A521.1.4.RB- Stories in your organization

Aviation and Embry-Riddle have always had a lifelong partnership that grew and flourished into vision and values. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the world’s leader in aviation and aerospace education.

Born and raised three exits away from Daytona Beach, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was basically in my backyard. The institution always had a wonderful reputation but I did not make the connection that this is an organization I should be a part of on my own. I was fortunate to finally get connected and began my employment in September 2013 as an Academic Advisor for the Graduate program at the Worldwide Online campus. In several ways, I am being told that I am only half way to that one-year click, but the landscape of ERAU’s story is quickly materializing. I see the big picture and it is beautiful.

There are three campuses that students may attend located in Daytona Beach, Florida, Prescott, Arizona and Worldwide, which is made up of over 150 campuses literally worldwide. As an advisor for the Worldwide Online campus I connect and communicate with students in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada and the Middle East daily comprised of both civilian and military backgrounds. As part of the Worldwide campus there are five modalities to learn from that range from in-person, online, an option to attend from home through the EagleVision classroom, go to a classroom with an EagleVision instructor and a blended variation of the four other modalities.

ERAU states that we are “committed to an expansion of opportunities” and that has been such a significant statement that it could be described as a story always being written and constantly in flux. Even within just the six months on board, I have seen changes and updates many times already. I also see continuous announcements and plans for upcoming changes and updates, too.  Growth occurs through new buildings, technology, projects, programs, education, which go on to receive varied awards, achievements and accolades. I am not kidding when I say that we as an organization move as fast an airplane! I have also been personally encouraged toward taking any opportunity for personal and professional development.

I think what can be expected of Embry-Riddle is that complacency and stagnation are not ideal situations and are unlikely to occur. New ideas are welcomed and met with open arms. ERAU is not afraid to be on the cutting edge and jump on board with trying and perfecting anything new. The word “new” is a happy word, not a fear-inducing term. With, ERAU, expect progress to always be on the horizon. A constant collage of community and culture are created by improvements and facilitation. If ERAU as an organization were a person I would say it would be a person with a big brain and a big heart. It is a healthy organization that thrives because of the willing attitude in the leadership and throughout the organization. The culture is impacted positively because there is always something new to learn, get involved with and be a part of launching. No matter how soon or how long ago you began with the University, you are thought of as valued.