Kellogg Foundation exec is new aviation dean
Jan. 8, 2002
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -- Gregory A. Lyman, a W.K. Kellogg Foundation executive and a longtime booster of Michigan aviation, will become the dean of Western Michigan University's College of Aviation, effective Jan. 14, under the foundation's loaned executive program.
Lyman, senior vice president and corporate secretary for the Kellogg Foundation, will take the reins of the college from Dr. Richard A. Wright, who is stepping down for personal and health reasons after serving two years as dean. WMU President Elson S. Floyd made the announcement Jan. 7 at a collegewide meeting held at WMU's aviation facilities in Battle Creek.
"This time of great uncertainty for the aviation industry poses a special challenge for colleges of aviation," said Floyd. "We are fortunate that we will be able to count on the strong leadership of Greg Lyman, who is familiar with the industry and absolutely dedicated to the success of our enterprise, as we navigate the changing national and international aviation arena. Dr. Wright has positioned the college for a bright future and Greg Lyman will help ensure that future becomes a reality."
Lyman's appointment as dean will be brought to the WMU Board of Trustees for its approval at the board's next regular meeting Jan. 24. The Kellogg Foundation has agreed to an arrangement through which Lyman will be on loan to the University. The foundation encourages staff members to be involved in community non-profit activities and permits executive loans where they may be helpful to an organization. Lyman will retain his Kellogg Foundation position while serving as dean, but expects to redistribute some of his foundation responsibilities in order to create the time needed for his new WMU role.
Lyman has been heavily involved with the College of Aviation for a number of years and currently serves as chairperson of the college's corporate advisory panel. He was instrumental in putting together the community/foundation/University partnership that brought what was then the School of Aviation Sciences to Battle Creek in 1997. He also was heavily involved with University officials in negotiating such developments as the establishment of an international pilot training program that has served a number of international clients and the college's new domestic training agreement with Delta Air Lines.
"The College of Aviation has grown dramatically and become a critical part of this community's future because it's been guided by a strong vision and a commitment by the Battle Creek community and WMU to create a world-class program," Lyman says. "The events of Sept. 11 have challenged the industry as a whole, but we will continue to think creatively and act with purpose and determination to make the College of Aviation one of the world's finest educational institutions. I am pleased to have this opportunity to work with excellent people in the college, the University and the community to continue perfecting this world-class aviation program."
A licensed pilot and certified flight instructor, Lyman is a past member of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and is currently a member of the W.K. Kellogg Airport Advisory Board in Battle Creek.
The 1968 alumnus of WMU earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He also earned a master's degree in urban planning from Michigan State University in 1976. A Kellogg Foundation staff member since 1988, Lyman held a variety of administrative and programmatic positions before assuming his current duties. He also has held a variety of positions with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Legislative Service and has lectured at MSU.
Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu