Administrator Sean O’Keefe today announced Dr. Adena Williams Loston, President of San Jacinto College South in Houston, as the
Senior Advisor for Education at NASA Headquarters in Washington,
effective next month.
Loston has been with San Jacinto College District for five years,
serving as President of San Jacinto College South. She will be
responsible for guiding NASA’s efforts to organize and enhance
its education program.
“We have a responsibility to enlighten and inspire a new
generation of scientists, engineers and technologists,”
Administrator O’Keefe said in making the announcement. “Adena is
uniquely qualified to advise us on this important endeavor. 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. We are delighted she has accepted
the call to public service.”
An important NASA mission objective is to inspire the next
generation of explorers. While national demand for professionals
trained in mathematics, science and technology fields is
increasing, enrollment in higher education 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.
