What does leadership look like from space? A NASA astronaut is landing at New Mexico State University (NMSU) to share his perspective with the community.
In August 2009, Jose M. Hernandez flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery as a flight engineer, turning a once-distant dream into reality. The NASA astronaut and engineer is coming to Las Cruces as the April speaker for the 1888 Leadership Series. The free event will run from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at the Corbett Center Student Union auditorium. It is open to NMSU and the Las Cruces community.
Hernandez’s Journey
He participated in the TRIO Upward Bound program and became a first-generation college student. Hernandez earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of the Pacific and master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
He spent a decade at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California. There, he helped develop the first full-field digital mammography imaging system. In 2001, he joined Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
“I’m honored to visit New Mexico State University and share my journey with the Aggie community. My hope is that students walk away inspired to dream big, work hard and realize that no matter where you start, with perseverance and purpose, you can reach your own stars,” Hernandez said.
In 2023, Amazon’s Prime Video released “A Million Miles Away,” a film depicting Hernandez’s path from farmworker to engineer and astronaut. The movie is based on his autobiography, “Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut.”
After retiring from NASA, Hernandez founded Tierra Luna Engineering, a consulting firm dedicated to providing an innovative approach on aerospace, advanced technologies, and education outreach. He also established Tierra Luna Cellars, a winery in Northern California.
Now, he is set to inspire students and the Las Cruces community through the 1888 Leadership Series.
Inside the 1888 Leadership Series
The 1888 Leadership Series invites local, state, regional, and national leaders to campus for workshops through the 1888 Leadership Initiative. One of NMSU President Valerio Ferme’s priorities, the program serves as one of the foundations of student success at NMSU. Initiative graduates take on leadership roles and make a positive impact on campus life.
“The 1888 Leadership Initiative team is honored to welcome Jose Hernandez to New Mexico State University and the Las Cruces community. We look forward to his presentation and invite our Aggies and Las Cruces community members to join us for this event,” Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Tony Marin said.
The 1888 Leadership Series welcomes all NMSU students. Monthly activities help students connect to student groups, academic leadership programs, and service opportunities. These experiences allow students to build a résumé of experience for future success.