Col. Fossum’s Duties Expand At Texas A&M-Galveston

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Col. Michael E. Fossum ’80 to Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University at Galveston in addition to his current leadership duties as Chief Operating Officer of that campus and Vice President of Texas A&M University.

Following a review of administrative structure and responsibilities, this appointment will further enhance strategic alignment, including enhanced resource management, collaborative learning and student success.

While continuing his present duties as COO and Vice President, Col. Fossum will provide direct oversight for the Maritime Academy and its educational training, licensure, and commissioned officer programs.  His appointment is effective immediately. Fossum replaces former superintendent Rear Admiral Michael Rodriguez, who stepped down earlier this year.

Col. Fossum’s appointment will be formally reviewed and is expected to be approved by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) in coming days.

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy is one of six maritime academies in the United States, authorized by MARAD, providing  education and training to more than 425 cadets for Maritime License Option programs, Naval Reserve Officer Training, and Strategic Sealife Midshipman program. Through the Maritime Academy Graduate Direct Commission Officer program, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy provides cadets entry to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Col. Fossum joined Texas A&M following his retirement from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – Johnson Space Center in 2017. He 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 more than 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.