Angela Wilson will lead Texas A&M’s research efforts as the university seeks to expand interdisciplinary work and attract major external funding.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M on Wednesday named research leader and distinguished scholar Dr. Angela Wilson as its new vice president for research. She will assume the role April 1, 2026.
In her new position, Wilson will oversee Texas A&M’s research efforts as the university seeks to expand interdisciplinary work, attract external funding and strengthen its national presence.
Wilson joins Texas A&M from Michigan State University, where she serves as a John A. Hannah Distinguished University Professor and a University Distinguished Professor, two of the university’s highest academic honors.
Texas A&M Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Alan Sams said Wilson will be a “tremendous asset” to students, staff and the broader community.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Wilson to Texas A&M,” Sams said. “Her deep experience in federal research leadership, her proven ability to build and advance major interdisciplinary initiatives, and her commitment to supporting faculty and research teams will strengthen our capacity to address society’s most complex challenges.”
Wilson, a trained chemist, has led large scientific programs at national agencies and institutions.
As director of the Division of Chemistry at the U.S. National Science Foundation, she oversaw approximately $1 billion in research investments during her tenure and more than 5,000 awards supporting scientific discovery nationwide. She also contributed to the “Data-Driven Discovery” initiative, which later became one of the NSF’s 10 Big Ideas.
“Dr. Wilson is an outstanding hire for Texas A&M and for the state of Texas,” Interim President Tommy Williams ’78 said. “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 brings the experience needed to ensure research efforts deliver value for Texans, the nation and the world.
Wilson has also served as president of the American Chemical Society and as treasurer and a board member of the American Physical Society.
“I am honored and excited to join Texas A&M University,” Wilson said. “As a land-, sea- and space-grant institution, Texas A&M plays a vital role in shaping the future of research, education and innovation in service to the state, nation and world.”
She said she looks forward to working with faculty, students and research partners to expand discovery, strengthen collaborations and elevate the visibility of Aggie research.
Wilson previously held leadership roles, including associate vice provost for faculty and director of the Office of Faculty Success at the University of North Texas, and associate dean for strategic initiatives at MSU. In these positions, she oversaw research administration and compliance, as well as advanced interdisciplinary partnerships with government, industry and philanthropic organizations.