Southeast Missouri State University has announced Miranda Sullivan as its new director of aviation operations following the retirement of Dr. Ken Jackson. Sullivan has been a faculty member with the program since its launch in 2021.

“I am so excited to pick up the baton that others have carried to this point and continue to provide quality aviators,” Sullivan said.

The director of aviation operations primarily promotes the program and works with recruitment efforts as well as serves the liaison between the University and its partner U.S. Aviation. Sullivan will pick up these duties in addition to continuing as a faculty member in the program. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aviation from South Dakota State University.

“We are pleased to welcome Miranda into this new role,” said Dr. Carlos Vargas, president of Southeast. “She has been a critical member of the team responsible for the success we have seen so far from the program, and I have no doubt she will continue to take it to great heights.”

Southeast’s professional pilot program has seen rapid growth since its launch in fall 2021. The inaugural class had 36 students enrolled. In its second year, that number has grown to 58. Southeast is currently seeking to hire two additional faculty to keep pace with the growth, something Sullivan doesn’t see signs of slowing.

“The aviation industry is thriving,” she said. “The airlines are retiring more pilots than they can hire. Now is the time to kick off an aviation career. Plus, our program is cost effective and gets students engaging with aviation their first semester. Students can come in with zero aviation experience and be a flight instructor in two years while finishing their degree requirements.”

Sullivan says the program’s quality isn’t based solely on the hands-on experience students receive but on the support and partnerships that have been built.

“When you have wonderful people backing an exceptional program, success is inevitable. I am extremely proud of the people who have made the growth possible. The University and community have shown so much support for the professional pilot program,” said Sullivan. “The students are also a large part of our success. They are building the legacy of this program by their hard work and dedication.”

As for why students should enter aviation and why to do so at Southeast, Sullivan feels like it is a smart investment.

“The job security, exceptional opportunities, and expected income are great selling points. I do not know of many other jobs that will pay their employees to fly to so many exciting and beautiful places,” she said. “As for Southeast, we know our students. Every student who comes through our program is more than a name on a class list. We build relationships that will carry them into the aviation community. Our students are already soaring to new heights, and we are excited to continue that growth in the years to come.”