Clarence "Pappy" VanDeventer

WMU Associate Professor, Army Air Force Training Instructor, Pilot, Henry Hall Director

WMU College of Aviation Hall of Honor Class or 2014

Upon graduating in 1946 with his bachelor’s degree from Winona Teachers College, VanDeventer was committed to combining his avocation with his vocation.  Prior to coming to Western Michigan University, he was a teacher and established the Aviation Department at Hammond Technical Vocational High School, in Hammond, Indiana.  While World War II raged in Europe and the Pacific, VanDeventer served as an instructor for the Army Air Force Cadet Training Program.  During 1958, he earned his master’s degree from Purdue University.  In addition, he was a licensed FAA commercial pilot, flight instructor, airframe and powerplant mechanic and served as the Dormitory Director for Henry Hall from 1960 – 1966, and Eldridge-Fox Halls from 1966 – 1968.  He also acted as the student Aviation Advisor in the Transportation Technology Department from 1969 until he retired in 1975.  Throughout his tenure at Western Michigan University, VanDeventer helped establish programs and carry on traditions that live today.  Not only did he serve as an advisor to WMU’s competitive flight team, the Sky Broncos, VanDeventer was also instrumental in establishing the Western Michigan University Pilot Training Program in 1956.