Texas A&M-Galveston CAO Dr. Patrick Louchouarn Named Regents Professor    

Dr. Patrick Louchouarn never stops going.

Whether briskly making his way across campus, pacing his office while working through a conference call in one of the three languages he speaks, or running around the island training for his latest upcoming triathlon, Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Executive Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer and Associate Provost for Texas A&M University seems to always be in motion.

That constant forward progress and energy, coupled with an innovative attitude supported by the faculty he leads and his love for academia has earned Louchouarn the prestigious Regents Professor Award.

Recognized for their exemplary commitment to excellence in research and service, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents selectively bestows the honor of Regents Professor upon those who have made extraordinary contributions to their university and to the people of Texas.

The athletic professor has been with the university since 2006 and in many fast-paced roles, especially leading environmental research and student mentoring within the areas of marine science and oceanography. But Louchouarn is a big believer in multidisciplinary studies, incorporating administrative responsibilities in his faculty duties in a smooth transition befitting his wide-ranging experience.

As a lifelong scientist with a vested interest in the effect humans have on freshwater and marine ecosystems, Texas A&M-Galveston knows Louchouarn has had a sizable impact on the staff, faculty and students of Aggieland by the Sea.

“Patrick has been my very active right hand for three years now and he is incredibly deserving of this award. He constantly pushes to elevate this campus from a faculty and research standpoint and I know he’ll only continue to drive us forward,” said Texas A&M-Galveston Chief Operating Officer and Texas A&M Maritime Academy Superintendent Col. Michael Fossum.

For Louchouarn, this award is an honor, one he shares with his Aggie by the Sea family, as well as his personal family.

“More than anything, I am touched and humbled by the continued support and opportunities that our institution has offered me through the years. I am most honored to share this award with faculty and employees who are dedicating their careers to make A&M a place of excellence. I am constantly inspired by the creativity of my faculty colleagues and student advisees. This award recognizes their work as much as mine,” he said. “On a personal level, I dedicate this recognition to my late father and brother who always modeled how curiosity and discovery lead to a rich world of wonder. I am happy to continue on the path they have opened.”

Before joining Texas A&M-Galveston, Louchouarn held a postdoctoral fellowship in the late 1990s at the University of Texas-Marine Science Institute working on dissolved organic matter in the Arctic. He first worked with Texas A&M University as an associate research scientist at the Texas Engineering Experimental Station through 2000, then joined Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi as an assistant professor of environmental science. In 2002, he joined Columbia University and co-directed a new graduate program in public administration at the school of international and public affairs. He was also appointed associate professor of aqueous geochemistry in Columbia University’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

To date, 268 Texas A&M system faculty members have been recognized with the Regents Professor Award.