Tennessee Tech trustee and astronaut Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore presents early copies of new book to university
Tennessee Tech University trustee and alumnus Barry “Butch” Wilmore presented the university with early signed copies of his new book, “Stuck in Space: An Astronaut’s Hope Through the Unexpected,” during Tech’s quarterly Board of Trustees meeting on campus Thursday.
Wilmore, a retired NASA astronaut and two-time Tech graduate, shared copies of the book with the university’s Volpe Library as well as students and fellow trustees ahead of the book’s official release on March 17.
“I wrote this book – I wrote it while I was in space – and I thought the finest university in the nation should have a copy first,” Wilmore said as he presented a signed copy to Kelly McCallister, dean of Tech’s Volpe Library. “It doesn’t come out officially until next week, but I got some pre-copies. As the dean of the Volpe Library, I wanted the library to have a copy and wanted to give this to you for that reason.”
McCallister accepted the book on behalf of the library, saying there was “already a list” of eager readers wanting to check it out.
According to the publisher, “Stuck in Space” recounts Wilmore’s unexpected more-than-nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station after technical challenges with Boeing Starliner spacecraft extended what had been planned as a short mission. The memoir reflects on the leadership, discipline and faith that sustained him during the prolonged mission and throughout his career in aviation and spaceflight.
Tech President Phil Oldham said he had the opportunity to read early drafts of the book and believes it will resonate with readers.
“It’s going to be a great read for everybody. I encourage everybody to pick up a copy of it,” said Oldham. “We’re so proud of Barry – a great Tennessee Tech alum who represents us, the state of Tennessee and the United States so well.”
Wilmore earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering from Tech before embarking on a distinguished career as a U.S. Navy test pilot and NASA astronaut. Across three space missions, he spent 464 total days in space. He has served on Tech’s Board of Trustees since 2017, with his current term concluding later this year.
In 2025, Wilmore received the university’s highest honor, the Order of the Eagle, and Tech dedicated “Wilmore Way,” a pedestrian walkway and plaza at the heart of campus, in his honor.
“Stuck in Space” releases March 17 from The Heirloom Press. Read more here.