“I am so excited to participate in the fellowship program. I am honored and humbled by the selection, as well as the opportunity to work with Dr. Godard and his team,” Noto said.

The Program, launching this fall, allows talented Southeast faculty to explore academic leadership roles at the University’s highest levels. Faculty Fellows will hone their skills as faculty leaders during an academic year by working closely with Provost’s Office staff on projects meaningful to them and the University. 

Southeast Provost Dr. Mike Godard said he is looking forward to working with Noto. 

“Dr. Noto’s passion for Southeast Missouri State University and our students is infectious,” he said. “She is always looking for innovative ways to engage our students and provide experiential learning opportunities. I am pleased that she will serve as our inaugural Provost Faculty Fellow, and I am confident that she will contribute in many meaningful ways to our efforts in Academic Affairs this coming academic year.”

As part of the Program, Faculty Fellows must develop and finalize a project that contributes to or advances the work of Academic Affairs and supports the goals of the University’s Strategic Action Plan.

Noto was selected for her interest in developing an airport management degree option within the Department of Management and the hospitality management program. Her focus will be on the potential to expand the University’s aviation footprint and assess the feasibility of an airport management program that will serve the increasing workforce needs, Godard said.

Southeast’s Professional Pilot Program launched in the fall 2021, with its inaugural class of students completing their first year in the program this month. The program partnered with US Aviation Group (USAG) and the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, creating unique opportunities for Southeast students in and out of the classroom.

The Professional Pilot program comes as regional, national and international demand in the industry increases – providing a unique, career-ready opportunity for Redhawk pilots, as well as for other career opportunities with hospitality management and the industry, Noto said. 

“With the introduction and success of our aviation program, I saw an opportunity to partner with them to provide an opportunity for the students to complement their careers with management/business skills,” said Noto, who also received positive feedback from the Cape Girardeau Airport Operations Manager. “This will provide a new academic option for our students in the aviation program, the management program, as well as our airport partner to remain competitive and expand our footprint in the aviation industry.”

Noto will also participate in Deans’ Council meetings and other University level council/committee meetings. She will also have leadership coaching conversations with and shadow Godard and others in meetings or other activities that are relevant to her project.