Aviation Pioneer, Leader In Aerospace Ops And Safety

Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, a trailblazer in aviation and a world leader in aerospace operations and safety, has been appointed Dean of the College of Aviation at the Prescott, Arizona, campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Leavitt will start her position as Dean in February 2026. She joins ERAU after an esteemed 31-year career in the U.S. Air Force that included becoming the service’s first female fighter pilot and the first woman to command an Air Force combat fighter wing.

In her most recent position, Leavitt was the Chief of Safety for the Air Force and Space Force. There, she directed aviation, ground, weapons, space, and nuclear safety programs and was the inaugural chair of the Joint Safety Council. She collaborated with Department of Defense partners to advance a proactive approach to safety and working to bolster national accident-prevention efforts.

Leavitt has over 3,000 flight hours including more than 300 combat hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Weapons School.

Leavitt’s command roles include commander of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the Air Force Recruiting Service and the Air Force Safety Center.

Dr. Ken Witcher, Chancellor of Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus said, “Maj. Gen. Leavitt is an exceptional leader whose service reflects the values and aspirations of our campus. Her experience in flight operations, training and safety, combined with her passion for mentoring the next generation, will serve our students and faculty as the College of Aviation continues to grow under her leadership.”

Leavitt is known for her operational expertise, commitment to safety and ability to inspire future aviators. She is looking forward to joining Embry-Riddle, a leader in aviation and aerospace education.

She said, “The Prescott Campus offers a remarkable environment for developing skilled, safety-minded aviation professionals. I am excited to work with our students and faculty as we prepare our graduates to excel in a dynamic and rapidly evolving aviation industry.”

FMI:  erau.edu/