PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (February 14, 2025) — In January, Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Innovation at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), has been reelected to the board of directors for the Texas Space Grant Consortium.
Dr. Rajan joins seven other Executive Committee members elected statewide from participating universities across the United States. His term as a member of the 2025 class spans two years. In this role, he will contribute to developing and evaluating the Consortium’s agenda, activities, and programs, and will serve on various special committees and task forces, offering input on potential APLU policy decisions.
“It is both a privilege and a profound honor to serve on the board of directors for the Texas Space Grant Consortium. I am deeply grateful to the higher education leaders across the nation who have placed their trust in me to help guide this vital organization. This opportunity to advocate for innovation, foster collaboration, and champion the mission of advancing space-related research and education is both humbling and inspiring. I look forward to continuing to make meaningful contributions that align with the Consortium’s vision and drive progress for our nation, said Dr. Rajan.”
The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program encompasses 52 state-based, university-led Space Grant Consortia across the United States, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Each consortium annually receives funding to support student fellowships, scholarships, interdisciplinary research, educational programs, and collaborative initiatives with industry and government bodies, aligning with NASA’s Mission Directorates and state interests.
Dr. Rajan brings extensive experience in academic leadership and administration in higher education, including overseeing research advancement, sponsored programs, compliance, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He has spearheaded notable programs such as RITI, RISE & RAPID, and Panther-Invent, aimed at enhancing faculty and student engagement.
With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience founding and leading technology-based startups, Dr. Rajan has also managed federally funded interdisciplinary programs in collaboration with agencies like DOD, DARPA, NSF, and NASA. He has championed student success and faculty development on discovery, experiential learning, innovation and economic development.
Dr. Rajan holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MS from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and an MBA in Strategic Management from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. He has completed leadership programs at Harvard University and is a licensed professional engineer in Texas, as well as holding certifications in higher education leadership and Six Sigma.
Dr. Rajan provides leadership for several national and statewide boards. He was appointed by the Texas Governor to the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Board, The Technology Collaboration Center (TCC) Board, American Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU) Council on Research, Center of Excellence for Advanced Multidisciplinary Projects Board, etc. Recognized with multiple awards and accolades for research excellence, Dr. Rajan’s strategic vision and leadership have driven substantial growth in faculty research and national program rankings. His expertise and achievements make him a valuable asset to the Texas Space Grant Consortium.
By Joe McGinty