Dr. Charles Fogarty, an expert petroleum geologist, was instrumental in moving Texasgulf into its prominent position as an industry leader. He promoted technological advances and set an excellent example for all mining executives.​

In 1952, after receiving his Doctorate in Geology from the Colorado School of Mines, he went to work for Texasgulf. He spent most of his early years on exploration assignments throughout the world. By 1973, he had reached the status of CEO. He was, without question, the principal moving force behind the “Transformation of Texasgulf.” He moved the Texas Gulf Sulphur Company from a one product organization into one of the nation’s leading natural resource companies with ventures throughout the world. Under his direction, the company grew through its own exploration efforts with the discovery of the high-grade Kidd Creek Orebody, a large phosphate deposit in North Carolina, a potash deposit in Utah and a large trona deposit in Wyoming. Several sulfur mines and recovery plants were also brought on-stream during his era.​

His contributions to his alma mater were impressive as well, and helped bring the Colorado School of Mines into great prominence. For this reason, in 1981, Texasgulf announced the granting of the Charles Franklin Fogarty Endowment in Economic Geology at the School of Mines, with a gift of $1 million.​

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