Col. (Ret.) Mike Fossum, USAF

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 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 eight
grandchildren. He enjoys family and outdoor activities. Fossum has been a lifelong supporter and
volunteer in the Scouting program.