Keynote Sponsor
E3
Michael E. Fossum
Michael E. Fossum | Vice President of Texas A&M University, COO of Galveston Campus, Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, former NASA Astronaut.
Keynote
In this engaging and dynamic keynote, former astronaut Colonel Michael Fossum shares firsthand stories from spaceflight, engineering, and mission operations to illustrate the principles that enable success in the most complex and demanding environments imaginable.
From designing systems for the International Space Station to conducting spacewalks and managing unexpected challenges in orbit, Col. Fossum draws compelling parallels between space missions and the work of higher education facilities leaders. Both depend on careful planning, technical expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration, accountability, and the ability to adapt when conditions change.
Universities face increasing pressure to deliver facilities that support student success, research excellence, sustainability goals, and long-term operational efficiency—all while managing limited resources and diverse stakeholder expectations. Like spaceflight, these projects succeed when teams communicate openly, make informed decisions, anticipate risks, and remain focused on the mission.
Through Col. Fossum’s vivid stories and practical examples, attendees will gain fresh perspectives on leadership, teamwork, project delivery, resilience, and stewardship. Participants will leave inspired and equipped with strategies to strengthen collaboration across planning, design, construction, operations, and administration while advancing their institution’s mission.
Learning Objectives:
- Apply leadership principles that foster collaboration and trust among planners, designers, construction professionals, campus stakeholders, and institutional leadership.
- Strengthen accountability and communication practices that improve project outcomes and organizational performance.
- Utilize strategies for planning and managing complex projects in uncertain environments while maintaining focus on mission-critical objectives.
- Build resilient teams and organizations capable of adapting to changing conditions, unexpected challenges, and evolving campus needs.