Dr. Thomas Connolly,
Embry-Riddle’s first Presidential Endowed Chair in Aviation,
is the university’s new Daytona Beach Chancellor.
Since joining Embry-Riddle in 1973, Connolly has held numerous
administrative positions, including Interim Chancellor from 1998 to
2001. Connolly also served as Chair of the Flight Department, Chair
of the Aeronautical Science Department, and Dean of the School of
Aviation. Connolly is replacing Dr. Irwin Price, who is
retiring.
“Dr. Connolly enters the Chancellor’s office with a
wealth of experience in all areas of university
administration,” said Dr. John Johnson, Interim President of
Embry-Riddle. “In addition to his excellent record of
academic service, he brings a background and first-hand knowledge
of aviation to the central administration and cabinet.”
Following input from the university’s various
stakeholders, and based on the recommendations of the search
committee, it is clear that Dr. Connolly has strong campus support,
Johnson added.
Connolly has published numerous articles on aviation education;
is a past president of the University Aviation Association; is the
1995 winner of the National Aeronautic Association Brewer Trophy
“for significant contributions of an enduring value to
aviation and aerospace education”(on permanent display at the
Smithsonian Air & Space Museum); is a “National
Winner” of the FAA Administrator’s Championship Award
for excellence in aviation education; and is a recipient of the
United Airlines/University Aviation Association Wheatley Award for
outstanding contribution to aviation education. He has also served
as an International Visiting Professor in Aviation with Massey
University in Auckland, New Zealand.
“I am honored to
step into the role of Chancellor, a position that is pivotal to the
success of this campus and this university,” Connolly said.
“I look forward to the challenge, and I am pleased to have
the opportunity to solidify and advance Embry-Riddle’s
reputation as the top university in the nation specializing in
aviation and aerospace education.”
As an aviator, Connolly holds a Citation Jet type rating, a
flight instructor certificate, and an appointment as an FAA
Aviation Safety Counselor. After beginning his career with six
years active duty as a naval aviator, he transferred to the Naval
Air Reserve, where he retired in 1985 with the rank of
Commander.
Connolly holds a doctorate in Education from Nova University and
bachelor and master degrees from Loras College in Dubuque,
Iowa.
He resides in Port Orange, Fla., with his wife, Barbara. The
Connollys have two married daughters and seven grandchildren.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest,
fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace,
offers more than 30 degree programs in its colleges of Arts and
Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. Embry-Riddle
educates more than 32,000 students annually in undergraduate and
graduate programs at residential campuses in Prescott, Ariz., and
Daytona Beach, Fla., through the Extended Campus at 136 teaching
centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East,
and through distance learning.
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