Capt. Dave Powell
Hall of Honor Class of 2021
College of Aviation Dean, United Airlines Captain and Chief Pilot, Air Force Pilot, Two-Time Top Gun Award Winner
Arriving at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation in 2003, Captain Dave Powell and a team from United Airlines focused their energies on one task: elevating collegiate aviation into the 21st Century and creating industry ready graduates. As a former pilot, chief pilot and hiring manager at United Airlines, Powell possessed the skills necessary to complete the mission. A former fighter pilot, Powell leveraged the time spent in the Air Force and United Airlines to gather the skills and knowledge necessary to lead a university aviation program. While initially hired as the assistant dean and director of flight operations, Powell ascended to the position of interim dean in 2007, being officially appointed dean in July of 2008. As the longest serving dean at the College of Aviation, Powell lead the team through a period of transformation, expansion, and national recognition. Under his leadership and direction, the College of Aviation procured a new fleet of Cirrus SR-20s, began the process of twin-engine fleet standardization and modernization, facilitated an 80% enrollment growth, committed resources focused on overhauling the technical operation labs, and spearheaded the genesis and completion of the 2021 Aviation Education Center improvements and expansion. Furthermore, he led teams which fostered and cultivated relationships with numerous industry partners, culminating in the development and establishment of industry changing accelerated career pathways, such as United Aviate, Delta Propel, and AAR’s Eagle Career Pathway Program.