Newswise — The first U.S. Native American astronaut and an alumnus of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs will lead the university's Center for Space Studies.
John B. Herrington, a member of the Chickasaw Nation who flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2002, will direct the Center for Space Studies, one of three centers within the National Institute of Science, Space and Security Studies at UCCS. The Center for Space Studies is responsible for developing future space professionals and takes a lead role in organizing a consortium of universities to offer courses to members of the military and civilians in the aerospace industry.
Herrington is currently vice president and director of flight operations for Oklahoma City-based Rocketplane " Kistler, Inc. He will retain his position with Rocketplane in addition to half-time duties with UCCS. He begins Dec. 4.
"We are honored to have a distinguished university alumnus and one of America's heroes join the university," Peg Bacon, interim vice chancellor, Academic Affairs, said. "With John Herrington's leadership, I believe we will build successful partnerships with the military, with industry, and with other universities, to educate the next generation of space professionals."
Herrington served as U.S. Naval aviator, instructor, and test pilot, achieving the rank of Captain. He joined NASA in 1996 where he served in numerous capacities supporting the space shuttle and space station programs. In Nov. 2002, he served as the flight engineer aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour to the International Space Station. He logged more than 330 hours in space, of which nearly 20 hours were spent performing spacewalks. He left NASA in 2005 to join Rocketplane where he is responsible for the development and flight test of the world's first hybrid space vehicle as well as mission operations for commercial cargo re-supply of the International Space Station.
He earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from UCCS in 1983 and a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif. He has maintained close ties to the university, inviting former instructors to the launch of the Space Shuttle and returning to campus to address students.
Herrington has served as a television commentator and is active in promoting science and math careers to youth. Visit http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/herringt.html for additional biographic data.
"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to return to UCCS in an active role to promote space studies," Herrington said. "UCCS was responsible for laying the groundwork for my career and I look forward to returning the favor to the next generation of students." UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 26 bachelor's degrees, 17 master's and three doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,600 students annually. For more information, visit http://www.uccs.edu
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