WATCH: New Congressman Conaway Archive, Exhibit and Endowment at Angelo State

SAN ANGELO, TX – Angelo State University has announced an agreement with U.S. Congressman Mike Conaway for the formation of a new K. Michael Conaway Archive and Exhibit in the ASU Mayer Museum, as well as a $250,000 gift from Conaway to establish the K. Michael Conaway Fellowship Endowment at ASU.

The Conaway Archive and Exhibit will be a dynamic, educational and interactive record of Conaway’s career, primarily as U.S. Representative for the 11th District of Texas from 2005 through 2021. The Archive will house papers, historical materials, memorabilia and certain furnishings from Conaway. The Exhibit will feature interactive touchscreens, documents and memorabilia, and themed displays focusing on Conway’s committee work, chairmanships, early life and guiding principles. 

“Angelo State University is a pillar of the San Angelo community and the 11th Congressional District, and has been an outstanding partner for our office throughout the years,” Conaway said. “The university consistently goes above and beyond to contribute to this region and educate the next generation of leaders, which is why I’m proud to announce this endowment to help further those goals. I am honored to be moving forward with this project and look forward to a lasting partnership.”

The Conaway Fellowship Endowment will be utilized for construction and furnishing of the Exhibit, as well as to fund a fellowship program in Washington, D.C., that will include the K. Michael Conaway Fellowship in Agriculture and the K. Michael Conaway Fellowship in National Security. The fellowships will be open to ASU graduate students based on merit, and will place them in organizations of importance and influence in Washington, D.C., with the Endowment also covering their housing and per diem expenses. 

The Conaway Fellowship Endowment may also be used for the ongoing operation of the Conaway Exhibit and to obtain speakers at various ASU Mayer Museum events that highlight the Conaway Exhibit.

“Congressman Conaway is a longtime friend and partner of Angelo State University,” said ASU President Ronnie Hawkins Jr. “He has played a key role in many of our most significant milestones, including our transition into the Texas Tech University System, our attaining Hispanic Serving Institution status, and the establishment of our Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Security Studies, to name a few. We could not be prouder or more honored to be a steward of his legacy here in our soon to be completed Mayer Museum.”

Conaway has represented the 11th Congressional District of Texas, which includes San Angelo, Midland and Odessa, since 2005 and will be stepping down following his current eighth term in office. He has directly served the interests of San Angelo and West Texas on various congressional bodies, including the House Agriculture Committee, Armed Services Committee, Intelligence Committee, International Conservation Caucus, and Reliable Energy Caucus.

His most recent accomplishments include leading the House Intelligence Committee investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. As chair of the House Agriculture Committee, he also spearheaded the formulation and passage of the 2018 Farm Bill that directly affects the West Texas farming and ranching industry.

Throughout his tenure in Congress, Conaway has hosted ASU interns in his Washington, D.C., office. He has also visited Angelo State on numerous occasions to interact with the Student Government Association and participate in some of ASU’s most significant announcements. In 2019, the ASU Alumni Association named Conaway an Honorary Alumnus.