Texas A&M University has appointed Angela K. Wilson as vice president for research, placing an experienced scientific leader in charge of one of the largest university research enterprises in the United States.
Wilson officially began the role on April 1, joining from Michigan State University, where she held the titles of John A. Hannah Distinguished University Professor and University Distinguished Professor.
The appointment comes as Texas A&M continues to expand its research profile. According to the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey, the university reported $1.39 billion in research and development expenditures for fiscal year 2024. That ranked Texas A&M 13th among U.S. public universities and 22nd overall.
Texas A&M first surpassed $1 billion in annual research expenditures in fiscal year 2020 and remains one of the largest recipients of public university research funding in Texas.
Wilson said she sees strong potential for future growth across the university’s research ecosystem.
“Texas A&M is uniquely positioned to lead in the next era of research — where scale, talent and mission converge,” she said. “I am excited to build on this strong foundation and help expand the university’s research enterprise in ways that elevate its national and global impact.”
A chemist by training, Wilson previously served as director of the Division of Chemistry at the National Science Foundation, where she oversaw approximately $1 billion in research investments and more than 5,000 awards during her tenure. She also contributed to the foundation’s Data-Driven Discovery initiative.
Wilson has additionally served as president of the American Chemical Society, one of the world’s largest scientific organizations, and currently serves as treasurer and board member of the American Physical Society.
Her higher education leadership experience includes roles at University of North Texas and Michigan State, where she focused on faculty development, research administration and interdisciplinary partnerships.
Tommy Williams, interim president of Texas A&M University, said Wilson’s appointment comes at a critical time for the university’s continued momentum.
“As our university continues to build momentum, we need a strong leader to steward our $1.4 billion research enterprise with clear vision, accountability and a commitment to outcomes that matter,” Williams said.
Wilson will now lead efforts to expand external funding, strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration and increase Texas A&M’s impact in areas including medicine, energy, agriculture and advanced technology.
