CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Jan 13, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Former NASA Astronaut, Jim "JR" Reilly, PhD, has joined American
Public University System (APUS) as Dean of the School of Science and
Technology. APUS is an online university system that serves more than
50,000 working adults worldwide. Dr. Reilly will manage seven program
areas in the School, including Math, Space Studies, Environmental
Science and the development of future programs.
Dr. Reilly will enhance the capability and practice of offering labs at
a distance and further build the faculty in the School of Science and
Technology to support the student growth in those programs. He will also
lead the Space Studies program.
Prior to joining APUS, Dr. Reilly enjoyed a long career at NASA, where
he logged 850 hours in space with 5 spacewalks on three Space Shuttle
missions. Before his NASA experience, he spent 17 years in the petroleum
sector as a manager and exploration geologist in Dallas, Texas. Dr.
Reilly also serves as the curriculum developer and instructor for the US
Navy in Space Operations working via the Advanced Space Operations
School operated by the Air Force.
"We are extremely pleased that JR has joined the faculty at APUS," said
Karan Powell, PhD, Academic Dean and Senior Vice President at APUS. "His
first-hand knowledge of aerospace and extensive research in geosciences
will greatly enhance student experience at APUS. We look forward to his
continued contributions to our growing university system."
Dr. Reilly is a speaker and instructor for team and leadership training
activities for companies and organizations throughout the world. His
clients have included General Mills, Small Planet Foods, US Marshals
Service, FBI, Subsea UK, BP, the CIO 100, and numerous universities and
professional groups. He has also been active in educational outreach
dedicated to delivering science and math literacy efforts to schools in
the US, UK and Australia.
Dr. Reilly received a BS, MS and PhD in Geosciences from the University
of Texas in Dallas. He received his PhD in 1995 for work on the
geological controls for the distribution of chemosynthetic organisms in
the deep water regions of the Gulf of Mexico.
About American Public University System
American Public University System includes American Public University
and American Military University and educates more than 50,000 adult
learners worldwide. APUS's relevant curriculum, affordability, and
flexibility help working adults pursue degrees in subjects ranging from
homeland security to management and liberal arts. A university book
grant supplies course reading materials at no cost to eligible
undergraduate students.
SOURCE: American Public University System
American Public University System
Beth LaGuardia, 703-396-6421
blaguardia@apus.edu