Prescott-COA-Annual-Report-2021-2022

/ Annual Report / 2021-2022

COLLEGE OF AVIATION

PRESCOTT CAMPUS

2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT

GIVING TO THE COLLEGE The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott College of Aviation has one mission: to graduate students who are career-ready. We focus on student success by offering high-level access to faculty mentoring, both innovative and classic teaching methods and transformational learning opportunities that empower students to achieve high goals.

When you support our college, you are investing in the present and future of our aviation and aerospace industries. Your gifts contribute to the ability of our global workforce to adapt, succeed and advance in this trillion-dollar industry. givingto.erau.edu/support-aviation-prescott

Dean’s Message

5

Vision

6

Featured Highlights

8

Faculty Awards

18

By The Numbers

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University College of Aviation 3700 Willow Creek Rd. | Prescott, AZ 86301

800.888.3728 | prescott.erau.edu/college-aviation

DEAN’S MESSAGE From the very inception of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the university’s foundation has been aviation and, with it, the safe training of all facets of the aviation ecosystem. Our rigorous programs establish the gold standard for the industry we serve. As the College of Aviation Dean, I am proud to see that dedication in our faculty, staff and students every single day. The College of Aviation family welcomes students from all over the world to take part in the top-tier programs we offer to help set them on the path to achieving their dreams and ambitions. We take this honor very seriously and feel there is no better way than serving to that end. The college’s core values of scholarship, commitment and service reflect this mindset. While our facilities and aircraft are of the highest caliber, the College of Aviation’s focus on a theoretical foundation of teaching, coupled with practitioner-based learning, truly sets our students apart and creates the most career-ready graduate. Our students participate in undergraduate research and collaborative opportunities in a wide array of disciplines and, as such, enjoy a broad level of experience. Through industry partnerships and our continual focus on relevance, we keep our student success in mind and work vigorously in that facet. People make an organization, and it is the people who make this college a wonderful place to be! In this publication, we are honored to share a small snapshot of what makes the College of Aviation a truly special place to be, and why the future is so very bright.

Dr. Timothy Holt, Ph.D., FRAeS, C.M.

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VISION

About the College of Aviation The College of Aviation (COA) serves its students with distinction while investigating and developing new educational methods and programs for safety and security professionals, pilots and meteorologists. The COA is composed of the Aeronautical Science , Flight , Applied Aviation Sciences , Safety Science and Aviation Safety departments, as well as the Robertson Safety Institute . The Flight Department serves as the laboratory component for the Aeronautical Science degree. The Aeronautical Science Department is home to our Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science (AS) program. The AS degree combines flight training with academic preparation in the technical and managerial aspects of aviation. This approach to aviation education provides students with added value over traditional flight training programs by focusing on the skills and knowledge required in today’s industry. Partnering with our Flight Department , students fly a mix of aircraft, many with advanced avionics, as well as several state-of-the-art flight training devices. The Applied Aviation Sciences Department houses three separate programs. The Bachelor of Science in Applied Meteorology (AM) prepares students for careers in meteorology, including weather forecasting, research, the military and aviation including dispatch. The program meets all the requirements for undergraduate study in meteorology recommended by the American Meteorological Society, the National Weather Service and the U.S. Air Force. Graduates also meet U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards for the position of a meteorologist. The Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management (ATM) program is a hands-on degree program serving at the forefront of the industry, as students work with faculty and fellow students who have pioneered advancements in ATM technology. Lastly, the Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) focuses on civilian operations with special emphasis placed on the business and security applications of UAS. This major gives students a broad overview of UAS operations, as well as the basic technical knowledge they need to be successful.

The Safety Science Department is home to the Master of Science in Safety Science, which is designed to provide students with a practical course of study in aviation safety and/or occupational health and safety. The degree program produces safety professionals who are skilled in providing safety management expertise in a variety of industries through coursework in leadership and training. Safety implementation and compliance experts provide guidance in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety Health Administration, U.S. Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board regarding state health and workplace standards. Lastly, the Aviation Safety Department is responsible for administering Embry-Riddle’s Aviation Safety Program. The Aviation Safety Department takes a proactive approach to safety by emphasizing accident prevention, hazard identification, safety data collection and dissemination, comprehensive emergency response procedures and an active safety education program. To maintain accountability, the Aviation Safety Department is completely independent from the Flight Department , reporting directly to the Dean of the COA.

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FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS

Faculty Highlight

Dr. Jennah Perry

She has devoted the past several years to building courses and curricula aimed at increasing college students’ stress resilience, success rates and retention. In collaboration with the College of Aviation and the academic advising team, Dr. Perry assisted with copy revisions for the campus UNIV-101 (College Success course) curriculum. Dr. Perry’s commitment to teaching comes from a passionate belief in engaging the learner. As she expresses through Benjamin Franklin, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Way to go, Dr. Perry, and congratulations on finishing your Ph.D.!

As a former first-generation college student, an Embry-Riddle alum and current faculty member, Dr. Jennah Perry embodies what it means to be an Eagle. Having attended all three campuses — Prescott, Daytona Beach and Worldwide – Dr. Perry is an Eagle through and through. After graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management in 2006, she worked for Lockheed Martin as an air traffic specialist for eight years. During that time, she married her college sweetheart

(also an Eagle), earned a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science with specializations in

Education Technology and Human Factors in Aviation Systems and welcomed three children. Dr. Perry held the position of Air Traffic Management program chair for several years but is currently the Applied Aviation Sciences department chair. Over the past four years, Dr. Perry completed her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership. While working on her Ph.D., she found a gap in higher education, which pertained to college student stress and its impacts on student success.

“Don’t wait for the right opportunity: create it.”

George Bernard Shaw

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Student Highlight

“A friend recommended I take a discovery flight, and the rest was history.” Michael Bouchard, an Aeronautical Science major, is leading a partnership between Embry-Riddle and the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District geared toward instructing motivated young students about opportunities in aviation. “A friend recommended I take a discovery flight, and the rest was history. Without that friend, my life would be completely different,” said Bouchard. “I’m trying my best to be like my friend and change a few people’s lives through education and mentoring.” Sixteen eighth-grade students from four different schools in the city were selected to participate in a brand new after-school enrichment program, dubbed the Cottonwood- Oak Creek Condors. Bouchard developed an eight-unit, interactive course covering flight history, basic principles, aircraft systems and maneuvers, weather, communications, career opportunities, drones and more. His course also includes several field trips, guest speakers and a special parents’ night. The group visited the Prescott Campus to explore the Crash Lab, Riddle Ramp and maintenance hangar. Students even had an opportunity to operate the flight simulators. “Cottonwood isn’t a very wealthy area, and a few of the kids come from troubled homes,” Bouchard said. “Introducing them to a career that they would love and would allow them to travel and make a better life for their future families is awesome.”

As a bonus, members of the local Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter’s Young Eagles program host a rally in Cottonwood where the students can experience discovery flights. Bouchard stated, “As a peer counselor and a campus academic mentor in the College of Aviation, it was a terrific opportunity for some of them to fly with me also.” His involvement in the new program has solidified his passion for teaching. He is eagerly anticipating his new role as a certified flight instructor at Embry-Riddle. “I’m super excited to be able to fly every day of the week and I love teaching, so it is going to be a blast,” he said. Bouchard is a member of the Republic Airways Cadet Program and has already accepted an offer with the airline following his two-year stint as an instructor. He was also selected for the Delta Propel Program. In addition, Michael has accepted employment with Delta Air Lines after the completion of regional training. He looks forward to staying involved with the program as it grows and impacts young aviators for years to come. “This class is the kind of thing the kids will remember for the rest of their lives,” he said. “All of the work would be worth it if just one of them became a pilot.” Story by Annelise O’Donnell

Bouchard’s course blends classroom instruction with hands-on activities and experience. (Photo: Michael Bouchard)

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Alumni Spotlight: Hannah Stepan

As a leader, scholar, role model and graduate, Hannah Stepan checks every box for what we expect at Embry-Riddle. Hannah arrived at Embry-Riddle Prescott in 2014. While a student, she maintained a 4.0 GPA and worked multiple student jobs, including Air Traffic Control (ATC) lab assistant, peer counselor and flight instructor. Hannah was nominated by her peers to serve as the President of the Flight Student Representation Committee. She also served as the Vice President and Outreach Chair of Women in Aviation’s Embry-Riddle Prescott Chapter. Hannah is also a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and was elected undergraduate Vice President of Finance. After graduating, Hannah married her college sweetheart, Petr, and relocated to Colorado. She realized her dream of becoming a corporate pilot, beginning to fly Beechjets for a small company out of Denver before landing a job with SkyWest flying Canadair Regional Jets. As of February 2022, Hannah became the youngest female pilot at Southwest Airlines, while her husband Petr was hired by FedEx Airlines. Hannah and Petr have since relocated to Montana. Dreams do come true. Story by Jennah Perry

Help students like Hannah fulfill their dreams. Give Today

“I would not be where I am without having gone to Embry-Riddle. I am thankful for the opportunity to build my confidence as a pilot.”

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2021-2022 Highlights The 2021 Arizona Department of Transportation Report recognized the Flight Department as a “World Class Aviation Business” when compared to our peers in the state. The College of Aviation is converting the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Lab over to a hybrid Pilot/ATC Lab to train pilots and air traffic controllers concurrently. Six pilot simulation stations are available, which include desktop yokes, throttle quadrants and consoles, rudder pedals and throttle quadrant joysticks. The stations are equipped with Alienware, an integration software that runs flight simulation programs. Virtual reality is also incorporated into the workstations for a more immersive student learning experience. The Air Traffic Control Lab features simulation software capable of mimicking the exact aircraft performance and characteristics found in real-life flight. The feedback from AS student users about the ATC Lab/AS Integration Lab is overwhelmingly positive and is becoming increasingly popular amongst users. The Air Traffic Management (ATM) program recruited AS students to begin flying from Embry-Riddle’s new pilot stations located in the ATC Lab. These stations will have virtual reality (VR) capabilities for any student wanting to fly the Cessna 172, as well as the Airbus A320, Boeing 737 and CRJ 700/900. Students choosing to fly on these stations will also be able to be controlled live in virtual airspace, where ATC students will provide services to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights in Albuquerque, Phoenix and Prescott airspaces. This project is the beginning of a larger adjustment to the ATM program, which will provide both Embry-Riddle pilots and ATC students with a much more realistic training environment. The material AS students will be taught as they progress through their flight career at Embry-Riddle is reinforced by working with other students in the program. UNIV-101 is a college success class that is getting a makeover with the help of Applied Aviation Sciences, Aeronautical Science, academic advising and the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE). Integration of stress management concepts will address the leading barrier to college student success – the inability to effectively manage stress.

Anecdotal evidence suggests the new Aviation Stress Management course is effective in helping to reduce students’ perceived stress levels. Given the current climate around mental health and wellness, this is exciting news. The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program began in May 2022. Applied Meteorology (AMET) faculty are beginning a collaboration with Amazon Prime Air on micro-sale (ultra-low-level drones) weather research.

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Oliver Myers and Darren Mudge, 2 AS-Heli students, were selected for the MDHI MD500 Transition Scholarship valued at $12,000 each. They flew an MD500 to Dallas to be presented with the award at Helicopter Association International (HAI) Heli-Expo 2022. AS-Heli student, Elizabeth Mitchell, conducted research ("Evaluating the Effectiveness of Simulated Flight into Inadvertent IMC") at Heli-Expo 2022 on behalf of Helicopter Association International and the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team. The Preflight Course has a complete Canvas course created, which is free to all new Embry-Riddle Flight students.  284 students enrolled in the 2021-2022 school year  85% of students are actively participating in the course Dorothea Ivanova, Embry-Riddle professor of Meteorology, co-authored a presentation in the summer of 2021 with Dr. David Mitchell from the Desert Research Institute (DRI) titled "Can Summer Rainfall in the American Southwest be Increased?" New findings and ideas for monsoon research were featured.

100% of those students who checked in “ready to fly” with paperwork were assigned and flying in the Fall 2021 term. Flights exceeded 5,000 flight hours in a 30-day period during October 2021 for the first time in over 20 years. Prescott Airport in 2021 exceeded 217,000 operations, making it the busiest airport in the United States for locally assigned aircraft operations. The college set a new milestone with 130 instructors on staff – the most in the history of Prescott’s Flight Department. The Flight Department purchased $13 million of aircraft in the last year as part of a 100% fleet renewal plan to be completed in 2024. The current training fleet is 56 Cessna 172s and 8 DA-42s; in the Fall of 2018 (3.5 years ago), there were 19 Cessna Aircraft and 4 DA-42s.

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Undergraduate Research Institute Discovery Project Highlights The Undergraduate Research Institute (URI) promotes research, scholarly and creative activities at the undergraduate level. By enhancing critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills, URI helps to prepare Embry-Riddle students to contribute as productive individuals, employees and citizens. We facilitate interactions with industry and community partners as students build their professional network. URI is university-wide and invites students and faculty from all disciplines to participate and present their research. Undergraduate research plays a large role in the academic and student life of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Every year, the Prescott campus is vibrant with a variety of incredible developments in the realms of aviation, engineering, security and intelligence and arts and sciences. URI Funding URI provides more than $100,000 annually in funding for student research and development, scholarly and creative and competition-based grants. Our E-Prize Grants fund teams of students to develop material and attend regional, national or international competitions and initiatives for new competitions. Our Ignite Grants fund individual or student teams to conduct research, scholarly or creative projects with a focus on presenting their work at professional conferences and publishing in scholarly and industry journals. We also provide small Travel Grants for students to present their work at conferences. We have both academic term and summer term funding cycles. We have a team of dedicated faculty and staff mentors committed to assisting students with their projects. Discovery Day is our celebration of undergraduate research and scholarship. From aviation to engineering, security and intelligence to physics and astronomy, our Discovery Day poster session is a wealth of knowledge and discovery for everyone. URI facilitates interactions with industry and community partners as students build their professional network.

A Climatology of Convective Cells in the Southwest STUDENTS Jay Park, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Greta Graeler, Applied Meteorology

MENTOR Professor Curtis James, Applied Aviation Sciences CO-AUTHORS Carter Humphreys, Flagstaff National Weather Service Forecast Office Ronny Schroeder, Applied Aviation Sciences Mark Sinclair, Applied Aviation Sciences Michael Kaplan, Applied Aviation Sciences Andrew Taylor, Central Illinois National Weather Service Forecast Office Convection in mountainous climates is often responsible for severe and critical fire weather and flash flooding. This study investigates the initiation and propagation of convective cells in the southwestern United States. To identify convective cell tracks, we apply an automatic detection and tracking algorithm to Multi-Radar, Multi- Sensor (MRMS) precipitation data. Any convective cells exceeding minimum reflectivity and area thresholds during seven years (2015-2021) are tracked. Centroid location, area and intensity of the cell are recorded in time and space. These cell tracks enable the creation of a climatology of convection using statistical clustering. The study also uses reanalysis data to reveal which atmospheric variables influence convective cell initiation and propagation as a guide to National Weather Service forecasters. So far, the results are consistent with terrain influences.

14 | College of Aviation

Mountainous regions have more convection and convection initiation in their vicinity than regions without. However, the area occupied by the cells tends to be larger over the adjacent valleys. This research provides meteorologists with a clearer understanding of thunderstorm behavior in complex terrain.

Fatigue Risk Management: Sleep and Mental Health STUDENTS Jordan Shaw, Aeronautics Bradley Riedle, Aeronautics

MENTOR Assistant Professor Stacey McIntire, Aeronautical Science

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Simulated Flight Into Inadvertent IMC STUDENT Elizabeth Mitchell, Aeronautical Science – Helicopter MENTOR Associate Professor Dawn Groh , Aeronautical Science Within the realm of aviation, specifically helicopters, there is a clear abundance of accidental flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). This issue is much more catastrophic when compared to the airplane counter piece of aviation since helicopters, on average, have 56 seconds to recover after inadvertent IMC entry compared to airplanes' 176 seconds (about three minutes). This matter is also one of the top three causes of fatal helicopter accidents. To decrease that number, a short course using a virtual reality (VR) simulator was featured at the HAI Heli-Expo 2022. Pilot currency, flight hours, certification, scenario reaction and flight outcome data were collected during the use of this course. This data will be forwarded to the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) and HAI for further improvement and increased awareness.

The development of risk management systems in aviation has accrued countless research that delivered heaps of data points to be observed. Air Methods, one of the largest air medevac companies in the country, has partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to redevelop a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS). This system addresses a sleep efficiency evaluation tool and the importance of mental health and resiliency education to combat fatigue. For the sleep component in this FRMS, the creation of a sleep evaluation tool required qualitative research into industry best practices and standards of sleep. The quantitative research is still in progress and will be utilized by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s future students to analyze a percentile change in sleep-induced fatigue. Recognizing pilot mental health as a priority, Air Methods also requested the identification of best practice tools and techniques to improve pilot mental resiliency. Various techniques employed by first responders utilized to handle distressing situations could also be helpful to Air Method's pilots and clinicians. Additionally, mental health scholars and professionals were interviewed to get a better understanding of how to effectively implement mental health techniques in the Air Methods company. Over the next few years, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University capstone teams will continue to adjust and improve upon this research.

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Featured Program: Robertson Safety Institute The Robertson Safety Institute (RSI) was conceived as a center for research and development, a program of safety-focused short courses and industry outreach in safety education. Mission

Strategic Plan Highlights The Executive Director of RSI and the department chair of Safety Science will collaborate on future acquisitions and industry partnerships for program enhancements and student opportunities. RSI will explore new opportunities to develop and incorporate UAS training into the professional curriculum, such as employing UAS to investigate or document mishaps and advancements in safety programs. Public and private partnerships harness the vast potential for exponential growth and would prove beneficial to the UAS degree program. RSI will reinstate OSHA training courses into the professional education curriculum. RSI will explore areas to expand professional education offerings while taking advantage of the university’s strengths. Helicopter, UAS, emergency management and EMS are possible expansion areas. The institute will revive the Center for Aerospace Safety Education (CASE) Advisory Council. CASE can offer invaluable insight from the industry, RSI and the university, which is an added benefit for students. The re-establishment of CASE in collaboration with the Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety (CAAS) would be valued at the Daytona Beach campus. Future Marketing/Promotion Activities In collaboration with CAAS, all safety professional education courses offered university-wide will be promoted. This exposure will ultimately help to enhance all safety professional education at Embry-Riddle, including RSI.

The mission of RSI is to provide robust development programs, enhance government and industry safety goals and study and conduct research in the field of safety science. RSI endeavors to partner with industry to further advance aviation safety worldwide. RSI will offer opportunities for professional education via workshops and seminars, consult on safety projects with industry partners and conduct applied research to benefit industry organizations. Organization Structure Update Historically, RSI was managed by the standing Safety Science Department Chair. In January 2022, the role of RSI Executive Director was realigned as a separate and hybrid position filled by a faculty member. This new structure will allow for a fresh perspective on the advancement of the RSI mission and strategic initiatives. Professional Education Course Activity In Fiscal Year 2023, RSI is scheduled to offer the following courses: Aircraft Crash Survival Investigation and Analysis

Advanced Aircraft Accident Investigation In addition, the following courses are under development: Aircraft Accident Investigation Refresher Human Factors Investigation

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FACULTY AWARDS

Teaching Innovation Award This recipient is recognized for innovation in the development and design of top-tier curricula and programs.

Jackie R. Luedtke Research, Scholarship & Design Award This recipient demonstrates a high commitment to scholarly works and sets the bar for research development. Named after Dr. Jackie Luedtke, we continue to follow his fundamental example of scholarship. Recipient: Dr. Curtis James Dr. Curtis James’ extensive research efforts and collaborations are impressive. Over the past year, Dr. James has co-authored a referred publication and two other conference publications. He manages multiple research grants, including a National Weather Service (NWS) project, an Embry-Riddle Internal Research Grant and a National Science Foundation (NSF) Award. He has recently submitted a $4M NSF Facility and Instrumentation Request Process (FIRP) Grant. Additionally, he mentored three students (two on a Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training ([COMET] URI Grant and one on a NASA Space Grant). Dr. James is a high-achieving scholar, and his work ethic deserves this prestigious research award. Teaching Satisfaction Award This recipient displays a strong commitment to student success and is recognized through student satisfaction evaluations. Recipient: Mr. Kyle Brinkman Instructor Kyle Brinkman's students sing his praises without fail! They applaud his compassion, unique ability to explain complex ideas simply and his use of multiple teaching techniques. His methods are comprehensive, and students routinely share tips and tricks they have learned. He is patient and kind, forever sharing a smile, and is consistently at the top of his game in class every day. One student’s end-of-course survey stated, “Mr. Brinkman is the G.O.A.T! That means the Greatest of All Time.”

Recipient: Assistant Professor Stacey McIntire Professor Stacey McIntire leveraged her extensive background in education and brought her two courses to life with multi-modal learning, extensive student collaboration and active learning techniques. She partnered with industry to solve real-world problems in the classroom. When presenting solutions to industry partners, students have received outstanding accolades and they say “learning research” has never been so much fun! John Jenkins Faculty Service Award Given in recognition of exemplary service to our students, college and campus community, this award is named after Professor John Jenkins. He was a shining example of the notion, "Students first!" Recipient: Dr. Ian Hummell Dr. Ian Hummell has been a champion for the AS Department. In addition to serving as the AS-Fixed Wing Program Chair, Dr. Hummell manages assessment and accreditation and acts as the faculty advisor for the Golden Eagles Flight Team. This past summer, he served on five hiring committees. Dr. Hummell is a tremendous asset to the AS team!

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Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award Recognized as our top-performing adjunct faculty member, this recipient displays outstanding commitment and service to our students. Recipient: Professor Anastasia Rivera Professor Anastasia Rivera is a passionate and remarkable teacher who has made a massive impact on students' lives inside and outside of the classroom. She has invigorated the Aviation Stress Management course and has also been integral in leading the UNIV-101 course revisions for the entire campus to increase student success. Her classes have had a positive impact on our students and for that we are proud. Professor Rivera continuously exceeds expectations as an adjunct and the department is fortunate to have her on the team.

Rucie J. Moore Faculty of the Year Award (1967-2019) Awarded in recognition of our top-performing faculty member in scholarship, teaching and service. This faculty member lives up to the College of Aviation's values of scholarship, commitment and service. This award honors Rucie J. Moore , who lived up to these core values daily and treasured the benefit of positivity and mentorship to our students. Recipient: Professor Kyle Wilkerson Professor Kyle Wilkerson is very deserving of this award. He is eager to help anyone, especially new AS faculty with the AS Lab software. He spends countless hours planning program improvements to modernize the ATC curriculum, including a marketing strategy to increase enrollment in the lab and grow the ATM program. Professor Wilkerson fostered collaborations with AS students by converting the ATM Lab into a hybrid AS/ATC Lab. Students have been inspired by Professor Wilkerson’s leadership in the transformation of the ATC Lab into a hybrid AS/ATC training Lab.

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Message From the Aerospace Advisory Board Chairman Faculty and administrators at the COA are accountable to stakeholders for the relevance and quality of academic

Benefits to Faculty and the Program Assessing the quality of student learning is a priority in higher education. Because of the AAB’s involvement in assessment, faculty have modified assignments and learning outcomes and adjusted teaching strategies. Faculty model how to involve community members in curriculum development, an established practice in family- life education, which enhances well-being and strengthens interpersonal relationships. Faculty have gained additional credibility with students because the AAB provides an efficient mechanism for learning about changes in licensing, procedures, community services, program funding and data on the aerospace community. Benefits to AAB Members At the 2022 AAB meeting, members reported that students and graduates were better prepared than several years ago to enter their organizations and agencies. Agency staff spends less time “teaching” basic skills. Growth is due to our advisory board’s commitment to ensuring a vibrant academic program that prepares our students. Members were gratified with recent program contributions, expressing, “We are listened to and see change because of our input.” This level of stakeholder engagement fosters continued board service. Current trend reports indicate sharing information through meeting minutes and updates has proven helpful to community collaborations and strengthening relations. This provides an additional benefit for board members. Finally, all stakeholders are ambassadors and nurture partnerships for success. I strongly believe this to be a mutual benefit.

programs. The Aerospace Advisory Board’s (AAB) partnership with the COA supports academic program accountability by providing guidance and feedback, serving as partners in research and pursuing community collaborations while sustaining the fundamental mission. The AAB is comprised of accomplished experts (66 members) from the government (U.S. Air Force, Department of Transportation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, National Aeronautics and Space Administration), industry (airlines, helicopters, safety, meteorology) and alumni. They offer innovative advice, dynamic perspectives and strategic direction, as well as guiding continuous improvement and assessing program efficiency. Embry-Riddle Prescott welcomes this substantial opportunity of a diverse range of knowledge, skills and abilities to offer the best ideas. Benefits to Students The student learning outcomes and curricula reflect community needs and employer expectations to prepare students for success as entry-level professionals. When AAB members are guest speakers, students hear examples about how their degree program prepares them for a range of positions. The board’s assessment centers on knowledge, skills and assessment, which enhances rigorous coursework and guides improvements in curriculum instruction. In addition, board members’ discussions of organizational needs and clientele success affirm curriculum choices. As a result, students graduate from a credible program.

Sincerely,

Steven Schmidt AAB Chairman

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BY THE NUMBERS

Total Enrollment

1049

989

80 % Total enrollment has increased by 80% since 2012.

912

797

778

701

670

616

583

583

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Overall Flight Growth and Impact

Amount of Flight Hours Per Student

Both Factors Combined For Growth in Total Flight Hours

Year

Number of Flight Students

2017-2018

492

45.3

23,363

2018-2019

486

55.6

27,051

2019-2020

608

44.5

27,039

2020-2021

728

62.8

45,692

2021-2022

792

65.9

52,175

154 %

162 %

235 %

in four years

in four years

in four years

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*Source: ERAU Enrollment Management, ETA and flight databases.

Mission Statement The Embry-Riddle mission is to teach the science, practice and business of aviation and aerospace to prepare students for productive careers and leadership roles in service around the world. The goal of the College of Aviation is to provide the aviation professionals of tomorrow with the knowledge, skills, abilities and judgment necessary to succeed in a global aviation community. The College of Aviation is preparing students to be leaders in the aviation and aerospace industry. The work of our graduates is recognized both nationally and internationally, reflecting the mission of the college to cultivate value-based professionals in a dynamic and global environment. The College of Aviation is committed to supporting the students, faculty and community through impactful learning outcomes: Creating a transformational learning experience that prepares graduates for success in a diverse, complex global environment Nurturing a faculty that values and exhibits teaching excellence, intellectual exploration, extending knowledge, improving management practice and organizational culture Developing partnerships with external communities to establish the College of Aviation as a leader in all facets of aviation and safety education Building a sustainable resource base and infrastructure for College of Aviation programs and activities

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University College of Aviation 3700 Willow Creek Rd. | Prescott, AZ 86301

800.888.3728 | prescott.erau.edu/college-aviation

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