Endowment supports architectural engineering faculty and students

Mike W. Lackey ’75 has spent his life embracing opportunities, a mindset that led him to become a successful business owner and respected industry professional. With deep ties to Texas A&M University, he is giving back to support both students and faculty. 

He recently established two endowments at Texas A&M: the Mike W. Lackey, PE ’75 Architectural Engineering Endowed Faculty Fellowship — the first faculty endowment in architectural engineering — and the Mike W. Lackey, PE ’75 Architectural Engineering Endowed Scholarship. These endeavors follow the LCCx Building Commissioning Endowed Scholarship, established in 2025.

From college to CEO

Influenced by his father, Lackey always planned on becoming an Aggie and an engineer. 

“My dad always wanted to go to Texas A&M,” Lackey said. “He probably could have gotten a basketball scholarship, but his dad passed away, and he felt like he had to stay at home to take care of his mom.” 

Lackey honored his father’s passion for Aggieland by enrolling at Texas A&M and studying mechanical engineering.

After four years at Central Catholic High School’s ROTC program in San Antonio, he earned an army scholarship to help pay for college. However, he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease as a senior and was unable to pass the physical. Even without a scholarship, Lackey became a member of the Corps of Cadets.

“I always wanted to be in the Corps — and that was one of the greatest developmental experiences of my life,” he said.

Through co-op programs, Lackey worked his way through college. He entered the workforce with enthusiasm, spending a few years in the energy industry. He eventually returned home to San Antonio, spending several years in engineering, construction and project management roles. In 2009, he founded Lackey de Carvajal Commissioning (LCCX). 

He has always remained close to the university, attending football games, class reunions, outfit reunions and serving as a member of the Chancellor’s Council. He had the privilege of working as a program manager for the Texas A&M University System in Corpus Christi, Kingsville, Laredo and the new San Antonio campus. He even enrolled in a construction engineering management Ph.D. program through his employers-sponsored degree program.

A family tradition

After Lackey opened the door at Texas A&M, his two brothers followed, studying engineering and joining the Corps of Cadets. He was able to take his senior boot picture alongside his brothers. This photo serves as a point of pride for the Lackey family. 

Years later, the family tradition continued with Lackey’s godson, who wore his senior boots from 2023-24. He also has several in-laws and other relatives who have graduated from Texas A&M. 

The university has left a lasting impact on every Lackey family member who attended, in engineering or other disciplines. For this reason, he continues to give back and help others pursue their education while supporting the faculty who make it possible.

The Mike W. Lackey, PE ’75 Architectural Engineering Endowed Faculty Fellowship is the first faculty endowment ever established in the architectural engineering program, marking a milestone for the department. The endowments Lackey has established will support students and educators in Texas A&M’s College of Engineering for generations to come.