Board Approves Construction Projects, In-Space Research Initiative
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 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 $239 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.
The research platform would be dedicated to activities such as in-space research, testing, advanced materials manufacturing, robotics testing, space surveillance and tracking methodologies. Researchers from the Texas A&M University System will have exclusive priority rights to send samples and experiments to be installed on the research platform.
Aegis is a commercial space and lunar exploration company headquartered in Houston. It will build, own and operate the research platform, and will partner with Texas A&M for the development, assembly and operation of the platform.
“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.”
Dr. Robert H. Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering, agreed.
“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.”
The Board also voted to approve more than $239 million in construction across the state:
A $28.3 million Player Development Center at Blue Bell Park for Texas A&M University. This facility will enhance player amenities for the baseball program, supporting recruitment efforts and improving the overall experience for student-athletes. Pre-construction services are set to commence in FY 2025.
$80 million for Student Housing Phase III and Dining Project at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. This project will add 300 new student beds and a dining facility, increasing on-campus housing capacity and providing improved meal options to keep up with explosive student enrollment at this rapidly growing south San Antonio campus.
$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.
$40.6 million Teaching & Academic Student Support Services Facility at Prairie View A&M University. This new facility will centralize academic support services, enhancing student access to resources such as tutoring and career services. The project is designed to support student engagement and success, with construction starting in February 2025.
$63.4 million Event Center/Arena Project at East Texas A&M University. This modern multi-use arena will serve as a venue for intercollegiate sports and community events, increasing campus visibility and engagement. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 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.
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.
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $7.3 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS, the Texas A&M System educates more than 157,000 students and makes more than 21 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceed $1.5 billion and help drive the state’s economy.
Contact: Laylan Copelin
Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications
(979) 458-6425
(512) 289-2782 cell
lcopelin@tamus.edu