Board Approves Construction Projects, In-Space Research Initiative
Texas A&M University is targeting a long-term commitment to in-space research on the International Space Station under a proposal approved today by the Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents.
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, TX — Texas A&M University is targeting a long-term commitment to in-space research on the International Space Station under a proposal approved today by the Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents.
The South Texas Workforce Development Project at the Port of Brownsville, a new Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service facility.
The Board authorized President Mark A. Welsh III to negotiate a contract with AEGIS Aerospace, which would allow Aggie engineering students to conduct in-space experiments.
In other action, the Regents approved more than $141 million in construction projects across the state and named a chief auditor for the A&M System.
“The Texas A&M System is making major investments into the future of Texas today,” said Chancellor John Sharp. “All of these projects align with our commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences and responding to the needs of Texas residents.”
The AEGIS agreement would create the Texas A&M/ AEGIS Aerospace Multi-Use Space Platform Integrating Research & Innovative Technology facility, or TAMU-SPIRIT.
Dr. Robert H. Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering, agreed.
The Teaching & Academic Student Support Services Facility at Prairie View A&M University.
“As a space-grant university, Texas A&M has led the way in space research and exploration for decades,” said General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University. “Now, thanks to our partnership with Aegis Aerospace and support from Chancellor Sharp and The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, the TAMU-SPIRIT Flight Facility will pave the way for Aggie researchers to push the boundaries of space innovation. Our research is already out of this world; it’s fitting that we’re making it official.”
“The TAMU-SPIRIT facility will allow Texas A&M researchers and students to make a lasting impact across disciplines,” Bishop said. “With a presence on the ISS, Texas A&M will continue to be a leader in space research.”
$27 million for the South Texas Workforce Development Project at the Port of Brownsville. This new Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service facility will focus on advanced manufacturing training to prepare the local workforce for in-demand jobs, supporting economic growth across the Rio Grande Valley. Construction is set to begin in April 2025.
Finally, the Board promoted Amanda Dotson, currently director for the System Internal Audit Department, to Chief Auditor. She replaces Charlie Hrncir who retired last month.
An internal look of the Event Center/Arena Project at East Texas A&M University.
Dotson has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M – Texarkana.
Prior to joining the System Internal Audit Department as a director in October of 2015, Amanda previously worked for Texas A&M Transportation Institute for three years as Assistant CFO and Senior Manager of Financial Reporting; the Texas A&M System Office of Budgets and Accounting for two years as a Senior Manager of Financial Reporting; and the Texas A&M System Internal Audit Department for eight years as an Audit Manager.
Amanda is a C.P.A., C.I.A., and a graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program.
