NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale on Friday named John M. Hairston, Jr., as acting assistant administrator for the agency’s education office. Hairston is the director of the external programs directorate at the agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.
Hairston succeeds Angela Phillips Diaz, who recently became the new director of Strategic Communications and Development for the Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
“I want to thank Angela for her hard work and leadership, I am confident with the program we have in place,” said Deputy Administrator Shana Dale. “John’s extensive educational background and NASA experience will ensure our agency’s success with inspiring the next generation of explorers.”
Hairston will be responsible for the development and implementation of NASA’s educational outreach and informational programs that strengthen public awareness and contribute to the agency’s scientific goals and missions.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Bluefield State College, Bluefield, W. Va., and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Cleveland State University, Cleveland. His studies also include completion of courses at John F. Kennedy’s School of Public Policy, Cambridge, Mass.
Prior to joining NASA in 1991, Hairston spent 27 years with the Cleveland City School System. He held a series of positions including English teacher, special project center director, assistant education program manager, staff development director and chief of community relations.
Hairston has received numerous awards including the Presidential Rank Award; a Key to the City of Cleveland; NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal; and NASA’s Medal for Outstanding Leadership. He was appointed to the Martin Luther King Ohio State Commission by then Governor George Voinovich and was presented a Congressional Record Commendation from Congressman Louis Stokes.
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