U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Perry to Lead Local Space Operations Discussion and Q&A

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Columbia Southern University’s College of Space, Intelligence, and Military Operations will host a presentation and Q&A on the future of space operations in higher education. The event will also focus on the potential economic impact of the space operations industry on the Gulf Coast.   

The discussion will be led by U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Perry, dean and assistant provost of the College of Space, Intelligence, and Military Operations. Faculty members and university administration will also be in attendance.

• What: Space Operations Spotlight: Mission Ready, Future Focused
• When: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
• Where: Columbia Southern University | Joseph A. Manjone Center for Continuing Education | 21982 University Lane | Orange Beach, Alabama, 36561

“With the U.S. Space Command headquarters scheduled to move to Huntsville, Alabama is on the ground floor for developing the future of space operations,” said Dr. Perry. “Our community has a tremendous opportunity to create economic growth through innovation in the space operations industry.”

In July 2025, the university launched a concentration in space operations to coincide with its Bachelor of Science in military studies and Bachelor of Science in strategic leadership.    

If you are interested in attending, please email CSU-Communications@ColumbiaSouthern.edu by 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.