Welcome from the Executive Vice President of Embry-Riddle

Executive Vice President
ayersf@erau.edu

My name is Frank Ayers, and I am very pleased to serve as the Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer in charge of the Prescott campus.

I joined Embry-Riddle nearly ten years ago, after a long career in the U.S. Air Force, and I actively participate in nearly every part of student life on campus from supporting the flight team to serving on homecoming committees. I take pride in having been deeply involved in developing and nurturing academic programs that make our Embry-Riddle students the envy of the aviation, engineering and public service sectors.

I am a 1986 graduate of Embry-Riddle and completed my doctorate in education in 2008. As a fifty-something year-old student, I was doing nightly homework just like every other Embry-Riddle student, so I understand the challenges they face. Your sons and daughters are the reason I come to work every day and I would like to develop a more personal relationship with you as well.

Let me tell you about what your students will be doing this fall. A group of engineering and business students are building and marketing a 300 mph jet dragster (not to worry, we will have a professional driver, Elaine Larsen, behind the wheel). Our nationally recognized “Golden Eagle Flight team” has dominated national competition, winning 7 national championships, and they are getting ready for number 8.

Our global studies students will be planning and executing a national conference on global security. Our athletic teams continue to impress us with their competitive spirit, stellar grade point averages, and their sportsmanship. The Air Force and Army ROTC detachments commissioned 44 2nd Lts. last semester, and have a full slate of leadership activities for this year. Two of our student flight instructors, and grad students, Kristen McTee and Kristine Anthony, flew over 4,000 miles to complete the “Women’s Air Classic” Air Race.

In a recent NASA competition, 3 sophomore Engineering students placed 7th overall, among 35 prestigious engineering schools (most made up of Senior level students) and our Lunar All-Terrain Regolith Excavator (LAR-E) robotics team finished fourth, out of 75 teams nationally and won the trophy for “most innovative design”. 

Let me also tell you what Embry-Riddle is doing for our nation right now. Nicole Stott, (pictured proudly flying the Embry-Riddle colors) is an astronaut and a graduate of Embry-Riddle’s Engineering program. She flew on the Space Shuttle last Spring, along with another Embry-Riddle alumnus, Al Drew. Their flight was supervised by Senior Mission Controller, Norman D. Knight (another Riddle alum). Embry-Riddle graduates dominate the engineering staffs at Boeing, Cessna, and other major manufacturers; Embry-Riddle pilots are the largest and highest quality single group of commercial pilots in the world. They make our skies safer every day. Graduates of our Global Security and Aviation Business programs are taking seats at the Treasury Department, State Department, and in the boardrooms of aviation businesses around the country.

Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me with your questions, suggestions and concerns. I will always get back to you personally within one day on any issue. Also, please communicate with our deans and department chairs. They can also help you, especially with academic issues. The best part of Embry-Riddle is the close relationship between students, faculty, and parents that starts at the top. I look forward to getting to know you better and meeting you personally at our Parents’ & Family Weekend in the spring.

Warm regards,

Dr. Frank Ayers
Executive Vice President
Chief Academic Officer