The Buckeye State’s role in aviation is well documented. With
names like the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong and John Glenn, Ohio has a rich
history of aerial pioneers. That tradition includes Cincinnati where John Paul
Riddle and T. Higbee Embry founded the Embry Riddle Company at Lunken Airport in
1925, and opened the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University the following year.
After 89 years and expanding to 150 locations nationwide, Embry-Riddle has
blossomed into a world-renown institute that continues to mold the future of of
flight.
“You’re not just getting a technical degree, you’re getting an
education that will make you successful in whatever you do,” says Brady
Templeton, who received his bachelor’s degree in aeronautics and a master’s in
business administration of aviation from Embry-Riddle Cincinnati. He’s now
president of Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services Inc. at Wilmington
Air Park.
An aircraft mechanic by trade, Templeton watched as less
experienced and knowledgeable individuals began getting promoted because of
their education. It was the motivation he needed to get back in the classroom in
2004.
“I turned 40 and I knew I wanted to continue to have opportunities
in my field and I knew a degree would be required,” he says.
While at Embry-Riddle, Templeton was among a diverse student body,
from seasoned technicians to recent high school graduates.
Like many other alumni, Templeton’s hands-on expertise proved
beneficial.
“Having 20 years experience and going into my program that was
focused on what I did every day certainly put me in a position to be
knowledgeable about the classroom material,” he says.
Matthew Kahn, an adjunct assistant professor at Embry-Riddle since
2007, teaches aeronautics and transportation courses. As a manager of flight
control for Delta Private Jets at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International
Airport, Kahn draws upon his personal experience for instruction. He also holds
a bachelor’s and master’s degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle. His mix of
professional and academic experience is a cornerstone of the school’s
curriculum.
“Embry-Riddle does a good job of marrying real world application
with technical and theoretical material,” says Kahn.
Along with aviation, graduates from Embry-Riddle have entered a
wide array of industries, including aerospace, unmanned aerial systems, fire
science, health care, professional development, transportation logistics and
more.
Offering associates to master’s degrees, Embry-Riddle also has a
diverse curriculum that includes courses such as History and English, which are
far removed from the aviation lexicon.
“Embry-Riddle provided me with what I considered a solid education
and prepared me very well and gave me a variety of challenges,” says Templeton.
“You’re not only getting a technical degree, you’re getting an education in
things that will make you successful.”