Hometown: Springfield, Missouri Degree: Bachelor’s in aerospace administration and operations, with a professional pilot option
Rachel
Earnhardt 2017 Graduate
How did the College of Education, Health and Aviation prepare you for life after college? My professors and flight instructors at OSU prepared me well for the leap into the real world following graduation. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn, connect and explore the world of aviation. My time in the aviation program at Oklahoma State was more than just my education. I made connections that paved the way for my future career, and I met my lifelong friends. What was the highlight of your college career? I was a member of the Flying Aggies, and I was on the flight team, so definitely flight team competitions! I was awarded the Top Female Pilot at the Region VI NIFA competition in 2015, and I placed on a national level at NIFA 2016 competition. What advice would you give to future aviation students? I would encourage anyone in the aviation program to get involved as much as they can and connect with as many people as possible. By competing on the flight team and going to nationals, I made connections that led to an internship with United Airlines. That opportunity ultimately brought me to my current position with Lufthansa Aviation Training.
Occupation: Assistant professor of Aviation & Space
Dr. Matt Vance
What is your favorite part of teaching OSU students and preparing them for successful careers? I get to interface with young adults who both love and respect my career field — this is mutually motivating. We both benefit and get to talk about and fly airplanes in multiple venues, formally in the classroom, in the simulators and in our aircraft (as I am privileged to teach in all three). I am especially jazzed when I am able to transition timidity into confidence and witness a student demonstrating aeronautical prowess they did not know they were capable of showing. How does the OSU aviation program influence its students’ college experiences? Our faculty and staff model the professional behaviors we expect of our students. We encourage and reward motivation and team players. Additionally, we offer a full university experience with an airport close to campus. We should shortly be able to offer a seaplane license, too. What impact do you see scholarships and other donor funding have on students and the aviation program? The attention and benefit from scholarships and donor funding resonates with the students. Donors provide an opportunity for the students to connect with aviation professionals who have preceded them in the field.
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