Shaw, Jenkins and Smith To Be Recognized at Inaugural College Alumni Awards

Young Alumni Award

J.R. Shaw ’15
B.S., Maritime Administration

J.R. Shaw is the creator and host of the “Galveston Unscripted” podcast and video series and a conscientious steward of Galveston’s history. 

Shaw, who started his podcast in 2021 after years of working in the maritime industry, chose to follow his passion and build a platform to share the island’s history and heritage with anyone willing to listen. The podcast covers everything from architecture to ghost wolves, self-guided tours and a list of free museums. It also features experts, including historians, authors and locals, each with unique perspectives and experiences. Shaw notes the importance of understanding Galveston’s history in relation to the state, Gulf Coast region, and nation as a whole. 

On January 11 of this year, J.R. debuted his first feature-length film, “Sentinels of the Port: The Galveston-Texas Pilots,” which highlighted the work of local harbor pilots at The Grand 1894 Opera House. The result of a year-long partnership with the group, the film focuses on both the association’s history and modern operations, spotlighting for the general public the profession’s rich history and dedication to its mission that originated over 180 years ago. 

From his nomination packet: “J.R. is highly entrepreneurial. He has dedicated incredible energy to transforming Galveston and building the world’s largest free museum, and Galveston Unscripted is his shining star. It is an incredible legacy.”

Innovator Award

Charlie Jenkins ’89
B.S., Marine Sciences

Port Houston Chief Executive Officer Charlie Jenkins is an advocate for the busiest waterway in the nation and a continued supporter of Galveston Aggies and maritime professionals. 

Jenkins, who graduated with honors from the Galveston Campus with a bachelor’s degree in marine sciences, chose to later pursue an MBA from the University of Houston before joining Port Houston as their first intern.

Throughout his time there, he has led container operations, environmental affairs, channel development, financial planning and their grants program. His most recent position before being named CEO had him serving as chief channel infrastructure officer, overseeing channel development, improvement and maintenance of the Houston Ship Channel in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port Houston Strategic Asset Management Program and GIS.

Jenkins also dedicates his time and expertise to industry organizations, serving on boards for the Texas Ports Association, Port Authority Advisory Committee, Greater Houston Port Bureau, and the Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Council. 

Jenkins also serves on the Texas A&M at Galveston’s Board of Visitors. This group advises campus executive leadership regarding marine and maritime education, research and student support initiatives, supports campus programs and research development, and fosters industry, local, state and federal government relations. Jenkins also serves on the student affairs subcommittee.

From his nomination packet: “Throughout his 34 years with Port Houston, he has been at the forefront of the initiatives that have empowered Port Houston’s ascension to the nation’s busiest port. The innovations that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Port Houston literally propagate throughout our entire economy.  I’m beyond inspired by what he has accomplished and what he continues to do to improve lives and livelihoods!”

Outstanding Alumni Award

Capt. Jack Smith ’64
B.S., Marine Transportation

Capt. Jack Smith has a storied past with the Galveston Campus, ranging from student, lecturer, captain and now a lifelong supporter of the maritime academy and its cadets.

Smith’s time in Galveston started thanks to a well-timed announcement from The Battalion announcing the opening of the then-Texas Maritime Academy. He graduated from the academy’s inaugural class with his bachelor’s degree and U.S. Coast Guard officer license, followed by a distinguished career with the Galveston Texas Pilots Association. 

Decades later, he returned to work for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, which had been integrated into Texas A&M’s dedicated marine and maritime campus. He started with a lecturer position but jokes that “he agreed to work for Galveston one semester and ended up staying eleven-and-a-half years.” During his last four years at the campus, Smith served as captain of the then-training ship General Rudder. During these summers at sea, Capt. Smith strived to impress upon cadets the importance of the industry and the dedication needed to succeed in the field. 

Although retired, he and his wife, Jere, strive to support Galveston students, and although they are fond of all Sea Aggies, the maritime transportation program and the maritime cadets hold a special place in their hearts. The Smiths have created multiple scholarships, ensuring costs do not deter future Aggie mariners from entering the industry they love. 

From his nomination packet: “Capt. Jack has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the academy and its cadets’ success. His passion for the academy extends beyond the classroom, as he played a vital role in creating scholarships that benefit both corps leadership and exceptional cadets.”