SATS Guru Soon to be Called 'Doctor,' Too

Ken Stackpoole, a 22-year Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University staff and faculty veteran, has been named the school's director of government relations.

In his new position, Dr. Stackpoole will be the university's emissary to the various government entities. He will encourage legislation that is favorable or helpful to the institution, will seek governmental grants for Embry-Riddle research projects, and will make university staff and faculty aware of government support in their particular areas. 

"Ken Stackpoole has been the university's liaison with NASA and the key Embry-Riddle contributor on the much-lauded Small Aircraft Transportation System project," said Dr. George Ebbs, president of Embry-Riddle, "but his work as director of business development for the Southeast SATS Lab is only the latest in a series of projects and positions that have prepared Ken for this important and demanding assignment."

Stackpoole has served as special assistant to the president and director of flight training at Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses. He was also program manager of the ERAU-U.S. Air Force Flight Screening program for ROTC, Speaker of the Faculty Senate, and co-developer and director of the Embry-Riddle Summer Flight Institute. Stackpoole holds the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Flight Instructor Certificate, has been authorized as an FAA Pilot Examiner, and has more than 4,500 hours flight time, including over 4,000 as a flight instructor.  

"I am excited about representing Embry-Riddle's interests at all levels of government," Stackpoole said. "This is an opportunity to play an important role in the university's current and future growth."

Stackpoole recently completed the requirements for a Ph.D. in public affairs from the University of Central Florida and holds an M.S. and B.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle.

FMI: www.erau.edu