Administrator Sean O’Keefe announced Dr. Adena Williams
Loston, The Administrator’s Senior Advisor for Education, as
the Associate Administrator for Education at NASA
Headquarters in Washington, effective Oct. 28. She will be
responsible for guiding NASA’s efforts to organize and
enhance agency education programs.
Loston served as the Administrator’s Senior Education Advisor
since September 2002. Prior to her appointment, she was with
the San Jacinto, Texas College District serving as president
of San Jacinto College South in Houston for five years.
“We have a responsibility to enlighten and inspire a new
generation of scientists, engineers and technologists,”
Administrator O’Keefe said making the announcement. “Adena is
uniquely qualified to help lead this initiative. As an
administrator, teacher and a leader in education, her
expertise is needed here in Washington as we continue to
develop NASA’s unique educational programs.” An important
NASA mission objective is to inspire the next generation of
explorers. While national demand for professionals trained in
mathematics, science, engineering and technology fields is
increasing, student interest in these fields has declined.
While President of San Jacinto College South, Loston was
responsible for providing the leadership in establishing the
institutional vision, leading various change initiatives,
engaging the institution in strategic planning, and ensuring
institutional effectiveness.
She has received numerous awards during her career, including
the Distinguished Alumni Award in Higher Education from
Alcorn State University, Miss., the Shirley B. Gordan
International Presidential Award of Distinction, Phi Theta
Kappa Honor Society, and the Texas Association of Black
Personnel in Higher Education, Presidential Award.
Loston is a member of numerous professional associations. She
is a graduate of Alcorn State University and received her
Master of Education degree and doctorate in Educational
Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State
University in Ohio.
Additional information about NASA’s education program is
available on the Internet:
