Duncan Aviation Invests in Groundbreaking Professorship at WMU College of Aviation
The future of aviation maintenance education has taken a significant stride forward. The Duncan Aviation Family Trust has pioneered the J. Robert Duncan Endowed Professorship of Technical Operations at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation. This marks the first-ever endowed professorship in the college’s history, with the official announcement made in August 2026.
This permanent faculty position, named in honor of Duncan Aviation Chairman Emeritus Robert Duncan, aims to solidify both academic and industry leadership in technical operations. This field plays a crucial role in ensuring aviation safety and reliability. The professorship will concentrate on various aspects including aviation maintenance leadership, safety systems, regulatory frameworks, technical management, and operational best practices.
Moreover, it will pave the way for new student opportunities. These include a technical leadership track in the Aviation TechOps bachelor’s program and an aviation technical leadership certificate.
“Duncan Aviation acknowledges that the robustness of this industry hinges on our ability to adequately equip the upcoming generation of technical operations professionals,” expressed Dr. Raymond Thompson, Dean of WMU’s College of Aviation. Andy Richards, COO of Duncan Aviation’s Michigan operations, further emphasized that WMU’s program is “internationally acclaimed for its leadership in aviation education”. It serves as a vital component in Duncan Aviation’s talent pipeline. This endowment forms part of a wider campaign worth nearly $100 million aimed at expanding and enhancing WMU’s College of Aviation.
Source: General Aviation News — Duncan Aviation Funds Technical Operations Professorship At WMU