Craig C. Brown Texas A&M University Class of '75
Craig earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 1975, followed by an MBA in Accounting in 1977 from Texas A&M University. He actively engaged in campus life and held leadership positions, serving as a member of the 6th Battalion Staff and the elite Ross Volunteers. He received the Army ROTC Superior Cadet Award and was honored as the Outstanding Senior Engineer in the College of Engineering (COE) which was renamed the Craig C. Brown Outstanding Senior Engineering Award. Craig also served as Vice President of the Student Engineering Council and earned a varsity letter in track
Following graduation, Craig began his career at Exxon before transitioning to Keystone International where he became President of Keystone USA. His entrepreneurial drive led him to co-found Bray International in 1986, where he currently serves as Chairman and CEO. Under his leadership, Bray International is the world’s largest manufacturer of rotary valves and actuators, with operations in over 40 countries. His vision, strategic leadership, and business acumen have been instrumental in the company’s success, making a lasting impact on both Bray and the global valve and controls industry. In Bray’s early years, Texas A&M’s McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship twice recognized Bray International with the Aggie 100 Award, given to the fastest growing businesses owned or led by Aggies.
In 1992, Craig founded the Craig and Galen Brown Foundation to provide undergraduate scholarships to high achieving, well-rounded National Merit Scholars who attend Texas A&M. Beginning with four undergraduate scholarships, the Brown Foundation has recruited and awarded over 800 undergraduate scholarships to students pursuing engineering, business and science majors. Since 2020, the Brown Foundation has also awarded more than 70 School of Engineering Medicine graduate scholarships to Brown Scholars attending Texas A&M who major in engineering disciplines and have or will matriculate to the School of Engineering Medicine.
Brown Scholars have achieved extraordinary success, receiving finalist or full scholarships including Rhodes, Goldwater, Truman, and Fulbright scholarships. On campus, Brown Scholars have held key leadership positions including Student Body President and MSC President and by 2025, 50+ engineering students have been recognized with the Craig C. Brown Outstanding Senior Engineering Award—the highest honor for undergraduate engineering students. Brown Scholars have excelled in fields such as engineering, space exploration, medicine, accounting, finance, and medical research, continuing the Brown Foundation’s legacy of leadership, academic excellence, and service.
Throughout his youth and career, Craig received numerous accolades. In 1984, he was named the Outstanding Young Houstonian by the Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce. At Texas A&M, he was honored as the 2006 Outstanding Alumnus of the College of Engineering and the 2012 Outstanding Alumnus of Mays Business School. In 2017, he was inducted into the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor and received the Distinguished Alumni Award, Texas A&M’s highest alumni recognition.
In 2019, Craig and his wife Sue were awarded the prestigious Sterling C. Evans Medal—the highest honor bestowed by the Texas A&M Board of Regents—recognizing their exceptional contributions to A&M and the Aggie community. In 2025, Craig and Sue received the Robin Bush Award, named in memory of Robin Bush, daughter of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. The Robin Bush Award recognizes individuals who have made a profound difference in the lives of others.
Craig continues to be an active member of the A&M College of Engineering Advisory Council and he also serves on the A&M College of Engineering Brown Honors Advisory Council, the A&M Corps of Cadets Board of Visitors, the EnMed External Advisory Council and the School of Engineering Medicine External Advisory Board.
Craig’s philosophy is: “In life, it’s not what you take with you, but what you leave behind that counts.” His legacy is one of service, leadership and influence on Texas A&M, the business world, his community, his children and grandchildren, reflecting his deep commitment to enrich and impact the lives of others.
Craig and Sue have seven children and are actively involved in the lives of their eleven grandchildren.
Learn More About Craig Brown's Parents
Galen T. Brown & Virginia (Dee Dee) Carmichael Brown
Galen T. Brown’s vision for the future of education and community service took root in 1985 when he decided to establish a Foundation dedicated to helping students in Texas pursue higher education. Galen had a personal connection to this mission, with his son, Craig, having graduated from Texas A&M University in 1975 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Craig had also gone on to earn an MBA in Accounting and Finance at Texas A&M in 1977, which only deepened Galen’s belief in the transformative power of education. His dedication to the university had already been demonstrated through his sponsorship of Texas A&M’s prestigious President’s Endowed Scholarship. However, Galen sought to create a foundation that would help a different kind of student—those who, at the age of 35 or 40, could still make a lasting, positive impact on their communities and the lives of others.
Galen’s own journey to success was both remarkable and inspiring. Born in Edmond, Oklahoma in 1927, he graduated from Central State University in Oklahoma before moving with his wife Dee Dee to Tornillo, Texas, a small town situated forty miles southeast of El Paso. There, Galen made his mark as a Principal, Athletics Coach, and Math teacher, roles that allowed him to nurture and guide future generations. His professional journey took a significant turn when he and Dee Dee relocated to Houston, where Galen’s career flourished. He rose from the position of Vice-President at an oilfield company to eventually become the President and Owner of Keystone International, a Fortune 500 company. Throughout his career, Galen’s determination and drive were evident—especially considering the health challenges he faced. Diagnosed with a heart defect as a child, Galen was not expected to live a long life, yet he defied the odds, enjoying decades of success and leadership.
Sadly, Galen passed away in 1989, before his Foundation had the chance to award its first scholarships. However, his legacy was carried forward by his son, Craig C. Brown, who took on the mantle of leadership. Craig became the CEO and Chairman of Bray International, Inc., a globally recognized valve manufacturing company. Under his leadership, the company thrived, with divisions and sales around the world. Craig also took up the role of Chairman of the Foundation, which is now known as the Craig and Galen Brown Foundation. Craig has worked tirelessly to ensure his father’s vision lives on, and in doing so, has focused the Foundation’s efforts on identifying students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate strong leadership and a commitment to their communities.
As Craig explains, potential Brown Scholars must be “excellent scholars and leaders in their schools and communities—students who are well-rounded, leaders, and team players. We do not want students who are just academically gifted; we want students who are representative of what Texas A&M is all about.” The Foundation’s commitment to finding students who embody these qualities ensures that Galen T. Brown’s legacy endures, helping to create a new generation of individuals who are ready to make a positive and lasting impact on society. Craig C. Brown’s dedication to this mission continues to shape the lives of deserving students who follow in the footsteps of both father and son, leaving their own legacies of excellence and service.
Virginia (Dee Dee) Carmichael Brown’s life was one of dedication, love, and sacrifice. Born in Oklahoma City in 1926, she embraced resilience and commitment to both family and community. After marrying Galen Brown in 1946, she worked as a Spanish and English teacher to support her family so Galen could continue his education.
Dee Dee’s devotion to her children, Craig and Robin, extended beyond motherhood—she was their teacher, mentor, and unwavering supporter. She helped Craig with his studies, especially math, using flashcards and reading to him to build his vocabulary. Each year, she lovingly created scrapbooks for her boys filled with report cards, papers, tests, and milestones, preserving the story of their childhood. Craig says she remains his most influential and favorite teacher.
Dee Dee was diagnosed with breast cancer when Craig was eight years old, a disease she battled for over a decade. Cancer treatment at this time was in its infancy and Dee Dee suffered; however, she remained present in her sons’ lives and attended their respective school and sports events even when she could no longer walk. She succumbed to cancer in 1974, willing herself to live as long as possible to see Craig begin his studies in engineering at Texas A&M, and Robin to graduate high school.
Dee Dee’s legacy is one of devotion, love, strength, and selflessness. She believed her children were her greatest gifts. Her children remain profoundly grateful for her unconditional love and support. “My brother Craig and I are thankful for our mother, and we love you.” Her enduring love and sacrifice continue to inspire, a testament to the impact of her unwavering devotion.
In honor of their mother, Craig generously donated the Dee Dee Carmichael Brown Atrium at the Zachry Engineering Center at Texas A&M, creating a lasting tribute to her legacy.