Robert Aardema

Hall of Honor Class of 2022

WMU Faculty Member, Faculty Chair, and Interim Dean, USAF Pilot, A&P Mechanic

Bob Aardema was born in Holland Michigan, attended Michigan State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hope College in 1969.  After a tour of duty as a pilot in the United States Air Force, Mr. Aardema returned to Michigan and enrolled as a student in the Aircraft Technology program at Western Michigan University.  He completed the Aircraft Technology program in 1977 and earned a Master of Science degree from WMU as well in 1985.  Mr. Aardema also earned a diploma from the U. S. Air Force Command and Staff College in 1989.  He served as a pilot, instructor pilot and flight commander for the Michigan Air National Guard from 1976 until he retired in 1993 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. With time in such aircraft as the KC-135, O-2, A-37, and A-10, as well as numerous civilian aircraft, he holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate with Single and Multi-engine Land, Instrument rating and Certified Flight Instructor.  In addition, he is an A & P mechanic with Inspection Authorization.  After working for a time as a corporate pilot and flight department manager, he joined the faculty at WMU in 1979.  Mr. Aardema served as a professor in the aviation program at WMU until 2000, when he was appointed Faculty Chair.  In September of 2002, he was appointed Interim Dean. Mr. Aardema officially retired from WMU’s College of Aviation in December of 2007; he faithfully stayed on as an Associate Professor Emeritus.