DAYTONA BEACH — Kenneth L. Witcher has been named dean of the College of Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide.
In his nine years with the university, Witcher has served in several roles, including adjunct faculty member, director of academics, and program chair. As dean of the College of Aeronautics, he will lead nearly 50 full-time faculty and more than 900 active adjunct faculty who instruct courses online and at more than 150 locations in the U.S. and abroad.
“Dr. Witcher’s combined military and academic experience is a perfect fit for the College of Aeronautics,” said Brad Sims, chief academic officer for Embry-Riddle Worldwide. “We are fortunate to have a leader like Dr. Witcher who is active in the university community and among industry professionals at the local, state and national level.”
In the Las Vegas/Nevada community, Witcher is involved with Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s STEM Academy at Rancho High School. He also chairs the Nevada Aerospace and Defense Sector Council through the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. Additionally, Witcher serves on the Governor’s Defense Steering Committee under the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
During his 20-year career with the U.S. Air Force, Witcher’s assignments included superintendent of the test and evaluation squadron, detachment chief and propulsion instructor at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. He also spent several years as a team member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron.
His research interests include unmanned aircraft systems operational growth, airport development, aerospace workforce development and commercial space operational development.
Witcher earned his master’s degree from Embry-Riddle and doctorate from Northcentral University in Arizona.