Alumni Spotlight: Commander Lawrence Nance (THS, '95)

Alumni Spotlight: Commander Lawrence Nance, THS, ‘95
Retired U.S. Navy Commander and current pilot for Delta Airlines

Tomball High School alumnus and retired U.S. Navy Commander Lawrence Nance (THS, 95) has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence—from the halls of Tomball High School to the skies above aircraft carriers and around the world.

Nance began his Tomball ISD journey at Beckendorf Intermediate, entering the district in 1989 after his family moved from Garland, Texas. At Tomball High School, he quickly found a home in the Cougar Pride Marching Band, basketball, track, the multicultural club, and National Honor Society. He describes high school as definitely having its challenges but a place full of friendship, opportunity, and dedicated teachers.

“Some of my favorite memories were marching with the Cougar Pride Band at state in Austin, basketball playoffs my senior year, and participating in an organic Black History Month show that was student-led and produced,” he recalled. “Tomball was small enough that you knew everyone, and there were several memorable teachers and coaches that I’ll never forget.”

Even as a student, Nance’s dreams reached high—beyond Earth’s atmosphere, in fact. His inspiration to serve and to fly began early.

“In the summer between fifth and sixth grade, I went to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama,” he said. “That planted the seed to become an astronaut.”

It wasn’t until a college fair at Tomball High School that the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) came onto his radar.

“The recruiter mentioned that USNA had graduated the highest number of astronauts,” he said. “That instantly got my attention.”

Encouraged by his family’s deep military roots—his father and brother were Marines, and both grandfathers and several uncles also served—Nance applied to the U.S. Naval Academy. He earned a Congressional nomination and was accepted, beginning what would become a remarkable journey.

At the Academy, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Systems Engineering in 1999 and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. But his path wasn’t without challenges.

“I hated Plebe Summer and wasn’t a very good Midshipman at first,” he admitted. “But at some point I realized no one forced me to be there. So once I remembered my ‘why’ and was reminded that my family supported me no matter what, it was just a matter of time before finding the right mentors and friends.  And at that point, I went all in and things turned around very quickly.”

His experience at Tomball High helped prepare him for the rigors of life at Annapolis.

“The Texas heat, the small-school environment, the academic rigor—it all helped,” he said. “I took tough classes at THS, and it paid off. I got my best grades as a freshman at USNA.”

During his time at the Academy, Nance also joined the USNA Gospel Choir—a decision that came full circle years later.

“In the spring of 1999, our choir visited Tomball High and did a mini concert on campus,” he said. “That was such a surreal moment—coming back as a midshipman to the place where it all started.”

After graduation, Nance pursued aviation, calling it “the easiest and most direct path to becoming an astronaut” and “the ultimate adventure.” Over his nearly 24-year Navy career, he flew the E-2 Hawkeye, served as a test pilot, and held multiple command roles. His journey took him from California to Florida, Mississippi, Maryland, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.

“I’ve had the privilege of flying 25 different aircraft and logging over 4,000 flight hours with 420 carrier landings,” he shared. “Some of my favorite memories include landing on an aircraft carrier for the first time, flying over the Brazilian countryside during Test Pilot School and leading a 10-plane flyover in the South China Sea when the USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike groups sailed together.”

Nance’s achievements are numerous. He served as Brigade Commander during the spring semester of his senior year at the Naval Academy, was recognized as a Distinguished Midshipmen Graduate of the Class of 1999, and was even an Astronaut Finalist—one of the final 50 candidates for NASA’s 2017 class. He has also been honored with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and multiple Top Hook Awards for landing excellence aboard aircraft carriers.

“The Navy taught me that leadership is about balance,” he reflected. “Mission first, people always. Take care of your people and they will take care of you.”

Now retired from the Navy as a Commander (O-5), Nance continues his aviation career as a pilot for Delta Air Lines. He lives in Thousand Oaks, California with his wife of over 20 years and their 12-year-old daughter.

Although his parents have since retired to Tennessee, he still makes his way back to the Houston area to visit family.

“I don’t get to Tomball often, but that entire community definitely helped shape who I am,” he said. “It taught me how to relate to people from all backgrounds and I was fortunate to make it back to town for our 30-year high school reunion.”

Reflecting on his journey, Nance says his greatest pride lies not just in his professional achievements but in his resilience and relationships.

“I’m certainly proud of my service and enjoyed almost every day of the journey,” he said. “One of my toughest challenges was leading a squadron through what became a nearly 11-month deployment aboard the USS Nimitz during COVID.  I wouldn’t have made it through that tour, or my career for that matter, without the support of family so I definitely owe a debt of gratitude to my wife who was right there with me over the years which included 5 combat deployments.”

When asked what advice he has for current students considering military service or a path to a service academy, his message is direct and encouraging:

“Lots of people have done it—so can you! Don’t be afraid of tough academic courses—take Calculus, Physics, and other AP classes. Play a sport, get involved, and do something outside of school that you’re really interested in. Most importantly, put the phone down once in a while and stay grounded.”