The Duncan Aviation Family Trust has established the J. Robert Duncan Endowed Professorship of Technical Operations at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, marking the first endowed professorship in the college’s history.
Named in honor of Duncan Aviation Chairman Emeritus Robert Duncan, the permanent faculty position will support education, research, curriculum development, and leadership in aviation technical operations.
The Endowed Professor of Technical Operations will help keep WMU’s programs aligned with the evolving needs of aircraft operators, maintenance organizations, manufacturers, and regulators, Duncan Aviation officials added. Areas of focus will include aviation maintenance leadership, safety systems, regulatory frameworks, technical management, and operational best practices.
The position will also provide students with mentorship and greater access to experienced aviation professionals who understand the real-world demands of maintaining and supporting modern aircraft, company officials said.
“Duncan Aviation is thrilled to collaborate with Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation,” said Andy Richards, Chief Operating Officer of Duncan Aviation’s Michigan operations. “WMU’s aviation program is recognized internationally for its leadership in aviation education and serves as an essential element in Duncan Aviation’s talent pipeline. As the industry expands in scope and complexity, WMU has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence. We value this exceptional institution as our partner.”
“This is a meaningful investment in our students and our college,” said Dr. Raymond Thompson, Dean of WMU’s College of Aviation. “Duncan Aviation understands the strength of this industry depends on how well we prepare the next generation of technical operations professionals. This professorship will strengthen our ability to deliver the kind of education that connects directly to the needs of the field.”
The professorship will support the development of several new academic pathways, including a technical leadership pathway within the aviation technical operations bachelor’s degree program, an aviation technical leadership certificate, and a future graduate program in aviation maintenance leadership, according to university officials.
These programs are intended to prepare professionals who can combine hands-on technical expertise with the leadership, communication, and decision-making skills required to manage complex aircraft maintenance and operational environments.
“Despite being a highly technical field, our industry relies on the talent and passion of its people to drive progress,” Richards said.
Duncan Aviation has partnered with WMU’s College of Aviation for many years through internships, scholarships, operational support, and hands-on learning opportunities. The company established an aviation maintenance internship program for WMU students in 2008 and created a maintenance scholarship in 2014. Duncan Aviation and WMU also share a presence at Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field and have collaborated on educational experiences such as the WMU Aviation Summer Camp.
Duncan Aviation provides airframe inspections and maintenance, engine maintenance and overhauls, retrofits for cabin and flight deck avionics systems, paint and interior refurbishment, and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Complete service facilities are located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. The company also has dozens of support facilities located throughout the United States.
For more information: DuncanAviation.aero, WMich.edu/Aviation
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