Dean, College of Aviation and Aeronautical Science

LeTourneau University is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the College of Aviation and Aeronautical Science as it experiences its strongest enrollment in its history, requiring investments in the program and infrastructure. The dean will cast a compelling vision for the college that aligns with LeTourneau University’s latest strategic plan and comprehensive campaign, which will include key investments in faculty, facilities, and aviation programs. The dean must embody and be able to articulate the character and purposes of the university as stated in our Vision and Mission and set forth in our Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. This individual must be animated by an authentic and vital personal Christian faith; the hands-on, Christian polytechnic education of LeTourneau University; and the opportunity to prepare students who influence the world for Jesus Christ through the vocation of aviation.

For more information about the dean opening, see the full announcement. 

Aviation at LeTourneau University

The College of Aviation and Aeronautical Science enrolls approximately 300 students across its professional aviation programs. The college’s leadership team, consisting of the dean, associate dean, director of flight maintenance, safety manager, and two department chairs lead eight full-time faculty and 30 dedicated flight instructors, lab technicians, mechanics, and support staff. Small class sizes and personal advising ensure that students receive the support they need from our expert faculty who bring airline, corporate aviation, and Christian missions experience into the classroom. Our outstanding classrooms, labs, simulators, and flight facilities are located at the Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center, which opened in 2009 and is located at the East Texas Regional Airport (KGGG). While most students come from Texas, the college attracts top students nationally and internationally who excel in their studies and in competitions. In 2009, the college’s National Intercollegiate Flight Association (NIFA) team was awarded the Loening Trophy for the top collegiate aviation program in the United States. This team consistently earns first-place honors in the regional NIFA SAFECON competition each fall and placed third overall at the 2022 national SAFECON competition.

As the only comprehensive, university-level aviation program in the state of Texas, the college offers a variety of aviation degrees, including aircraft maintenance, professional flight, aviation management, unmanned aircraft systems, and mission aviation. Each of these degrees includes concentrations that allow students to add a specialization to the primary degree, broadening their career options. All degrees are taught from a Christian perspective where the integration of faith is of utmost importance.

Flight courses feature an FAA Part 141 competency-based curriculum and are taught in an ideal training environment with good weather year-round and minimal airspace congestion. Students fly a modern mix of aircraft, including a unique private pilot training experience accomplished in tailwheel aircraft, laying a solid foundation of flight skills. Aircraft used for flight training include Garmin G1000-equipped Cessna 172 Skyhawks, Piper PA-44 Twin Engine airplanes, and American Champion “tail wheel” Citabrias. Our aircraft maintenance courses and labs are approved under Part 147 and cover a broad range of topics, including reciprocating and turbine engines, electrical systems, and composite structures. Facilities include engine run-up areas, numerous engines, systems cut-aways, and static airframes.

LeTourneau University’s College of Aviation & Aeronautical Science was launched in 1956 and operated out of university founder R.G. LeTourneau’s aviation business at the Gregg County Airport (KGGG) in Longview, TX. In 1958, the aircraft mechanic training program was certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and pilot training was added in the early 1970s. The first B.S. degree in Aviation Technology was launched in 1980 and included coursework for an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate and a Commercial Pilot certificate.

Primary Responsibilities

• Setting an ambitious and compelling vision for the college that supports the university’s mission, heritage, Christian Polytechnic identity, and strategic plan
• Fostering a healthy environment for faculty, staff, and students that supports teaching, learning, discipleship, and scholarship
• Supervising the recruitment, development, evaluation, and retention of faculty and staff
• Ensuring high standards in the college’s programs
• Working with department chairs and campus leaders to cultivate existing programs, assess the need for new and/or expanded offerings, and launch new programs or initiatives that strengthen the university's position as the Christian Polytechnic University
• Partnering with campus leaders to strengthen and increase enrollment and visibility of the college
• Partnering with campus leaders to set funding priorities for the college and participating in strategic fundraising efforts for our ambitious comprehensive campaign
• Leading the investment and expansion of the Abbott Aviation Center facilities
• Developing and maintaining strong partnerships with alumni, industry, and donors, including the Industrial Advisory Committee
• Overseeing the college’s administrative and financial affairs, including flight operations and strategic investments in labs and equipment
• Maintaining FAA compliance of all operations and programs
• Working collaboratively with six academic deans and the Provost’s Office to provide input and insights on strategic decisions for the good of the university as a whole

The dean should be a visionary leader, strategic thinker, and excellent communicator with a minimum of a master’s degree in aviation or closely related field. This individual is expected to demonstrate a mature personal faith in Jesus Christ, the ability to articulate and champion integration of faith and learning, the desire to engage the broader evangelical Christian community, and agreement with the University’s Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. Additional qualifications include:

• A person of deep personal faith and absolute integrity who engenders trust
• A record of excellence in administration, including strategic planning, budgeting, and team building
• Academic credentials that qualify the candidate for the rank of Associate Professor in the College of Aviation and Aeronautical Science
• An ability to provide innovative leadership internally while advancing the college externally
• Outstanding academic and professional experience with a demonstrated track record in effective teaching and scholarship
• Experience with and a working knowledge of the FAA and relevant requirements for instruction and higher education
• Enthusiasm for meeting the changing needs of traditional residential students and working professionals through face-to-face, online, and hybrid instruction
• Significant understanding of the profession and the competencies to be required of graduates
• An open, transparent, and collaborative spirit; a desire to empower others; a consensus-building management style predicated on mutual respect and active listening; and the skill to inspire colleagues
• An ability to build trust through collaborative decision making, embracing shared governance, and a demonstrated commitment to academic freedom
• A strong appreciation for Christian higher education and the unique strategic vision of LeTourneau University

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, CV, completed application, and copies of unofficial transcripts by November 30, 2022, for full consideration. Applications after that date will be reviewed as received until the position is filled. Applications are available at www.letu.edu/jobs and should be submitted electronically to:

In accordance with applicable provisions of federal law, applicants for employment who are in agreement with the educational mission of LeTourneau University and applicants for admission to educational programs or activities are considered without discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, handicapping condition, national origin or genetic information.  Inquiries about this policy should be directed to the Director of Human Resources, (903) 233-4170.

LeTourneau University is the premier Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community.

LETU is a Christ-centered, interdenominational institute of higher learning offering more than 85 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, aviation, business & technology, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, engineering, nursing, psychology & counseling and theology & vocation. LETU's 2,700 students represent nearly all 50 states, more than 30 foreign countries, and around 50 different denominational groups.

LETU is consistently recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of "America's Best Colleges," and the engineering program is ranked nationally. LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone 404-679-4500, at http://www.sacscoc.org) to award associate, baccalaureate and master's degrees. LeTourneau University's engineering and engineering technology programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission and the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: 410-347-7700. The Carnegie Foundation classifies LeTourneau University as a Master's (Comprehensive) University II.

The 162 acre main campus is located in Longview, Texas, a progressive hub city with an MSA of over 190,000, nestled among the beautiful pine-forested hills and lakes of East Texas. It is approximately 120 miles east of Dallas, Texas and 60 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana.

See https://www.letu.edu for more information.