Making his Mark – Matthew Pruitt’s March into Aviation Management

WMU College of Aviation Management and Operations Student Matthew Pruitt
Posted by Tom Thinnes on

Aviation Management and Operations major, Matthew Pruitt with his best friend, Michael Coldagelli at the Delta Propel WMU Football tailgate.

A family friend's gift of an airplane flight to mark Matthew Pruitt's 10th birthday is turning into a lifetime benefit.

That sparked a love of being in the clouds and pointed the Indianapolis junior toward seeking his pilot's license.  But a medical issue forced his grounding by the Federal Aviation Administration and Pruitt proved there is more than one way to skin an aviation cat.  He's now a major in aviation management and operations with a double minor in general business and tourism.

"I decided to attend WMU because the College of Aviation offers one of the best programs in the country that includes an emphasis on aviation management and operations," Pruitt says.  "My instructors have years and years of experience in this field, and that is incredibly valuable."

Case in point is faculty specialist Jessica Birnbaum.  "She has helped me build connections with staff at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport where she used to work. Denver's international airport is also on her resume.   Not only does she and her colleagues bring real-world experiences into the classroom, but they also create ties for students to industry partners who can guide and mentor them in their early careers."

Birnbaum's course in introduction to airports ranks as Pruitt's favorite, calling it a look at an airport's logistics and operations "from 30,000 feet.  It's an overview of how airports are planned, constructed, operated and regulated. The highlight is the final project.  Students are given the entire semester to conduct research and make or write a presentation about an airport of their choice.  Students must reach out to industry professionals for data and hone their research skills."

Pruitt is learning the value of networking from his instructors and applying that to his total college experience.  He's been the treasurer of the Aviation Student Council and is the current vice president of the Western chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).  The latter has connected him to mentors around the nation.

The WMU American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) chapter touring the South Bend International Airport.

"The AAAE is a great place to learn about airports and how they operate," he says.  He's taking part in one of AAAE's certification programs that introduces him to the details of airport operations and management.  "It gives you a leg up over other candidates in the job-application process.  It is a terrific organization."

And that's not all of his extracurricular activities.  He's been part of the Western Student Association representing the interests of fellow aviation students and active in a Christian ministry on campus.

"While this may seem like a lot," Pruitt says, "I believe that the more friendships and connections one can make, the better."  

And not just in his chosen field.  His interactions have introduced him to studies in the fine arts and multimedia technology.  "Getting involved is the best way to make new friends and explore who you are as a young adult."

Over the last two years, Pruitt has interned at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and not because there is speed both in the air and its counterpart on the race track.  There is more common ground, Pruitt believes.  "The auto-racing complex and airports are major facilities with large-scale operations.  Being there offered insights into the logistics involved in them operating efficiently and successfully."

Before Covid-19 monkey wrenched America's normalcy, Pruitt had lined up a summer internship in Nevada that was more aligned with his major.  "I truly think that internships solidify a student's interest in a particular field of study, even if it does not directly match with one's degree.  It can still be helpful and insightful."

Matthew and WMU friends Aaron and Michael with the winner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedw

Pruitt has never regretted his choice to pursue an education.  "My favorite part about WMU is the learning environment and the community that surrounds the students.  It doesn't matter if you are studying aviation or nursing, fellow students will reach out and help in any way possible."

An avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, skiing and other water sports around Michigan, he agrees that Kalamazoo and Battle Creek themselves offer ample opportunities.  "There is no excuse for being bored in this part of the state," says the advocate of the school of "If you can't find anything to do, you are not looking hard enough."

Once that COA diploma is pinned on his wall, Pruitt wants to exist in "a challenging work environment" as he strives "to become the best possible employee."  That, he hopes will lead him to becoming an executive at a major airport on the West Coast.

To which his College of Aviation mentors say, "Go for it."