By John Robert Morton, Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison, and Keith Sowell, APU Alumnus and Faculty Member

The cosmos has long inspired humanity to look upward and wonder what secrets it holds. As comets like 3I/ATLAS pass through our solar system, they remind us how vast our universe truly is.

For Dr. Keith Sowell, a fascination with the stars evolved into a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, service, and education. Today, he shares his passion for space with our University’s space students, helping the next generation of explorers find their own place among the stars.

For him, the journey to the stars began close to home. He grew up along the Arkansas River near the Ozark foothills. It was an ideal location for stargazing, far from the light pollution of city life.

Dr. Sowell spent two years as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Search and Rescue Squadron. The experience gave him a front-row seat to some of the clearest night skies in the southeastern United States and sparked a lifelong passion for astronomy.

From Civil Service to Military Service

Later, Dr. Sowell enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for 13 years. During his time as a tactical aircraft maintenance technician, (also known as a “crew chief,” he worked on F-4, F-111, A-7 and A-10 aircraft.

“After I got out of the USAF, I made the rank of Captain in the CAP and became the Squadron Commander in Russellville, Arkansas,” Dr. Sowell says.

From Aeronautics to Astronomy

Dr. Sowell earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. However, he also wanted to earn a master’s in space studies.

“I looked around for various master’s programs in space studies. I compared the University’s degree with master’s degrees offered by the University of North Dakota and the International Space University in France, and I chose the University because of its course offerings and flexibility,” Dr. Sowell adds.

After completing his master’s degree, Dr. Sowell earned a Ph.D. from Bircham International University in Madrid, Spain. His dissertation focused on astronomy with a minor in archaeology, joining two of his greatest passions.

“The reason I took this course is because I love history and especially archaeology. I style myself as an ‘archaeo-astronomer,’ because I love the history of astronomy and the culture that is built around it.

“I am a lifetime member of the Arkansas Archeology Society and attend annual training camps at historic sites throughout Arkansas, so I have experience digging at historical sites. I also record artifacts and classify them.”

Career Highlights

Dr. Sowell’s career journey has had several highlights. During his career, he has worked on Air Force One’s engine cowlings. In addition, Dr. Sowell worked for science educator Bill Nye (also known as “The Science Guy”) and had breakfast with him during the OSIRIS-REx launch.

An Education Meant to Be Shared with Space Students

Now, Dr. Sowell has been in the aerospace industry for the last five decades. He moved to Florida to be near the Kennedy Space Center and to increase his chances of getting a better position and possibly working for NASA. That move has blossomed into an amazing career.

“I eventually worked with NASA on three launches – Arkyd1, LightSail, and OSIRIS-REx. I also became an educator at the Kennedy Space Center’s Visitors Complex, working at the ‘Astronaut Training Experience.’

“In addition, I worked as an adjunct lecturer at Eastern Florida State College. Later, I retired, moved back to my home in Arkansas, and got a position as an adjunct instructor at Northwest Arkansas Community College.”

Teaching soon became his next great passion and a way to give back to the institution that helped him grow.

“I saw the listing for an opportunity to work at the University and applied for it. I am a new adjunct faculty member, teaching space students. I am qualified to teach 15 space studies courses, including five new drone technology courses that will be offered at the beginning of 2026,” he says.

Continuing to Give Back to the Space Community

Dr. Sowell continues to advance in the field of astronomy and aerospace education through his professional affiliations. He is a Junior Member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and serves as the Co-National Outreach Coordinator for the United States. The IAU is the organization responsible for naming stars, planets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies across the universe.

Dr. Sowell is also a newly appointed faculty advisor for two student organizations: the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS). He is a lifetime senior member of AIAA and a SEDS alumni.

Career Advice for Future Space Students

Dr. Sowell’s career advice to future space students is simple. He advises:

• Get your education early to seek better jobs.
• Pick a career path that will pay the most and will also make you happy.
• Don’t work for people who don’t value you and make you feel needed.

Join a Space Studies Student Organization

For space students and other adult learners with an interest in space studies, the University has two space-related student chapters of professional organizations:

• The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Students for the Exploration and Development of Space

For questions regarding membership in these student organizations, please contact studentaffairs@apus.edu.

About the Author

John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison and has been with the University for 16 years. His bachelor’s degree in European history is from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from American Military University. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni achieve their personal and professional goals.

About Our Department

The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is dedicated to sustaining lifelong relationships with university alumni by providing engaging opportunities to stay involved and connected. We work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the alumni experience and offer numerous benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.

As a team, the Alumni Affairs team works to build and sustain relationships with alumni along their personal and professional journeys. We actively look for ways to recognize and showcase alumni, telling their stories to motivate and encourage students to pursue their goals.

If you are an alumni community member and looking for ways to remain actively involved, please get in touch with alumni@apus.edu and speak with a team member.