Captain Will Fitzgerald was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1985 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. In February 1987 he completed flight school on the Commodore’s List with Distinction and was designated a Naval Aviator.
Captain Fitzgerald's squadron commands include the Red Lancers of Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) at NAS Brunswick, Maine (1987-1991), the P-3 FRS, Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) in Jacksonville, Florida (1991-1994), and the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron FOUR SEVEN (VP-47) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii (1997-1998). In March of 2002, Captain Fitzgerald reported to the Pelicans of Patrol Squadron FORTY-FIVE (VP-45) in Jacksonville, Florida as Executive Officer. In April 2003, he assumed duties as Commanding Officer of VP-45, where he led his squadron to a highly successful Mediterranean deployment. His squadron won the 2003 Safety Award and Golden Wrench Award for maintenance excellence.
Other sea duty assignments include the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer (1994-1996) where he earned designation as Officer of the Deck (In-Port), Helicopter Control Officer, and Conning Officer Alongside; and on the staff of the Commander, Naval Forces Europe and Commander, Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy where he served first as the Air Operations Officer and Deputy for Transformation, and then as the Deputy Director, Operational Net Assessment (ONA) and Assistant Deputy Director for Assessments (N9) (2005-2008).
Captain Fitzgerald's shore duty assignments include the staff of the Commander, Atlantic Fleet where he served as the Deputy Director for Plans and Policy for the North Atlantic, Western and Central Europe (1996); and on the OPNAV staff at the Pentagon as the Deputy Executive Assistant to the Director, Air Warfare (N88) (1998-2000).
His post graduate education is from the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces (2000-2001) where he received a Masters of Science degree in National Resource Strategy, and Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government (2004-2005) as the Navy's Arthur S. Moreau program selectee where he received a Masters in Public Administration. Additionally, he attended the Department of Defense National Security Studies Program, Senior Manager’s Course at the George Washington University, Elliot School of International Affairs (2007), and the Navy Corporate Business Course at the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia (2008).
In May 2008 Captain Fitzgerald assumed command of Naval Air Station Brunswick, ME as the base's 36th and final Commanding Officer, where he executed the shutdown of the base due to BRAC 05 in May 2011.
Captain Fitzgerald is authorized to wear the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), as well as various service and unit awards.
Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy
Executive Officer
NROTC Houston Consortium
LCDR Eric Kessler was born in Bryan, TX. After graduating from Livingston High School in 1991, LCDR Kessler enlisted in the United States Navy and reported to Recruit Training in February 1992.
As an enlisted sailor, LCDR Kessler graduated boot camp in April 1992 and was assigned to Submarine School New London for initial training as an Undesignated Seaman. Upon completion of Sub School, LCDR Kessler was assigned to USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736 B), Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay becoming a Storekeeper. In November 1996, LCDR Kessler transferred to Submarine Group Ten becoming the Flag Storekeeper. During this tour he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP) and departed in August 1998 for Texas A&M University.
LCDR Kessler graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2000 with a BBA in Management. As a newly commissioned officer, LCDR Kessler was assigned as Damage Control Assistant aboard USS TAYLOR (FFG 50). During his tour, LCDR Kessler concurrently held roles as Navigator and Admin Officer. LCDR Kessler transferred to Naval Personnel Command (NPC), Millington, in August 2004 assuming the billet of Junior Officer Detailer (PERS-412). Upon detaching from NPC Millington, LCDR Kessler proceeded to Naval Postgraduate School where he acquired a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs and obtained Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I. After NPS, he completed Surface Warfare Department Head School in Newport, RI. Upon completion of Department Head School, LCDR Kessler was stationed at the Houston NROTC Consortium as a Naval Science Instructor.
LCDR Kessler has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (four awards), Good Conduct Medal (two awards), and various individual and campaign awards.
Assistant Professor of Naval Science
Aviation (EA-6B Prowler)
Phone: (936) 261-1628
Email: rawilliams@pvamu.edu
Combat Engineer
Phone: (936) 261-1627
Email: aenelson@pvamu.edu
Assistant Marine Officer Instructor
Phone: (936) 261-1633
Email: mjwilliams@pvamu.edu
Human Resource Assistant
936 261-1623
Email: albennett@pvamu.edu
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 936 261-1632
Email: mlmccollum@pvamu.edu
University Secretary
Phone: 936 261-1622
Email: bamartin@pvamu.edu
