching today.