Col. Michael Edward Fossum '80, USAFR (Ret.)
Chief Operating Officer, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Vice President, Texas A&M University
Superintendent, Texas A&M Maritime Academy
Executive Professor of Maritime Administration, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Michael E. Fossum '80 currently serves as a Vice President of Texas A&M University, the Chief Operating Officer of the Galveston Campus, and the Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy. Fossum joined Texas A&M following his retirement from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – Johnson Space Center in 2017.
Fossum is a veteran of three space flights with more than 194 days in space and more than 48 hours in seven spacewalks during his 19 years as an astronaut. During his last mission in 2011, Fossum served as the Commander of the International Space Station. He has logged over 2,000 hours in 35 different aircraft throughout the course of his career. Fossum earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in 1980. He is also a graduate of the US Air Force Test Pilot School and has earned Master of Science degrees in Systems Engineering and Physical Science/Space Science.
Fossum was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and grew up in McAllen, Texas. He is married to his Aggie sweetheart, the former Melanie J. London '80. They have four children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys family and outdoor activities. Fossum has been a lifelong supporter and volunteer in the Scouting program.
About Me
Earning my undergraduate degree in engineering from Texas A&M University in 1980, I never – in my wildest dreams - could have imagined having the honor of leading such a distinguished campus of the university I love!
Though I grew up in McAllen, in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, and a long ways from A&M, I knew I was going to be an Aggie the first time I visited the campus. Following graduation in 1980, I was commissioned into the United States Air Force, married my Aggie sweetheart, and immediately entered graduate school earning a master’s degree in engineering. I later graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and enjoyed the challenge of helping develop and integrate cutting-edge technology into the most modern military aircraft at that time. Twelve years of Active Duty later, I stepped forward into a civilian career at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, while simultaneously continuing my military service in the Reserves.
A dream I had pursued since the early days of our nation’s space program was realized in 1998 when I was selected as a NASA Astronaut. I was incredibly fortunate to have flown on 3 space missions in 2006, 2008, and 2011. During the first two missions, I had the opportunity to build and repair the International Space Station (ISS) as a spacewalker. As a crewmember on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2011, I travelled to the International Space Station once again. During that 6-month mission, I served as the Commander of the Space Station overseeing the completion of a research mission. Over the course of the 3 missions, I spent 194 days in space and conducted 7 spacewalks for a total of 48 hours working outside the spacecraft. In the years after my last mission to space, I served in various senior leadership roles at NASA and enjoyed working with rookie crewmembers helping them prepare for the next successful mission, as well as working with the team in Mission Control addressing and solving the challenges which inevitably arise.
To say that I enjoyed my career as an Astronaut is an understatement. I never thought I would leave NASA. However, a yearning to seek out another mission where I could make an even bigger, longer-lasting impact slowly grew. As a proud Aggie, I was intrigued when I learned there was a search for a new leader for the Galveston Campus of Texas A&M just a short distance down the road. I had been blessed to follow and achieve my dream of flying in space. Could my new mission be in a place where I might inspire and enable others to achieve their dreams?
The Internet answered many of my questions, but it was during my multiple visits to campus where I learned so much through conversations with students, staff, and faculty, and wandering around the buildings and laboratories. What I discovered is a treasure: a small campus proud of its Aggie traditions and values, powerful programs and small classrooms with an emphasis on student success, and exciting research programs having incredible impacts on our state, our nation, and the world.
The Future
My memories and experiences with the Air Force and NASA will be treasured always but I am even more excited to serve as the leader of the Galveston Campus of Texas A&M University. I completely embraced a new mission - guiding students to the path to follow their dreams, and supporting our world-renowned researchers as they seek to gain insights into complex systems related to our oceans, coastlines, and maritime operations.
As you consider where to continue your personal journey, I encourage you to come down to Galveston to experience this amazing campus in person. I look forward to meeting you soon!
– Col Mike Fossum...