Thomas Akers has logged more than 800 hours of space flight and 29 hours of space-walking experience.
Thomas Akers has logged more than 800 hours of space flight and 29 hours of space-walking experience. Photo courtesy of NASA.

Col. Thomas Akers, Math’73, MS Math’75, has logged more than 800 hours of space flight and 29 hours of space-walking experience. He was selected for NASA’s astronaut program after joining the Air Force and was a mission specialist on four space flights – including on the Discovery, Endeavour and Atlantis. Following his career in the Air Force, Akers returned to his alma mater and taught math at S&T for 11 years before retiring in 2010.

Akers earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, both in mathematics, from S&T in 1973 and 1975, respectively. 

Share This Story

Spark a Memory?

Share your story! Fill out the form below to share your fondest memory or anecdote of S&T. If you'd prefer not typing, you can also share by phone at 833-646-3715 (833-Miner150).

Janet Kavandi on faculty support

Janet Kavandi on faculty support

Janet Kavandi, who earned a master’s degree in chemistry in 1982, discusses the importance of...

Raíssa Sousa and Welenton Webler

Raíssa Sousa and Welenton Webler

Raíssa Sousa and Welenton Webler were both exchange students from Brazil when they met in August 2015. “We didn’t know…

Gregory McClain: education’s key to success

Gregory McClain: education’s key to success

Gregory McClain, who graduated in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering management and...

Jack Carney on the 2008 name change

Jack Carney on the 2008 name change

John F. “Jack” Carney, who served as chancellor at S&T between 2005 and 2011, explains his reasons for...

The sun’s on their side

The sun’s on their side

In 1999, the Missouri S&T Solar Car Team took first place in Sunrayce, now known as the American Solar Challenge….

Samantha (Somers) and Scott Holcomb

Samantha (Somers) and Scott Holcomb

Samantha (Somers) and Scott Holcomb first met as they were trying to catch the last bus back to campus after…