Presented During UAA 2007 Fall Education Conference

The University Aviation Association (UAA) recently presented its highest award, the President’s Trophy, to Dr. Thomas Connolly, chancellor of the Daytona Beach campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Awarded annually, the President’s Trophy honors significant leadership in the UAA. Dr. Connolly has served as president of the UAA, as an elected member of the UAA Board of Trustees, and in 1990 received the UAA Wheatley Award for outstanding contributions to aviation education.

The President’s Trophy was presented during the UAA’s 2007 Fall Education Conference, held October 17-20 at San Jose State University, CA.

"I’m deeply honored to receive this prestigious award," Connolly said. "It symbolizes the successful long-term partnership of Embry-Riddle and the UAA as we work together to meet the changing needs of the aviation industry and address the challenges of the 21st century."

As a teacher, author, curriculum developer, and administrator, Connolly has been involved in aviation education for over 35 years. On the national level he has served as a visiting team chair for the Council on Aviation Accreditation (CAA) and as a trustee for the CAA and Women in Aviation, International.

Previously, Connolly received the 1989 FAA Administrator’s Championship Award for excellence in aviation education; the 1995 National Aeronautics Association’s Brewer Trophy for significant contributions of an enduring value to aviation and space education; and the 2000 National Congress on Aviation and Aerospace Education Crown Circle Award for extraordinary accomplishments as a leader in aerospace education.

He joined Embry-Riddle in 1973 as an assistant professor and has served as chair of the Flight Training Dept., chair of the Aeronautical Science Dept., dean of Aviation Technology, interim chancellor, and International Visiting Professor of Aviation at Massey University in Auckland, New Zealand. Currently he holds the Embry-Riddle Presidential Endowed Chair in Aviation.

www.uaa.aero, www.erau.edu