Faculty and Staff

Distinguished Teaching Award

Each year Western Michigan University recognizes outstanding teaching by awarding one or more Distinguished Teaching Awards. The Selection Committee invites you to nominate a faculty member you believe should be considered for this award. For more info visit Distinguished Teaching Award Criteria.

College of Aviation faculty members bring extensive experience in aviation education and the aviation industry to the classroom. Their backgrounds include experience in flight, maintenance, manufacturing, technology and management. They have worked with organizations such as NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the Air National Guard, Beech Aircraft, Cessna Aircraft, Learjet Corporation and Parker ABEX, NWL Aerospace. Several faculty members have extensive flight experience in the transport category and in jet aircraft with ATP and CFI ratings. Others have extensive maintenance experience in both general aviation and the airline industry.

In addition to teaching activities, faculty members are actively engaged in research on some of the top aviation issues of the age including: Crew resource management, Harmonization of American and European credential requirements, Aviation safety and culture and Human factor causes of airplane accidents.

Faculty research is applied directly to improvements and innovations in the College of Aviation's training and academic programs. It is also shared with other schools, training facilities, and industry experts in order to make advancements in flight science and training and to enhance the College of Aviation's reputation in the field of aviation.

Advisory Board

The College of Aviation Advisory Board is comprised of aviation professionals who have agreed to devote their time and share their expertise with the college. Board members advise the college on such issues as industry trends, career placement, and provide industry focus. Each program taught in the college is represented by one or more members of the advisory board. In some cases, board members cover more than one area of expertise.

Dean Dave Powell - Office of the Dean
George Franklin, President: Franklin Public Affairs; WMU CoA Advisory Board Chair
Sidney Adams, Commissioner: MDOT Aeronautics Commission
Jeff Breneman, Sr. Vice President: mCapitol Management
Tim Beuschel, Chief Pilot: Kellogg Corporate Aviation
Dave Bushy, President and COO: Cape Air/Nantucket Airlines
Boyd Falconer, Ph.D., Client Partner: Korn/Ferry International
Rick Fiddler, Chief Pilot: Alticor Inc.
John Gauch, VP Fleet Sales: Cirrus Design
Albert Glenn, Captain: Fed Ex
Jason Griswold, Managing Director: Brown Aviation Leasing
Greg Hamelink, Manager, Aircraft Maintenance: MASCO Flight Operations
Russell Kavalhuna, Assistant United States Attorney, Criminal Division: United States Department of Justice
Rick Maloney, President & CEO: Pentastar Aviation
Doug Mann, Director, Line Maintenance - DTW: Delta Air Lines
Justin Merkling, Manager, Engine Services: Duncan Aviation - BTL
Bill Ross, Manager, Factory Services: Continental Motors Inc.
Adrienne Stevens, President and CEO: Snap!Office
Christopher Swan, Vice President/General Manager: Component Services
John Wicht, Engineering and Certification Manager: Rapco, Inc.

Updated October 17, 2012

For information about the current advisory board, please email tracey.henry@wmich.edu, or contact the dean's office at 269-964-4544.