State of the WMU College of Aviation Address

Posted by Matthew Bila on

Published by Tom Thinnes on Tue, Jan 31, 2017

Happy New Year to our aviation family and friends! Now is the time of year when I like to reach out to our partners, alumni, advisory board members, and friends to share with you updates from the institution, as well as invite feedback you may have.

  • EXPANSION TO PUNTA GORDA, FL
  • RECRUITMENT AND OUTREACH
  • RECOGNITION AND AWARDS DINNER
  • BUILDING RENOVATION AND EXPANSION
  • WEBSITE UPGRADE

EXPANSION TO PUNTA GORDA, FL

 

For the last couple of years, we’ve been reporting on our expansion efforts in Punta Gorda, FL. As of today, being led by WMU’s Extended University Programs, the college is awaiting approval from the Higher Learning Commission to begin training pilots seeking a degree in our Aviation Flight Science program. In addition to the flight students and new to this annual report, we have partnered with Florida SouthWestern State College to share space for delivery of our Aviation Management and Operations program, in addition to academic classes for the Aviation Flight Science program. We are seeking an articulation agreement with this institution as well, and they will be delivering an aviation maintenance program, with the hopes that the A&P students would transfer to WMU to complete their four-year degree.

We will continue to update you on our efforts in Florida, however, if you have questions, suggestions, ideas or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly at dave.powell@wmich.edu, or (269) 964-6653.

RECRUITMENT AND OUTREACH

 

Mr. Tom Thinnes and his amazing recruitment and outreach staff have once again increased our enrollment this year. The headcount for aviation during the fall semester reached 916 aviation majors and 21 aviation minors. Tom, Eric Epplett, and their team of student ambassadors continue to move mountains while introducing youth across the country to aviation and Western Michigan University. Their tireless efforts are reflected in enrollment numbers not just in our college, but in other areas of the University they have recruited for while on the road.

In addition to recruiting students, Tom and his team have revamped and rolled out the new website for the college and continue to find new ways to market the college in an ever-changing world. They host job shadowing events for high schools students, conduct several summer camps each year, and keep our alumni informed and engaged. Join us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with happenings at the college.

Tom and Eric are true ambassadors for the entire institution and they continue to be two of the most hard working and talented professionals at WMU.

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS DINNER

 

On Friday, Dec. 9, the college presented Excellence in Diversity awards to Mr. Greg Lyman and Mr. Randall Rochon for their impact on diversity in aviation, commitment to community, and contributions to engagement of incoming youth into the industry.

 

The 1947 Sky Bronco National Championship Team, the 1948 Sky Bronco National Championship team, and Mr. Bill Hatfield were also inducted into Hall of Honor for their excellence in the industry, exemplary contributions to their profession, and service to the University and college.

 

The college also recognized the previous recipients of both awards and the numerous generous donors of established scholarships. The event was well attended by just over 100 people, including 50 students who enjoyed the event at no cost, due to the generosity of some faculty and staff members who sponsored their participation at the event. We hope to grow this annual event each year and invite everyone to consider attending so we may all celebrate our accomplishments together.

You will see information for all of our Hall of Honor inductees and Excellence in Diversity recipients on our website in the very near future. We also hope to include photos from this exciting event.

BUILDING RENOVATION AND EXPANSION

A previous report to you noted our position on the University Capital Outlay list for a new building at the college. If you’ve not heard, we’ve been given the go ahead to begin the process for expanding and renovating the Aviation Education Center. The expansion will include a 51,000 square foot addition and renovations to the current structure, totaling 67,000 square foot building upon completion. We’re in the early stages of reviewing architectural proposals now, but it is forecasted that we will break ground about a year from now.

We’re responsible to raise funds for a portion of the project and are currently developing donor opportunities for those who wish to be a part of, and contribute to, this exciting project. If you’ve got some ideas, I’d welcome your thoughts and ideas.

WEBSITE

The  format has been recently updated and transferring information is still a work in progress. We continue to make changes every day and plan to have the site fully completed in the next week or two.

IN CLOSING

I’d like to take a moment to recognize the faculty and staff of the college who, on daily basis, make signification contributions that benefit our students, our college, and WMU. They are dedicated, hard-working, and committed to excellence in aviation education. Many go above and beyond their assigned responsibilities and exhibit effective teamwork across the college and University.

Additionally, we are so grateful for the unwavering support of our advisory board members, numerous partners, corporate leaders, and friends of the WMU College of Aviation. Without your interest in our efforts to remain in the forefront of collegiate aviation, we would not be where we are today. We welcome your comments and questions, so please reach out to me at any time.

Best regards,

Captain Dave Powell

Dean