Alumni Profile: Dan Garrison credits Henderson for a long, successful career at NASA

Dan Garrison

Q&A

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Dan Garrison. I graduated from Henderson State in 1985 with degrees in physics and computer science

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and St Louis, Missouri, I moved to Arkadelphia in 1970 in while in first grade. My dad was Dr. Martin B Garrison, president of Henderson from February 1980 through February 1986. So, I grew up in "Homeplace", the Henderson president's home which is now the chancellor's home. Growing up on the campus, I sometimes think that I attended Henderson for 16 years, which may be a record!

I attended Washington University in St. Louis and the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences after Henderson and received a master's in physics with an introduction to planetary science research on meteorites and the Apollo lunar samples. (That was a big jump from hauling hay.)

I began work at NASA's Johnson Space Center in May 1988 and was married to Shauna that June. I leveraged my new science connections for a job in Noble Gas Mass Spectrometry in planetary science as a NASA contractor for Lockheed Martin.

In the 1990s, I returned to school while working fulltime to earn a master's in business administration from the University of Houston, Clear Lake, in 1999.

I have held progressive management positions since that time and currently serve as the deputy director for Science and Exploration on the Jacobs/JETS contract (the NASA federal contract for science and engineering). I am also the chief scientist for Barrios Technology. The NASA organization I serve is known as the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate. Read more about it at ARES | Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (nasa.gov)

My wife, Shauna, and I have three grown and married children, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. We live in the Clear Lake community along Galveston Bay outside of Houston and next to NASA Johnson Space Center.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

I worked hard at Henderson and met the major requirements in physics, computer science, and math. Because of this, I was able to pursue a long career at NASA in the space sciences and supported several manned and unmanned space missons. I could only do these things thanks to the support of Henderson teachers like Dr. Charles Leming, Dr. Don Avery, Dr William Durand, Clarence Durand, and many more.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

My favorite part of Henderson included the rich opportunities to explore lots of ideas, to have open access to good facilities, and the small class sizes with dedicated professors who took the time to work with the students. That combination of both high-quality staff and the smaller education community is a huge advantage, and it is still a strong attribute of Henderson today. Take advantage of it!

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

My career is clearly a product of my Henderson years, the staff who invested in me, and the opportunity to learn how to learn, to ask a lot of questions, and to work more than I thought I could. These Reddie traits have stayed with me for over 40 years.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your college years?

Academically and workwise, I don't think I would change much. I was not much of a social student, and I missed out on a lot of campus life. I should have worked a bit less and played a little more! It's ok to enjoy college too (don't be like me).

What motivates you to stay connected with your alma mater?

Growing up on the campus makes it hard to forget or leave Henderson. I will always be a Reddie.

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

The most memorable were my math, computer science, and science courses. However, my economics classes with Mr Shipley, and German with Mrs. Leming, were also very enjoyable and taught me different things about life and how to be.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

Work harder than you think you can, be where you need to be, finish your work, and find the thing you are good at. Henderson will provide you with the basic education and skills you need to succeed in many, many fields, but only if you apply yourself and learn to enjoy learning. And get along with people -- it just makes life better.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Henderson experience?

I challenge all alumni to find another new Reddie. If we mobilize the tens of thousands of Reddies out there, then Henderson will be a strong agent to make Southwest Arkansas successful for another century.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Flying is hard to beat… and you too can fly if you join the Henderson aviation program.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

I like to make things and this usually includes woodworking or home renovations.

What is the most interesting place you've ever visited and why?

I also like to travel and have fortunately seen a number of places around the world. I was a summer exchange student in Finland when I was 16, and that really changed my worldview. Travels to Indonesia, the Philippines, Brazil, and Europe are all highlights. In the US, I hike and ski in the Colorado Rocky Mountains at every opportunity.

If you could choose any historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be, and why?

That's a tough one… how about John F Kennedy while he was deciding to challenge the country to go to the Moon? What an amazing, crazy idea to put out there.

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

If you know me, then I'm listening to U2, Eric Clapton, Tedeschi Trucks or some type of blues rock. I also appreciate many styles of music as well from jazz to classical to (I'm going to say it…) Taylor Swift.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life or career?

At one point when I did not know what I would do, a successful businessman in St. Louis fussed at me and said, "those scientists and engineers are going to work for you someday…" I thought he was crazy… then.

Do you have any hidden talents or skills that might surprise people?

I love live audio mixing (and acoustics) and have been a sound-guy for 40 years.

What alternative career path could you see yourself pursuing?

I would like to have been more creative and could easily have been a builder, an architect, or a designer of something.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

Being practical… probably food, water, and shelter… but that's not much fun. So, 1) a friend, 2) a big Swiss-Army knife, and 3) a lot of wood.

Who inspires you?

Kids who overcome something really tough in life and wind up being stronger, smarter, more caring, and even more capable than they would have been otherwise. Those are some real heroes!

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