The training is highly selective, demanding, and rigorous. To be considered for the academy, applicants must be physically and mentally fit and meet FAA standards for vision, hearing, and cardiovascular, neurological, and psychological health, according to the . Less than 10% of those who apply are accepted into the academy. 

Trainees, who receive an hourly salary while enrolled at the academy, use tabletop models of airports and control tower simulators to replicate managing plane takeoffs and landings while in a high-stress, high-stakes environment. Each year, about 1,500 trainees pass through the doors of the FAA Academy and roughly 35% of them drop out.

“Everyone I know who has been through the academy says I would be a good fit for it,” Miller said. 

Once she completes her training at the academy, Miller will be assigned to work at an airport and must gain one to three years of on-the-job experience before becoming a certified professional controller. Within three years in the field, she can expect to earn more than $160,000 per year, the average salary for a certified professional controller, according to the FAA.

For Miller, a native of York, Pennsylvania, becoming an air traffic controller is about more than money. She said the plane crashes in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. in January 2025 prompted her to reflect on how she could contribute more effectively to the safety and security of the National Airspace System. 

“Those crashes opened my eyes to the critical need for more air traffic controllers,” Miller said. “Aviation has given me so much, and I want to give back by becoming a controller.”

A place to land

While in high school, Miller earned a private pilot license and realized her love for flying. She attended Mount Saint Mary’s University, a private Catholic university in Emmitsburg, Maryland, for a year while she explored how to channel her passion into a career. That’s when she discovered the growing aviation program at EMU Lancaster.

Miller thrived as a student in the program. She became the third recipient of the school’s Robert J. Rummel Aviation Scholarship, which supports EMU students who have demonstrated an enthusiastic commitment to their academic studies and flight training. The scholarship is distributed over four years and provides an annual award of $5,000.

Miller said her favorite part of the EMU aviation program is the small class sizes and the many ratings and certificates students can earn. “Not many schools have the type of program that EMU does,” she said. “I would totally choose EMU again and again. I’ve had nothing but great experiences.”

Cleared for takeoff

These days, Miller works as an administrative clerk at the FAA’s Flight Standards District Office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She passed her Flight Instructor Checkride on Tuesday, qualifying her to teach student pilots as a certified flight instructor.

Her mentor, John Sibole, an adjunct faculty member in the aviation program and a longtime FAA inspector at the Flight Standards District Office, said that he’s heard glowing reports about her. “She’s such a positive, hardworking young woman, and I look forward to hearing about her success as a leader in the aviation world,” he said.

Amber Lynn, customer service manager for Aero-Tech Services, said that Miller brings a safety-first mindset and a genuine love of learning to her flight training. “I believe she will use the leadership skills and aviation knowledge she has gained over the past few years to become the best air traffic controller she can be,” Lynn said. “The aviation community is lucky to have her.”

The longtime higher education innovator and industry professional said she’s excited to expand access to EMU Lancaster’s transformative learning opportunities and continue building onto the site’s established presence as a trusted educational partner.

“I want people to recognize that we have a gem here,” Mak said. “I feel like we’re kind of hidden, so let’s shine a spotlight on it.”

EMU Lancaster continues to experience growth in its program enrollment and course offerings. Among its recent successful developments:

• The aviation program welcomed another large cohort of students for the fall 2025 semester. Sky-high demand for the program led to a waitlist for the 2025 cohort.
• The site launched an evening Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) cohort, expanding access for working adults and meeting critical needs of the regional health care workforce.
• The Trauma and Resilience in Educational Environments (TREE) program continues to see enrollment growth and is now a fully online asynchronous graduate certificate program.
• The school introduced a new drone certification course, demonstrating its responsiveness to emerging market demands and professional development opportunities. 

Mak said she looks forward to working with the rest of the EMU Lancaster team and the Lancaster community at large to explore new and meaningful partnerships and new ways of delivering innovative and quality educational programs that are relevant to the workforce and professional development needs of the region.

Prior to her expanded role leading EMU Lancaster, Mak helped strengthen the online programs at EMU, particularly at the graduate level. She collaborated with faculty across campus to implement online education best practices, partnered with the Graduate Recruitment Team to enhance prospective student experiences by streamlining website content and lead collection, and worked with the Advancement Team to establish the Online Education Advisory Committee of EMU Alumni, achieving early successes with industry partnerships. 

Before joining EMU in 2024, she served as managing director of the Global Innovation Partnership Program in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems at Drexel University. The program, which she launched, provides valuable remote and in-person educational experiences to students, professionals, and faculty across three continents. 

She holds a doctorate in education with a concentration in higher education leadership and management, a master of science in biomedical engineering, and a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. Each of those degrees is from Drexel University.

Mak has more than 30 years of business executive experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, including serving as vice president of commercialization at Helius Medical Technologies and head of strategy of operations for multiple functions at Bristol-Myers Squibb.

She brings a collaborative and student-centered approach to leadership, along with a deep commitment to EMU’s mission and values. “At the end of the day, I chose EMU because of its values,” she said. “I really like the values of peacebuilding, social justice, community service, and serving with compassion. Those values resonated with me.”

EMU at Lancaster proudly celebrated the achievements of 45 graduates across its undergraduate and graduate programs at the ceremony, held at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania, where it conferred 11 bachelor of science degrees (including six in the aviation program), seven master of arts degrees in education, and 27 graduate certificates.

The Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus, vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging at EMU, delivered the Commencement address. Dycus, who has spent 15 years working in learning communities and ministry settings, including the past six years at EMU, will begin her role as interim president of the university on July 1. She shared words of celebration and encouragement with the graduates, and recognized how they adapted, stretched, and sacrificed to complete their studies.

“You completed assignments with children on your lap, took exams during night shifts, joined Zoom classes between caregiving and work,” she said. “You have balanced more than books. You have raised families, worked jobs, navigated change, and carried responsibility, all while pursuing a vision that wouldn’t let go. You returned to the classroom not because it was easy, but because it mattered.”

That theme of persistence and perseverance was also expressed by EMU President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman in her welcome remarks, reflecting on how many graduates—immersed in their coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic—demonstrated remarkable fortitude and resilience, while testing the bonds of what it means to be a supportive community of learners. Huxman, EMU’s first woman president and its first academic president, is retiring this year after nine years at the helm.

Four members of the graduating class provided perspectives from their time at EMU at Lancaster.

Jill Jones, who earned a graduate certificate in trauma and resilience in educational environments, shared how a breast cancer diagnosis and a decision to transition from teaching kindergartners to preschoolers in a Head Start program led her to EMU at Lancaster. She first scrolled past an ad for the graduate program on her Facebook feed, but when it kept appearing—and a friend texted her suggesting she apply—she decided to take a chance.

“What I found was the most amazing learning experience I have ever encountered: classes with students and professors who were as passionate about teaching others about trauma as I was, connections and relationships with people not only from all over the country but also in different countries, and courses that were so interesting I couldn’t wait to learn more and share what I had learned,” she said. “This program not only made me a better teacher but also a better person, and I use what I learned in this program daily in my classroom and life. It breathed back into me my love of teaching, with my only regret being that I didn’t do it sooner.”

A pair of graduates from the aviation program, Griffin Snyder and Ella Hickey, spoke about their commitment as a class to see everyone succeed. Snyder said they’ve not only learned how to operate aircraft but also how to manage pressure, assess risk, and lead with professionalism. He credited the program with cultivating essential skills in discipline, communication, and perseverance. “At EMU Lancaster, it’s not just about earning our certificates and ratings,” he said. “It’s about the community we built along the way. Together, we have celebrated milestones, supported each other through challenges, and pushed one another to be our best.”

Behind every successful pilot is a team, Hickey said, whether it’s instructors, classmates, or the aviation community. “There was never any hesitation if someone needed help, we were there,” she said, describing late-night study sessions and endless phone calls with classmates. “We showed up for each other in a selfless way, balancing our own goals with a genuine commitment to seeing everyone succeed.”

Wesley Morgan, who earned a BS in Leadership and Organizational Management, spoke about the challenge of balancing coursework with other responsibilities. “All of us have full-time jobs, families, and homes to take care of, and chose to add ‘student’ to the many hats we have been wearing over the past two years,” he said, recalling a time writing a paper at the hospital while his wife and newborn were asleep.

He found support through his cohort in the LOM degree completion program. “We all met together weekly, all had the same assignments, and this meant we were all a part of each other’s lives for the two years we were together,” Morgan said. “We were not just classmates, we became friends as we worked together, struggled together, and learned together. It was a privilege to be a part of this program with the cohort we had.”

EMU at Lancaster offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs and professional development programs to help students excel in today’s workforce.

Meghan Shober performed the prelude for the ceremony. Janet Lind, member of the EMU Board of Trustees, led the opening prayer of invocation. Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at EMU, presented and commissioned the graduates. Dr. David Martin, director of graduate teacher education, and Derek Kline, director of the aviation program, distributed diploma covers to the graduates. EMU President Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman conferred the degrees and provided the Commencement blessing. 

Kline’s distinguished career spans over two decades, including service as captain and first officer at both American Airlines and Piedmont Airlines where he operated domestic and international flights under Part 121 Air Carrier operations. His experience encompasses multi-engine, turbine, and jet aircraft, with DHC-8, B-757, B-767, ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 type ratings.

In addition to his extensive flight experience, Kline has served as a flight instructor, chief pilot and ground instructor, ensuring the highest standards in pilot training and safety through curriculum development and pilot performance evaluations. A Central Missouri State University graduate, Kline holds a bachelor of science degree in aviation management.

“We are thrilled to welcome Derek to EMU,” said Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost and vice president of academic affairs at EMU. “His extensive experience in commercial aviation and his passion for mentoring future pilots aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students for successful careers in aviation. Under his leadership, EMU’s aviation program will continue to grow and provide top-tier education for aspiring pilots.”

EMU’s aviation program has seen significant growth since it launched in 2018 with five students. The program added 24 new students in fall 2024, bringing total enrollment to 46. A total of twenty students have graduated from the program, and six more are set to graduate in May. Demand for the program remains high, with a waitlist for the 2025 cohort.

“I am truly honored to be the new director of aviation at ��ݮ����,” Kline said. “I was drawn to the incredible growth of the program and the unwavering commitment to providing students with the knowledge to excel in aviation.”

About ��ݮ����’s Aviation Program

��ݮ���� (EMU) established its aviation program in 2018, offering a bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) with a concentration in aviation focusing on professional flight training. In partnership with Aero-Tech Services, Inc., EMU provides a comprehensive pathway for pilot education that equips students with exceptional training and career opportunities in commercial aviation and private charter operations.

As a Part 141 collegiate aviation program, EMU has a reduced requirement for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, allowing graduates to qualify for the ATP with just 1,000 flight hours. Students earn their Private, Instrument, and Commercial Certificates, including a multi-engine rating and their Flight Instructor Certificates.

What do wedding photographers, real estate agents, inspectors and land surveyors have in common?

Answer: They’re all using drones to elevate their business. Whether it’s capturing aerial photos of special events and houses for sale or creating 3D maps of structures and properties, working professionals in a variety of industries are growing increasingly reliant on using drones to get the job done. To do any of those things, however, requires a remote pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

“A lot of people don’t know that,” said John Sibole, former aviation program director at EMU Lancaster. “They think, ‘Oh, if I’m using a drone for a nonprofit, then I don’t need this certificate,’ but that’s not true. You need it for anything you do beyond strictly recreational flying.”

The remote pilot certificate, also known as an FAA Part 107 certificate, is required by the U.S. government for anyone operating a drone beyond recreational purposes. The written knowledge test to earn this credential can be a challenging one, especially for those without a background in aviation.

Fortunately, for those seeking a pathway to commercial drone piloting, a new program at EMU can help prepare them for this test. Offered at both the Harrisonburg and Lancaster campuses through EMU Continuing and Professional Education, the noncredit Drone Certification Program will equip participants with the skills needed for safe and innovative drone operations.

Participants in the program will spend 20 hours of instructional time, from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, learning about essential subjects for the exam: drone regulations, the National Airspace System, weather and preflight planning. The final four hours of the course will involve hands-on experience piloting a drone. After completing the course, participants can schedule the exam at a designated testing center, with locations in Lancaster and Charlottesville. 

“The demand for skilled drone operators is growing across industries, and EMU is excited to offer a program that meets this need,” said Dr. Tynisha Willingham, provost at EMU. “This course not only prepares professionals for FAA certification but also empowers them to use drones in innovative and impactful ways.”

Upcoming course dates include March 28-31 in Harrisonburg and May 2-5 at EMU Lancaster in Lititz, Pennsylvania. For more dates and information, visit: emu.edu/graduate/drone

Sibole, who has over 50 years of professional aviation experience, including service as an FAA inspector, will provide instruction for the courses. He said the program’s in-person training and its concentrated nature sets it apart from other courses, which are done online. “Here, you actually get to fly a drone,” Sibole said, “which wouldn’t be possible through an online course.”

The program is designed to support busy professionals from diverse fields such as agriculture, construction, public safety, live events and sports, though Sibole said it’ll be useful for anyone looking to add another tool to their toolbox. 

“There’s a catchy line the former head of the FAA once said,” shared Sibole. “We’ve had the jet age, the space age, and now we’re in the drone age.”

Watch this video of EMU students, faculty and alumni learning to pilot drones during a training session in September.

The census numbers, collected on Sept. 9, represent undergraduate, graduate, non-degree and non-credit enrollment on the main Harrisonburg, Virginia, campus and the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, site for fall 2024.

“Amidst a challenging higher education environment, I am delighted that EMU is seeing growth in areas that reflect our shared values and ongoing commitment to belonging,” said Braydon Hoover ’11, MA ’21, vice president for enrollment. “It is important to note that while we are reporting our fall enrollment in aggregate, each number represents an individual student who has chosen EMU to be the catalyst of their bright futures. It is a choice we celebrate and a responsibility we take seriously. We will continue to deliver an exceptional education experience that is accessible for them and for all students interested in becoming unifying leaders.”

Explore more data 
in the EMU Fact Book.

The number of incoming students in the aviation program at EMU at Lancaster surged from 9 to 23 (a 155% increase from last year), contributing to a total undergraduate enrollment of 755 students and an incoming class enrollment of 183 students. The Class of 2028 represents 15 states/territories and 10 countries and includes 34% of students who identify as first-generation and 53% who identify as people of color (a roughly 10% increase from last year). Of the incoming class, 43% are athletes.

Top areas of study, starting from most popular, include nursing, business and leadership, STEM, aviation, and education. The Intensive English Program realized an 18% enrollment increase from 84 to 99 students.

This year at least 32 teachers from the Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County public school divisions are renewing their licensure through the Graduate Teacher Education program, further demonstrating EMU’s commitment to community partnerships.

EMU’s retention rate, which is generally used as a gauge of student satisfaction, remains high. According to census data, 76% of the first-year undergraduate students who entered in fall 2023 continued their studies at EMU this semester. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the rate has measured 75% or higher.

“Our retention rate continues to soar above the national average,” said Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham. “Achieving this for six consecutive years is a feat. EMU’s collaborative approach, involving various departments working in synergy, ensures that students receive comprehensive support and have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.”

EMU’s eight graduate programs, which include Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, continue to draw exceptional candidates with total full-time equivalent enrollment at 225 students. The number of new graduate students, including part-time and full-time students, is up by 30%. Those 108 degree-seeking students in the incoming graduate class represent 17 states and 16 countries.

Perhaps the greatest love in his life—other than his wife, Frances, and their children—was aviation. Hartman, an instrument-rated pilot since 1959, managed a small airfield east of Charlottesville in the 1960s. He enjoyed flying through the skies above his home “low and slow” in his 1966 Cessna 172, recalled his friend and legal adviser Marshall Yoder. Hartman delighted in taking his family on his flights and seeing the scenery from a fresh perspective.

“Len was a skilled pilot,” Yoder said. “He would float down and there would barely be a ‘thump’ when he’d land.”

As he entered his 90s, Hartman stopped flying his plane as often and began talking to Yoder about parting with it. He wanted to leave it in the right hands, where it could do the most good. But, he hadn’t yet found the right cause.

When Yoder told him about the burgeoning aviation program at EMU Lancaster and how his plane could greatly impact the next generation of pilots, Hartman found his answer. Before his death in February 2022, Hartman ensured that his beloved Cessna, as well as 25 percent of his estate, would be gifted to EMU. Because the gift was unrestricted, the university and its advancement division could decide how best to use it.

“Len knew there was a worldwide shortage of pilots, and he knew there would always be people interested in flight,” said Braydon Hoover, who worked with Hartman and Yoder on establishing the endowment. “And so, to honor his memory, we decided to put it all into a scholarship named after him.”

The J. Leonard “Len” Hartman Scholarship for Aviation will provide more than $17,000 in funds each year, starting in fall 2025, for aviation students at EMU Lancaster who demonstrate financial need.

The Hartman endowment totals about $345,000, which includes $20,000 from the sale of the Cessna. Hartman’s gift will help EMU live into its vision of opening new pathways of access and achievement, a vision outlined in the university’s 2023-28 strategic plan, Pathways of Promise: Preparing Tomorrow’s Unifying Leaders.

“It has quickly become one of our larger named endowed scholarships,” Hoover said, “for one of the fastest growing programs at EMU.”

You can contribute to scholarships for future aviators at EMU by donating online at and typing “J. Leonard Hartman Aviation Scholarship” or “Scholarship for Aviation” into the text field. Contact kirk.shisler@emu.edu for more details on how to support this worthy cause.

John Sibole, director of aviation at EMU Lancaster, said the scholarships will allow the program to further diversify its student body and recruit students from new areas.

“We at EMU Lancaster would like to express our sincere gratitude for the implementation of the Len Hartman scholarship fund for our aviation students,” Sibole said.

“The flight training component of their education is expensive, and these scholarships, which will be awarded in part on a needs basis, will provide new pathways of access into the aviation profession for underserved young people,” he added.

EMU’s aviation program soars

Word is spreading throughout the aviation industry about the strength of EMU’s program and the quality of its graduates. As a result, the EMU aviation program continues to grow in popularity. The program, which began in 2018 with five students, will welcome 24 students this upcoming semester—its largest cohort yet. Current enrollment in the program is at 49 students. A total of 21 students, in three cohorts so far, have graduated from the program to date.

Students enrolled in the four-year Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) major with an aviation concentration earn a bachelor’s degree and the FAA credentials they need to become professional pilots. Students are paired with flight instructors though EMU’s flight training partner at the Lancaster Airport in Lititz, Pennsylvania. While the program provides at least 270 hours of flight time, many students earn up to 1,000 hours by the time they graduate, said Sibole, noting that nearly 100 percent of their students find jobs within their first year of graduating.

One of the benefits of an aviation program the size of EMU’s is that students are given guaranteed weekly flight training slots with access to aircraft and an instructor. That’s something, Sibole said, that isn’t available at a lot of larger schools.

It’s a major reason Will Stover, a third-year aviation student, chose to attend EMU.

“You’re going to be flying pretty much from day one,” he said. “And you have guaranteed flight slots, so there’s no question you’ll be flying and you’ll be flying regularly.”

When students enter their senior year, they are required to complete a supervised internship with an established aviation organization for a full semester. For many aviation graduates, those internships translate into full-time careers.

During her senior year, Ivy Kreiser, a member of the program’s first cohort, interned at , a private charter and aviation services company in Lancaster. She landed a job there after graduating in 2022 and now works there as a second-in-command.

Becoming a pilot can be expensive. The affordability of EMU’s aviation program, compared to other schools, was a big draw for her.

“The EMU program is great because you’re going to get the education you need, the experience you need, and the flight schools you need,” Kreiser said. “You’re going to meet with professors who will give you the connections you’re hoping for and that you want. And you’re not going to spend as much money as some of the other big programs out there.”

Hartman leaves a legacy

In addition to donating to EMU, Hartman gifted parts of his estate to a library, school, retirement home and church, Yoder said.

The attorney fondly recalls spending afternoons on Hartman’s front porch, talking about everything from politics and religion to Virginia Tech basketball.

“He was such a decent, nice person,” Yoder said. “I miss being able to talk to him. But I think he would be really happy knowing where his bequest is going.”

For more information about EMU’s aviation program, visit:

Gavin Comber

Gavin Comber, of New Freedom, Pennsylvania, envisioned an aviation career where no two days are the same.

Comber developed a keen interest in aviation at the age of 12 when he took control of an airplane for the first time during a summer camp under the guidance of a local flight instructor. Since then, he has been flying regularly to explore new destinations and create new memories.

Click here to learn more about his experiences.

Connor Rhoades

Conner Rhoades, of Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, envisioned an aviation career with infinite opportunities and exceptional experiences.

Rhoades was gifted a Discovery flight as a Christmas present one year; the rest is history. 

Click here to learn more about his experiences.

Jacob Mathers

Jacob Mathers, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, discovered his passion for flying after taking a discovery flight. He knew then that he wanted to become a pilot. He highly values the aviation program’s professors, who share their stories of airline flying and their career progression, which he finds invaluable.

Click here to learn more about his experiences.

Gavin Comber, of New Freedom, Pennsylvania, envisioned an aviation career where no two days are the same.

Comber developed a keen interest in aviation at the age of 12 when he took control of an airplane for the first time during a summer camp under the guidance of a local flight instructor. Since then, he has been flying regularly to explore new destinations and create new memories.

Comber is a student in EMU Lancaster’s leadership and organizational management (LOM) program with a concentration in aviation. By the completion of the four-year program, graduates earn a bachelor’s degree and the FAA credentials they need to begin a professional pilot career.

Comber shares more about his experiences in the program below:

What interests you about aviation? What led you to pursue this career path?

Aviation has always fascinated me because of the excitement and sense of challenge it offers. I always knew I wanted a career where I could do something different every day, and aviation is precisely that. Whether it be different weather conditions, a new airport, or a different airplane, there is always a new challenge and more to learn and experience. I pursued this path after attending a camp run by a now-local Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) named Heskel Burnstein when I was 12. After that first time taking the controls of an airplane, I would take every opportunity I could to get in the air.

Tell us about the friendships you’ve made with your classmates.

Since the first week of class, I knew we had a special group of students in my cohort. I have made so many deep and meaningful friendships with all of them. We are all working toward the same goal, so we naturally want to help each other succeed. We not only enjoy learning about aviation but also spending time together outside of class; whether it’s grabbing snacks at Costco or just hanging out, we’re always up for some fun! The relationships I have built with my fellow classmates, faculty members, and instructors at EMU have been the most rewarding aspect of my time here. Through these connections, I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills that have helped me grow personally and professionally.

What was it like to pass your Private Pilot Checkride?

Passing my Private Pilot Checkride was the best feeling I have ever experienced. I could not wipe the smile off my face the entire rest of the day. It is a huge relief knowing that the hundreds of hours of hard work studying and flying have paid off and that you are now a licensed pilot.

We heard that the Instrument Rating is the most challenging; what makes that so challenging?

Instrument is a challenge because it can be less about the stick and rudder skills of flying and more about learning how to program and be ahead of the airplane, as well as making good decisions and managing your environment. I feel that private training was learning how to fly an airplane, but instrument is learning how to be a pilot and building a skillset that will allow you to effectively manage your aircraft while flying.

Why did you choose EMU?

I chose EMU because of the people and the community. When I went to the open house, I saw the excitement of the staff and the smiles on the students’ faces and knew that EMU was where I wanted to be. I knew that I would get guaranteed flight time and would be able to create great relationships with my instructors and teachers because of the community feel at , our flight partner, and EMU. 

What have you most enjoyed about the program so far?

It is hard to pick what I have enjoyed most because everything has been enjoyable. I have most enjoyed the relationships that I have made and the lifelong friendships that have started at EMU. I have enjoyed flying to new destinations and making new memories on a weekly basis. It is fantastic waking up excited to fly an airplane or see my classmates at school every morning.

What are your professional goals after graduation?

My professional goal is to become an airline pilot, but I am open to other paths. I can’t wait to see where my aviation adventure takes me.

Jacob Mathers, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, discovered his passion for flying after taking a discovery flight. He knew then that he wanted to become a pilot. He highly values the aviation program’s professors, who share their stories of airline flying and their career progression, which he finds invaluable.

Mathers is a student in EMU Lancaster’s leadership and organizational management (LOM) program with a concentration in aviation. By the completion of the four-year program, graduates earn a bachelor’s degree and the FAA credentials they need to begin a professional pilot career.

Mathers shares more about his experiences in the program below:

What interests you about aviation? What led to you pursuing this career path?

For the longest time, I was always looking toward the sky when I heard an airplane fly over. As I grew up, I continued closely watching the aviation world. At first, I was interested in Aerospace Engineering, but that quickly changed when I took my first discovery flight and realized that flying airplanes was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Tell us about your friendships you’ve made with your classmates?

Since week 1, my cohort has been a tight group of classmates (pilots). We all share a passion for working hard and pushing each other in and out of the classroom. Some of the best memories together were during our first semester when we were learning what it took to become certified pilots — evenings turned into nights of flight planning, studying, and talking all about the endless possibilities as pilots.

What was it like to pass your Private Pilot Checkride?

Passing my private pilot checkride was a huge accomplishment. Only taking a bit more than three months to go from zero hours to holding a Private Pilot Certificate was not easy, but looking back, it was absolutely worth it. I passed my checkride right before Christmas (the best Christmas present ever), so naturally, the break from classes was full of flying family and friends.

We heard that the Instrument Rating is the most challenging, what makes that so challenging?

Obtaining an instrument rating allows for a completely different way of flight — not looking outside to figure out where to go. Initially, using outside references to guide yourself through a flight to shifting to using only the instruments inside the aircraft for navigation can be tricky for certain pilots. Personally, I really enjoyed my instrument training as I am a very detailed and precision-oriented person.

Why did you choose EMU?

Besides having Lancaster Airport two miles from my house, EMU was a great fit for me, as it offered an affordable method to obtain a bachelor’s degree but also the necessary certificates and ratings to become an airline pilot. EMU’s partnership with Aero-Tech Services allows for a seamless learning experience in both the classroom and the airplane. I also appreciate the experience the professors provide. Being able to take courses where the professors can share their stories of airline flying and their own career progression is invaluable. 

What have you most enjoyed about the program so far?

So far, I have enjoyed being able to fly as much as I do. From the first week onward, I have been in the airplane, learning something new each time I fly. Being able to share my learnings and hear from my fellow classmates on a personal level has been incredibly helpful as well.

What are your professional goals after graduation?

After graduation, my goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. There are many different ways to build hours toward this goal, such as flight instruction, charter flying, and more, of which I am open to any opportunity. Eventually, I would like to return to where my interest first began: the airlines.

Conner Rhoades, of Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, envisioned an aviation career with infinite opportunities and exceptional experiences.

Rhoades was gifted a Discovery flight as a Christmas present one year; the rest is history. 

Rhoades is a student in EMU Lancaster’s leadership and organizational management (LOM) program with a concentration in aviation. By the completion of the four-year program, graduates earn a bachelor’s degree and the FAA credentials they need to begin a professional pilot career.

Rhoades shares more about his experiences in the program below:

What interests you about aviation? What led to you pursuing this career path?

Aviation is a fascinating field that amazes me with its boundless possibilities. The experiences and sights it offers are endless and continually evolving. My journey in aviation began uniquely. I received a Discovery Flight as a Christmas present and decided to use it early the following year. Little did I know that I would fall in love with flying and choose to pursue it as a profession. Aviation presents an infinite range of opportunities and exceptional experiences.

Tell us about your friendships you’ve made with your classmates?

My friendships with my classmates are much more than just regular friendships. These relationships will be lifelong no matter where life takes us. One thing I’ve learned about this program and the friendships is once you fly with someone, you form a bond unique to each flight you take with that other person, and that experience in and of itself is unbeatable.

What was it like to pass your Private Pilot Checkride?

Passing my Private Pilot Checkride was one of the best feelings in the world. There is so much time and dedication put into studying on the ground and in the air that once you pass it and have the freedom to fly around, the adventure and experiences are endless. It’s simply amazing.

We heard that the Instrument Rating is the most challenging, what makes that so challenging?

In my opinion, an instrument flight can be challenging because it is much different than flying under visual flight rules. However, once learned and practiced regularly, it becomes muscle memory. 

Why did you choose EMU?

I chose EMU because it was local and also a small school. I wanted to be part of a small group of people where I could form close, lifelong friendships. The best part about EMU is the experiences and memories you’ll create with your cohort.

What have you most enjoyed about the program so far?

I have enjoyed flying and building relationships with my classmates. The cohort size is small, making it easier for us to study, fly, and develop closer connections with each other. It’s incredible how quickly we became close friends and spent time together outside of class and flight lessons. The best part of this program is the guaranteed flight time and the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships and friendships right from day one.

What are your professional goals after graduation?

I am still determining which career path to pursue within the aviation industry, but it will likely involve airplanes. The field of aviation is vast and limitless. Besides the airlines, numerous opportunities are available, and it is essential to be open-minded and explore the industry to discover what it has to offer.

At age 16, working as a “line-boy” at a local airport, John Sibole began dreaming of a career in aviation.In the years since, he’s flown in the US Air Force, run his own flight school, worked as an engineer, airline pilot and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspector. Since 2019, Sibole has served as director of aviation at ��ݮ���� at Lancaster.

On Saturday, the full measure of his accomplishments and legacy in aviation was honored with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The award, presented by the Federal Aviation Administration and named in honor of pioneering aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright, recognizes individuals who have exhibited “exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment: with 50 or more years of safe piloting and/or aircraft operations experience.”

Sibole received the honor during an event at the Lancaster Airport to celebrate the graduation of EMU’s first cohort of aviation students — three women who are the most recent of the many pilots he’s mentored over the years of his long career. The event, hosted by program partner Aero-Tech Services, Inc, was held on Saturday, May 14, after EMU at Lancaster’s main Commencement ceremony. 

“I am so grateful for the critical role John Sibole played, from conceptualization to maturation, of the EMU at Lancaster aviation program,” said Mary Jensen, vice president for enrollment and strategic growth. “The generosity of spirit with which he has shared his knowledge and insight is a gift to all of us, but especially to the next generation of aviators who will benefit from his expertise and guidance.”

Sibole is among 56 awardees to date this year. Since its origination in 2003, only 7,139 aviators have received the award since its origination in 2003. “That’s out of hundreds of thousands of pilots,” according to former colleague Elbert M. Bush.

Bush, who authorized the hiring of Sibole for several critical positions within the FAA, said that the award honors not just 50 years as an aviator, but 50 years devotion to the highest level of professionalism. 

“Fifty years of safe flight operations in the National Airspace System as a military aviator, commercial pilot, flight instructor, pilot examiner, and FAA inspector is a testament to John’s commitment and dedication to the art and science of flying,” he said. “Imagine the number of individuals John has interacted with over that span of time. Imagine the influence when it comes to aviation safety. During this journey, John has been a teacher, trainer, therapist, counselor, consultant, coach, and in those roles, he’s also passed on safe flight operations, compliance, and safety standards and best practices to hundreds of fellow aviators.” 

Traditionally, a representative of the FAA attends each awards ceremony. Sibole was honored by the presence of three: Bush and two former colleagues, Gary Martin and Eric Manchon, representing his former assignments at the Harrisburg (Pa.) and Baltimore (Md.) Flight Standards district offices. 

Additionally, three other longtime friends – pilots Joe Shugart, Dave Gurkin and Al Groft – provided “roasts and toasts” prior to the formal presentation of the award. 

Graduates of EMU at Lancaster’s , as well as several FAA credentials. Students split their time between on-site classes at EMU at Lancaster and flight training at Aero-Tech-Services, Inc, in Lititz.

The program has been praised by students for its faculty of experienced aviators and professionals in the industry, as well as for its unique blend of practice and classroom learning. Students are nurtured as leaders, positioned for technical excellence, and prepared for many possible professions with the growing aviation industry, Sibole said. 

Sibole was working as an inspector for the FAA when he accepted the position with EMU at Lancaster.

“I was very happy in my work at the FAA, but began to sense a calling to come to EMU full-time,” he said. “My vision is that this program will produce graduates with the best technical foundation, the potential for leadership, and a framework in which to continue to form godly values.”

Three ��ݮ���� graduates made a surprise flight to their Commencement ceremony on Friday evening. They arrived by helicopter – a symbol of their distinction as the first graduates of the Lancaster-based program – in an adjacent field to The Junction Center Performing Arts Hall in Manheim, Pa. The degree program was launched in 2018.

The event was covered by several area news outlets, including

The graduates earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Leadership and Organizational Management (LOM) with an Aviation Concentration. In addition, they have earned all the credentials to begin their professional flying career. Each student has earned their Private, Commercial, and Flight Instructor certificates, with Instrument and Multi-engine ratings.

“It’s a great time to be a pilot. for the commercial aviation sector alone is that 612,000 new pilots will be needed worldwide over the next 20 years,” said Director of Aviation John Sibole. “Ivy, Cienna, and Noelle have completed a demanding program in academics and flight training. This degree program has prepared them to become leaders in aviation. As industry demand grows, the sky’s the limit for them.”

Read more about their senior internships.

Students fly on Day 1 of their first year in EMU at Lancaster’s aviation program. In partnership with , an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school with a training facility at Lancaster Airport, students benefit from small class sizes and in-person instruction, an integrated and collaborative liberal arts approach that positions students for leadership roles in the industry, all academic classes in one day each week, three guaranteed flight instruction periods per week, and qualification to test for the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate at 1,000 hours of flight time.

Ever since Will Stover was a little boy, he dreamed of taking to the skies and flying a plane.

“I think the first time I ever went to the Community Days air show at Lancaster County Airport, I thought, ‘that’s what I want to do someday’,” said Stover.

And that’s exactly what he did. Now 18 and a senior at Warwick High School, Stover already has his private pilot license and has his sights set on pursuing flight training at Aero-Tech at the Lancaster County Airport, while attending ��ݮ���� at Lancaster to pursue a bachelor’s degree in leadership and organizational management with an aviation concentration in the fall.

“My goal is to be a commercial pilot,” said Stover, the son of Catherine and Lynn Stover of Lititz. “My family is very supportive of my plans to be a pilot. They are very excited for me.”

Learn more about EMU’s aviation program!

When Stover was around three years old, his parents took him to the air show at Lancaster airport and watched as their son was fascinated by the planes. It was more than just a little boy’s passing fancy. As he grew older, it was clear that their son was smitten with planes and not just the idea of riding in a plane. He wanted to learn to fly one himself.

“My mom’s family lived in Chicago, so I loved flying there to visit them. I wanted to know how the plane worked. I loved being in the air and seeing the world below,” recalled Stover.

Starting when he was around five years old, he would spend hours on a flight simulator on the family computer. The simulator showed what the inside of a cockpit was like and allowed him to simulate a flight from take-off to landing.

His father realized that his son was serious about flying a real plane, and as Stover got older, his father asked if he wanted to take flying lessons at Lancaster Airport.

That’s when Stover’s training began in earnest. He started taking flight lessons when he was 14 at Aero-Tech at Lancaster Airport. By the time he was 18, he had earned his private pilot’s license. To get there, he needed to pass his Third Class medical exam administered by an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner, complete the Cessna online training course, pass a written test on aeronautical knowledge, log at least 40 hours of flight time, and pass an FAA Flight Check for the Private Pilot Certification.

“I actually flew a plane before I drove a car,” said Stover, who wishes he could afford his own plane.

After earning his private pilot certificate, he next wants to add an Instrument Rating to his pilot certificate, which will afford him the ability to fly in or above the clouds, without the limitations of needing to be in visual meteorological conditions. It will also allow him to fly the aircraft with a greater degree of precision no matter the weather conditions. Stover was working toward that more advanced certification as he earned money working at Penn Cinemas. It was no coincidence that he was working right across from the airport while working to advance his pilot’s certification. Then the COVID-19 shutdown temporarily grounded his aspirations, when movie theater was closed to crowds.

His diligence paid off. Last spring he applied to the Experimental Aircraft Association, through the EAA Chapter 122 in New Cumberland, an international organization dedicated to the dynamic world of flight. Founded in 1953, EAA offers aviationrelated activities on a local, regional, and national level.

In June 2021, Stover was awarded a $6,000 Ray Aviation Scholarship through EAA to cover flight training expenses. As Chief Flight Instructor at Aero-Tech Zach Hurst noted, he was pleased to write Stover’s recommendation for the scholarship. Hurst has monitored the teen’s flight progress in recent months and sees great potential for the aspiring commercial pilot.

“Will is a dedicated student and he puts in the effort to achieve his flight training goals,” Hurst noted. “We actually have several high schools students each year who earn pilot certificates. However, far more young people start training and eventually discover it takes perseverance and commitment to studying to actually achieve the certification. Will was an excellent candidate for a scholarship because he had invested his own time and financial resources to start training and so it was obvious that he would have the motivation to complete private pilot training.”

“We were looking for young people like Will,” said Jeff Probasco, head of the EAA Chapter 122 Ray Aviation Scholarship Committee. “His flight instructor recommended Will and he just shined. He is highly motivated and has achieved so much way ahead of schedule.”

The scholarship will enable Stover to upgrade his private license with an instrument rating. Then he will be able to go on to gain the training necessary to obtain his Commercial License in either single or multi-engine airplanes. He was very excited to find the program close to home at ��ݮ����’s Lancaster campus where he will pursue a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Management with an Aviation Concentration. He will be doing his flight training at Lancaster Airport.

“There were a number of different ways I could have pursued becoming a commercial pilot, such as the Air Force, but this was a more direct way to get out there,” said Stover. “There is a global shortage of pilots. There is a desperate need for qualified pilots by all the major airlines. Which is where I want to be.” Following his dreams since he was a young boy, Stover feels he has the right stuff.

“There are a few things that make a good pilot. You have to be cool under pressure, be motivated, undertake your training with a real commitment, have thorough technical knowledge, and you have to believe in yourself,” said Stover. “This is what I have wanted to do my whole life.”

For three of ��ݮ����’s seniors looking ahead after graduation, the beauty of a career in aviation is in the endless opportunities.

Ivy Kreiser has spent her final semester with Venture Jets, a private charter and aviation services company in Lancaster, and now plans to work there after graduation. But she loves the potential of her chosen profession: “I’m never quite sure where aviation will take me.”

That’s also the beauty of the education they’ve chosen: Graduates of EMU at Lancaster’s aviation program hold a bachelor’s degree in leadership and organizational management, as well as several flight certifications – preparation for a career as a corporate or commercial pilot, but also for opportunities in the aviation industry as airport operations managers, safety inspectors, and flight instructors.

Aviation 430 is the capstone course that helps almost-grads prepare for their next step and narrow their interests.

“This six-credit course is an exciting way for our seniors to finish their studies and explore a particular field within the profession,” said Director of Aviation John Sibole, a veteran commercial pilot, instructor, and former FAA safety inspector. “Because the other courses in the final semester are online general education courses, they can take their internship anywhere in the world. These positions can help to confirm that our students are heading where they want to go with their job search, and internships often are a gateway to employment with the host organization.”

Sibole and other aviation staff, including the program’s industry liaison Karl Clemmensen, help to match students with host organizations. 

Kreiser used her already-established network and knowledge of the area to choose Venture Jets Inc. for her internship. “They have excellent and fun airplanes, they are located at Lancaster airport which is very close to me, and I have a few friends who already work there that have had a great experience,” Kreiser says. She has found value in learning to fly jets as well as handle customer relations, preparing her to work for Venture Jets after graduating.

Noelle Yorgey first learned of Agape Flights as a junior in high school, on a family vacation in Florida. She heard Agape’s chief executive officer, Allen Speer, who was serving as the interim pastor of the church she visited. She then toured Agape and learned of their desire to serve. “My passion for aviation was sparked as I realized the impact aviation could make on people’s lives,” Yorgey says.

Agape Flights, which means “God’s Love Flights,” is a mission aviation organization committed to providing the resources needed by missionaries serving within the Caribbean along with natural disaster relief, from medical supplies to daily mail. The organization also provides volunteer opportunities to the community.

“The opportunity to learn under an excellent maintenance team has already helped further my understanding as a pilot,” Yorgey says. This experience has also broadened her horizons to exploring mechanic positions, as those are needed in missions as well. Upon graduating, Yorgey plans to continue pursuing opportunities that allow for her to serve in mission aviation and build relationships within the aviation community.

Cienna Stover fulfilled her internship while working at Aero-Tech Services teaching private and commercial pilots. She was hired there as an instructor in June 2021.

“My main responsibility is providing a safe learning environment for my students to reach their goals,” she says. Her favorite part of the job is “getting to see people realize their potential in aviation.” 

Stover’s most rewarding moment, she says, was probably sending her first trainee for his checkride. “It is also the little things that I love about aviation. I have done first flight lessons with people ages 12- to 81-years-old and the excitement on their faces when they realize they are flying an airplane is so rewarding.”

Besides the thrill of watching her students succeed, the internship also helped Stover realize just how much she loves to learn. “For my future in this career I hope to find a job that provides me opportunities to push myself,” Stover says. “There are infinite areas to learn, improve, explore, and that is something I find exciting about aviation.”

Stover is still considering other options post-graduation besides flying for the airlines, such as charter planes. She will soon reach 1,000 hours of flight time, which will position her for a broad range of flying jobs.