[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF DR. MICHELLE ATCHISON, PH.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 20, 2026

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
remarkable career of Dr. Michelle Atchison, Ph.D., as she retires from 
the University of Texas at San Antonio as the Director of Federal 
Relations and the Senior National Security Strategist. Dr. Atchison 
dedicated her career to selflessly serving our Nation, ensuring our 
armed forces remained at the forefront of innovation. Her commitment to 
service also extended to the San Antonio community, and I, along with 
the city's students are grateful for her contributions.
  Raised in a military family, Dr. Atchison learned the importance of 
service from an early age. Upon her graduation from the University of 
California at Los Angeles, she joined the United States Air Force--
launching a 27-year career, where she would rise to the rank of 
Colonel. Throughout Dr. Atchison's career, she continued her studies, 
earning a master's degree from the Catholic University of America and a 
Ph.D. from George Washington University.
  Throughout Colonel Atchison's Air Force career, she held senior 
military command and senior staff positions, including serving as Chief 
of the Science and Technology Division, USJFCOM Experimentation; Chief 
Scientist for Air Force Experimentation Office; and Senior Advisor for 
the Air Force Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and 
Reconnaissance Center. Colonel Atchison's leadership was instrumental 
in advancing projects that enhanced the operations of USCENTCOM and our 
NATO allies. Outside of her scientific roles, she also served as a 
Congressional Affairs and International Political Officer, where she 
led the restructuring of the Civil Air Patrol and the Air Force 
education processes.
  Following her career in the Air Force, Dr. Atchison spent 10 years in 
the private sector, where she led strategic partnership development for 
advanced technology laboratories. In 2013, Dr. Atchison joined the 
University of Texas System as their Associate Vice Chancellor for 
Federal Relations for National Security.
  In 2021, Dr. Atchison joined the University of Texas at San Antonio. 
For the last five years, Dr. Atchison has been a remarkable advocate 
for the university. She has been a force in the university's emergence 
as a leading institution of higher learning. There is no doubt that 
current and future students will benefit greatly from her work.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable career of 
Dr. Michelle Atchison, Ph.D. Her leadership and selflessness to serving 
our Nation will be long remembered. May future generations of leaders 
look to her as a powerful example of bravery and dedication in service 
to those around them.

                          ____________________