posted 01-09-2017 04:42 PM               

Veteran astronaut Mike Fossum retires from NASA

Astronaut Mike Fossum left NASA on Jan. 7 to join private industry.

Fossum first came to NASA as part of a U.S. Air Force detail to support the space shuttle flight operations in 1981, just in time for the third space shuttle flight. He returned in 1993 as a systems engineer, supporting the yet-to-be-built International Space Station, as well as the astronaut office and Mission Operations Directorate. Fossum was also a flight test engineer on the X-38 prototype crew return spacecraft.

In 1998, NASA selected Fossum as an astronaut. Over the course of his 18 years in the astronaut corps, he flew onboard space shuttle Discovery to the space station for STS-121 in 2006 and STS-124 in 2008, and returned aboard a Russian Soyuz in 2011 as part of Expeditions 28 and 29. While in space, he performed seven spacewalks for a combined total of more than 48 hours spent outside the space station.

"Mike Fossum has been a personal friend for over two decades," said Brian Kelly, director of Flight Operations at NASA's Johnson Space Center. "His outstanding service to our great nation and NASA has prepared him well for whatever challenges lie ahead. I wish him and his wonderful family all the best."

Since returning to Earth in 2011, Fossum has served in a number of capacities, most recently as assistant to the chief of the astronaut office for the International Space Station.

Fossum was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and grew up in McAllen, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University; a master's in systems engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology; and a master's in physical science (space science) from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. He achieved the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force before retiring in 1992, and has logged about 2,000 hours of flight time in 35 different aircraft.

posted 01-09-2017 04:56 PM               

I started at NASA/JSC as an Air Force Detailee almost exactly 35 years ago. After leaving to attend USAF Test Pilot School and work in that exciting realm for 8 years, I found my way back to NASA and didn't think I would ever leave.

But the time is now.

I don't say goodbye — just see you on down the trail. Stand by for more info — hopefully soon!

posted 01-18-2017 10:28 AM               

From Dr. Karan L. Watson, provost and executive vice president:

I am pleased that Colonel Fossum will be bringing his vast experience in collaborative leadership and consensus-building to Texas A&M University Galveston Campus, reporting to the Provost & Executive Vice President. Please join me in welcoming Colonel Fossum to Texas A&M University.

posted 01-18-2017 02:19 PM               

The word is finally going out today! I am honored and humbled to announce my next mission: I will be running the Galveston campus of Texas A&M University and look forward to inspiring and equipping the next generation of leaders and explorers!

On March 1, my official title will be Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (VP & COO) of Texas A&M University-Galveston Campus (TAMUG) and Executive Professor.

I'm excited about going from one dream job to another serving the university I love.

Whoop!

posted 11-22-2019 04:48 PM               

Congratulations to Texas A&M Galveston COO Mike Fossum on being commissioned for service to the U.S. Maritime Service as Rear Admiral and Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy.

posted 11-25-2019 10:06 PM               

Col Michael Edward Fossum, USAFR, (Ret.)

• Chief Operating Officer, Texas A&M University at Galveston
  
• Vice President, Texas A&M University
  
• Superintendent, Texas A&M Maritime Academy

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy is one of six maritime academies in the United States. It is a prestigious, highly specialized maritime training and education program embedded within Texas A&M University at Galveston, which is a branch of Texas A&M University at College Station, Texas.

The mission of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy is to provide the maritime industries of the State of Texas and the United States with highly trained and professional U.S. Coast Guard licensed Merchant Officers (deck/engine) to serve on ocean-going and inland waterways vessels. To meet this mission, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy includes a Corps of Cadets. The purpose of the Corps of Cadets is: To develop leaders of character dedicated to serving the greater good.

Michael E. Fossum is the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of the Galveston campus of Texas A&M University, a special purpose institution fulfilling Texas A&M's sea-grant mission. 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. He has logged over 2,000 hours in 35 different aircraft throughout the course of his career. Fossum was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in 1980 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and Master of Science degrees in Systems Engineering and Physical Science from the Air Force Institute of Technology and the University of Houston - Clear Lake, respectively.

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 six grandchildren. He enjoys family activities, motorcycle riding and backpacking. Fossum also serves as Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop.