Chancellor's Message

Tradition. Heritage. Achievement. Legacy.

The RELLIS campus is a unique and dynamic learning and leading environment, built to foster advanced research, technology development, testing and evaluation, higher education, and hands-on career training. RELLIS represents a new model for the advancement of careers and ideas.

RELLIS is forged from a remarkable history that began 75 years ago with the dedication of the Bryan Army Air Field on this very site. The men and women who served here during World War II, people of all races and from all walks of life, defended freedom during one of the most pivotal times in global history.

It was here that a new way to fly combat missions was developed. RELLIS was the home of the U.S. Army Air Forces’ first Instrumentation-Instructors School which enabled pilots to safely fly in any weather conditions. Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen learned here and a contingent of Women Air Service Pilots played a key role in the remarkable accomplishments which were achieved here.

During the Korean War, with a name change to Bryan Air Force Base, five future astronauts flew here. Pilots who trained and led here went on to become our nation’s military leaders. A civilian workforce gave much to the defense of our country, while the base itself was an economic boon to the local community.

Since 1962, these grounds have enabled Texas A&M and the A&M system to accomplish a wide-ranging set of academic, technical and scientific objectives. Through the years, private enterprise has made use of the these facilities. First-responders have honed life-saving skills on these grounds. Vocational programs conducted here have helped people lead new and more rewarding lives. And our nation’s roadways have been made safer thanks to pioneering developments here by world-class technicians and researchers.

Please enjoy this website and the stories you’ll find within its pages. And, please, feel free to visit us any time as the remarkable history of the RELLIS Campus continues to unfold.

John Sharp
Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System

The Value and Benefits of RELLIS