Message from Michael E. Fossum

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Residence Hall Construction Update - October 18

October 18, 2024

Good afternoon,

Thank you to everyone who attended last week's Texas A&M Maritime Academy Residence Hall (TAMMAH) Construction project briefing. Since we met, I have received and reviewed the contractor’s final report and have a few additional details to share.

Based on the report, we will execute this project in three phases. While weather may affect our timeline, we expect to extend into the spring semester and beyond. We will keep you updated on the project's progress until it is completed.  

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Residence Hall Construction Update & Information

September 25, 2024

Good morning,

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we continue to assess and address water intrusion issues in the Texas A&M Maritime Academy Residence Hall. I know this situation has been disruptive and frustrating. Our faculty and staff are fully vested in supporting you and helping you succeed here on the Galveston Campus. You will continue to receive additional information detailing resources and options to minimize the disruptions you’re experiencing.

Galveston Campus Quick-Look Assessment Report

December 11, 2023

Dear Sea Aggie Family,

Texas A&M University has navigated a multitude of difficult conversations and changes over the last year. We have consistently received messages in support of the Galveston Campus’ initiatives, concerns, needs, etc. from Interim President Mark A. Welsh III since his appointment this summer. He is strongly in support of identifying a variety of avenues to place our campus in the spotlight as leaders in the development of the blue economy in the Gulf Coast through education, innovation, discovery, scholarship, and service.

Organizational Review: Update

August 17, 2023

Good morning.

Thank you for the tremendous efforts you have been making in so many different areas to support the students arriving on our campus in just a few short weeks at the same time we have all been impacted by administrative changes and issues over the summer which have rocked our institution. We all have many questions and not enough answers. I hope you could watch Interim President Welsh’s forum on Tuesday which addressed several concerns we have all expressed. If not, the recording is available here. Since being appointed as interim president, he has continuously expressed support for the Galveston Campus in making decisions that best position the University to continue meeting our primary mission of education and discovery.

Next Steps: Galveston Campus Organizational Review

May 22, 2023

Good morning.

President Banks announced accepted recommendations from our organizational review last week that will bring transformative change to the Galveston Campus and position us as international leaders in marine and maritime education and training. Thank you for your many contributions to helping formulate a vision that maximizes our strengths and capitalizes on our growth capabilities. I’d especially like to thank Dr. Deborah Thomas for her leadership in refining our feedback to the leadership team in College Station. Her efforts have resulted in a greater understanding of the uniqueness of the Galveston Campus and Texas A&M Maritime Academy.

Feedback Requested: Galveston Campus:
Organizational Review

January 24, 2023

Dear Campus Community:

This morning, President M. Katherine Banks released a report summarizing the organizational review completed by consultants, which outlines findings and proposed recommendations for Texas A&M University at Galveston. The report aims to identify opportunities to connect the College Station and Galveston campuses, capitalize on unique education experiences, support training and industry needs, and align operational functions for effectiveness.

Welcome Back, Spring 2023

January 20, 2023

Howdy!

Welcome back to our returning Aggies, faculty and staff; and welcome aboard to our 78 new students, including 12 graduate students and 12 maritime academy cadets! I know you have all worked hard during this first week of classes, and I look forward to seeing you around campus this semester.  

Passing of Captain Sean McNeice

November 9, 2022

With a heavy heart, we share the unexpected news that Captain Sean McNeice, Master of the Training Ship for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy and former associate professor of practice for the Department of Maritime Transportation, passed away on November 8, 2022.

Welcome Back

August 30, 2021

Aggies by the Sea,

Howdy! Welcome back to Texas A&M University at Galveston!  

I’d like to express a heartfelt welcome home to our returning faculty, staff, and students. And to the incoming Class of 2025, welcome aboard! After a long summer, I am excited to see the Galveston Campus returning to life with students filling the residence halls and study spaces, classes back in session (in person!), vessels in the water ready for research trips, and lines forming in the coffee shops. 

United with our Asian American Community

March 18, 2021

Aggies by the Sea,

I am horrified and saddened by yet another act of hate against the Asian American community in Atlanta yesterday that resulted in the shooting deaths of eight people, including six Asian American women. Every incident that targets race creates waves that ripple through our own community no matter where the incident occurred. We here at Texas A&M University at Galveston have no tolerance for discrimination and racial division. We are ALL Aggies, united in our shared traditions and experiences, and in our intolerance of intolerance.

United in Grief

January, 29, 2021

Dear Aggies,

It has been a terrible 24 hours as we have begun to accept the deaths of two of our students, Wesley Mallernee ’23 and Brandon Perlowski ’21. We have weathered many storms, Sea Aggies, but none so crushing as the loss of those taken too early.

Fall 2020 Welcome Back

August 18, 2020

Howdy! Welcome back to Texas A&M University at Galveston!  

I’d like to express a heartfelt welcome home to our returning faculty, staff, and students. And to the incoming Class of 2024, welcome aboard! The Galveston Campus is returning to life with students filling the dorms and study spaces, classes will soon be in session, vessels in the water, and physically-distanced lines forming in the coffee shops. We are excited to begin the 2020/2021 academic year after many months of uncertainty.

Moving Forward and Fall 2020 Decisions

June 18, 2020

After much consultation and input from the campus community, President Young and Provost Fierke have provided initial decisions regarding the fall 2020 semester, which will feel much different than previous semesters, and not be without challenges. However, I am confident that, with the dedicated support of the Texas A&M University at Galveston community, we will be successful if everyone follows the foundational plan developed and safety measures being implemented.

We Stand Together

June 3, 2020

Dear Campus Community,

I share your outrage and horror at the tragic death of George Floyd last week while in Minneapolis Police custody. His death highlights those individuals – far, far too many individuals – who have needlessly lost their lives due to the blatant systemic and societal racism that exists in America.

Regarding COVID-19

March 14, 2020

Dear Galveston Campus Community: 

We are experienced in dealing with disruptions from disastrous weather events but are in uncharted territory dealing with the threat posed by the coronavirus, or COVID-19, which is impacting much of our planet and disrupting everyday life. I thank you for your patience while we have been working with Texas A&M University, The Texas A&M University System, and local and state health officials to provide you with answers