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Articles by Seth Robbins
An Education That Yields High Dividends: Embry‑Riddle Tops List of Graduate Pay Rankings in Florida and Arizona
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s residential campuses in Arizona and Florida produce the highest-paid graduates in their respective states, according to a Business Insider analysis of federal higher education data.
Embry-Riddle, FDOT Host Inaugural Summit to Shape Future of Advanced Air Mobility in State
More than 300 leading researchers, policymakers and aviation innovators gathered at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the first-ever Florida Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium, featuring two days of talks and advanced demonstrations on this revolutionary class of aircraft poised to transform how people and cargo are moved through the skies and the emerging sector’s potential economic impact.
Embry-Riddle Trustee Kenn Ricci, Alumnus Steve Altemus Inspire Largest Graduating Class
Embry-Riddle Trustee and Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters after giving the keynote speech at the second of two commencement ceremonies. From left are Embry-Riddle Provost Kelly Austin, Ricci, Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini and Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler.
Embry-Riddle Celebrates Graduates at Prescott Campus Commencement
At the commencement ceremony for Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott, Arizona, campus, more than 500 graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees. Jody Dawson, an alumna and NASA veteran, served as the keynote speaker. (Photo: Connor McShane/Embry-Riddle) “Today, as you join the ranks of 170,000 alumni around the world, you become part of a global community defined by the relentless pursuit of excellence,” Embry-Riddle President P.
Embry-Riddle Eagles Flight Team Parachutes Teddy Bears to Foster Children
With goggles strapped on and a cream-colored pilot scarf around its neck, Amelia Bearhart looked every bit the parachutist. That proved appropriate when the teddy bear was dropped from a plane flying about 200 feet in the air at roughly 85 knots. Against a clear sky, the bear tumbled to the ground. With just 20 feet to go, a plastic parachute opened. Then Bearhart drifted down safely and landed within 18 feet of her intended target.
Embry-Riddle Worldwide Ranked No. 1 in the Nation by Military Friendly Schools for Second Straight Year
For the second consecutive year, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus was named the top online program in the Military Friendly Schools survey of higher education institutions across the United States. The 2026-27 Military Friendly Schools rankings — published on the MilitaryFriendly.com website — grouped institutions in several categories and award levels: Top Ten, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Top Ten status represented the highest distinction.
Generations of Pilots: The Enduring Legacy of the Cessna 172 Skyhawk at Embry-Riddle
With a sparkling gold finish and bold lettering reading “100 Years,” a custom-painted Cessna 172 Skyhawk has landed at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to mark its centennial. Founder John Paul Riddle’s signature is painted on the nose of the centennial-themed Cessna 172. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/Kristel Knowles) Subtle details on the plane’s livery include university founder John Paul Riddle’s signature on the nose. The tail number — N1926R — is a nod to Embry-Riddle’s founding year.
Embry-Riddle Researchers Develop Drone Tech to Study Harmful Blue-Green Algae on Lake Okeechobee
During the summer months, mats of blue-green algae float across Florida’s Lake Okeechobee, choking the ecosystem and releasing toxins that can be irritating to people and fatal to fish and other wildlife. Water testing could help better detect the blue-green algae — which are actually a primitive type of bacteria called cyanobacteria — and help predict where blooms are most likely to erupt.
Historical Planes Capture the Pioneering Spirit of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Event
Justin Westbrooks, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science in 2009, flies an AT-6 Texan, a World War II-era trainer once known as the “pilot maker.” When he takes the plane’s controls, aviation history comes to life. “You can hear it. You can feel it,” said Westbrooks, who flies the AT-6 Texan several times a month. “It’s a functioning museum.
Aerospace Cyber Defenders Unlock New Challenges at Embry-Riddle Capture-the-Flag Contest
For today’s cybersecurity students, focused on digital tools, physical locks are something seldom encountered. But at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s recent capture-the-flag competition, they had to pick them open. The challenge was organized by Randall Brooks, chief engineer for product security at RTX, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies. “We want students to understand how a simple lock works and how one would go about looking for a deficiency in a lock,” he said.
Florida Legislature Recognizes Embry-Riddle for 100 Years of Aviation and Aerospace Excellence
Legislators in Tallahassee have honored Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Centennial by adopting a resolution recognizing the university’s outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace in the state of Florida, across the nation and around the world. The resolution, which declared Feb 11, 2026, as “Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Day at the Capitol,” was presented by Sen. Tom Leek, Rep. Chase Tramont and Sen.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Embry-Riddle's Online Bachelor's Programs Among Nation’s Top 11
For the third consecutive year, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s online bachelor’s degree programs were rated the highest among private institutions and in the top 15 in the nation, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings. Among all schools — both private and public — Embry-Riddle Worldwide tied for the No. 11 overall ranking, an advance of one spot from 2025. The publication assessed 348 schools for the 2026 rankings.
Delivering Aid and Hope: Embry-Riddle Bids Farewell to Last U.S. DC-8
Airframe 427 of 554 rolled off the McDonnell Douglas assembly line in Long Beach, California, on December 24, 1968. Over the next four decades, the plane flew passengers for Finnair, joined the French Air Force’s fleet and carried cargo for U.S.-based Air Transport International.
From the Skies to Space Embry-Riddle Draws Bold New Explorers
On sky-blue letterhead, an eagle and globe encircle the words Embry-Riddle International School of Aviation. The letter, dated Sept. 6, 1950, is postmarked Miami 30, Florida. Documents from the Embry-Riddle International School of Aviation soliciting students.
Embry-Riddle Named Among Nations Great Colleges to Work For Earns Highest Distinction
For the 15th consecutive year, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has earned a place among the nation’s Great Colleges to Work For, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program’s review of universities across the United States. This year’s achievement also includes elite Honor Roll status for being cited most often across all recognition categories. The results — released online at GreatCollegesList.com and in the Sept.
Embry-Riddle, Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority of the Bahamas Formalize Training Partnership to Enhance Aviation Safety
As part of its commitment to provide world-class aviation safety training globally, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety has partnered with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of the Bahamas to serve as its official training partner.
Embry-Riddle President Launches Centennial Celebration in Annual State of the University Address
In his annual State of the University address, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President P. Barry Butler honored the institution’s 100th anniversary by recognizing its storied past and presenting a strategy for its future. The 2025-’26 academic year marks the centennial of Embry-Riddle’s founding in 1926 — a time when aviation was in its dawn. Embry-Riddle’s founders, John Paul Riddle and T.
Asia Campus Drone Program
The first cohort of students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Asia Campus in Singapore has earned their pilot licenses to operate drones commercially in the country’s airspace. The students recently graduated from a new uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) program offered by the Worldwide Asia Campus in Singapore. The program received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to instruct and test students for Unmanned Aircraft (UA) pilot licenses in December 2023.
Two Embry-Riddle Faculty Honored for Aviation Career Achievements
Lutte is an associate professor and chair of the Aeronautics Department at the Worldwide College of Aviation. (Photo: Becky Lutte) The National Aeronautics Association (NAA) has recognized Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University faculty members Dr. Becky Lutte and Robert Sumwalt with one of its most prestigious honors for their outstanding career contributions to aviation.
Embry-Riddle Student Wins $100,000 in Flexjet’s Private Jet Interior Design Contest
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student Woojae Sohn has been awarded $100,000 for his winning design in Flexjet’s Project LXi - Design the Ultimate Private Jet Interior Contest. Sohn, a first-year Aviation Business student and Air Force ROTC cadet, will also see the design, titled “Carolina,” installed on one of Flexjet’s Gulfstream G650 aircraft and become one of Flexjet’s LXi Cabin Collection of custom interiors.
Embry-Riddle, Industry Partners Successfully Prepare Service Members for Aviation Maintenance Careers
The U.S. Department of Defense has extended its partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to continue the highly successful Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Skillbridge program, which helps service members transition into high-demand, well-paying aviation maintenance careers. Beginning with a cohort of 12 Marines in 2019, the AMT Skillbridge program has since enrolled 831 students.
Pulling Together: Embry-Riddle Women’s Rowing Wins Championship, Makes Program History
Throughout the year, the women’s rowing team at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University recited four words before the end of their practices and competitions: “Last one, fast one.” For the rowers, the mantra was a reminder that “this is our last race, so let’s make it our fastest,” said Jolee Paulk, the eight boat’s coxswain. “It was a reminder to hold yourself to that higher standard.” And that’s the mindset the women took into the 2,000-meter Grand Final at the NCAA II Rowing Championships.
Embry-Riddle Introduces Air Traffic Management Associate’s Degree Program to Strengthen Controller Workforce
To increase the air traffic controller pipeline, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has launched a pioneering associate degree program that provides an accelerated hiring path for students seeking rewarding careers in safeguarding the nation’s air traffic system. The new Associate of Science in Air Traffic Management program — set to debut in August 2025 — has been approved to be part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Enhanced Air Traffic Controller Training Initiative (AT-CTI).
Embry-Riddle Grads Unite at Worldwide Campus Commencement
More than 450 graduates from across the U.S. and around the globe came together to celebrate receiving their diplomas at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus commencement. Shareef Al Romaithi earned a Master of Space Operations, his fifth Embry-Riddle degree. (Photo: Shareef Al Romaithi)The graduates included Shareef Al Romaithi, an Etihad Airways captain from the United Arab Emirates who earned a Master of Space Operations, his fifth Embry-Riddle degree.
Commencement Ceremonies Ready Embry-Riddle Grads for Launch
More than 1,700 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students came together to celebrate earning their degrees during commencement ceremonies at the university’s residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona. Steve Varsano, an Embry-Riddle alumnus (’77) and Board of Trustees member who is an internationally known broker of corporate jets, spoke to a packed audience of Eagles and their families at the second of two ceremonies on May 5.
Honeywell Aerospace CEO Inspires Embry-Riddle Grads to ‘Lead Boldly’
At the commencement ceremony for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott, Arizona, campus, Jim Currier, the president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, described the university as a “crucible of precision and passion.” Embry-Riddle “is a launchpad where theory meets practice, where your hopes and dreams of flight and exploration are matched with the discipline to bring them to life,” Currier told graduates and their families at the May 3 ceremony held in Prescott Valley’s...
First Embry-Riddle Students Set for Immediate Air Traffic Controller Employment Through New FAA Hiring Path
The first cohort of students in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s air traffic control program is on track to bypass the Federal Aviation Administration Academy and head straight to FAA facilities for controller training. This more direct path path was made possible after Embry-Riddle signed an agreement with the federal agency late last year for a critical new training initiative to allow the hiring of air traffic controllers from approved university programs.
Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus Named Top Online Program in the Nation in Military Friendly Schools Ranking
In the latest Military Friendly Schools rankings, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus earned the No. 1 ranking in the online programs category. The university’s Prescott, Arizona, campus ranked No. 4 in its respective category. The 2025-26 rankings — released April 3 via G.I. Jobs Magazine and the MilitaryFriendly.com website — evaluated more than 800 institutions across the nation.
Embry-Riddle Air Force ROTC Cadets Climb Onboard Air Forces Largest Plane
For dozens of Air Force ROTC cadets at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a tour of a C-5M Super Galaxy — which can carry two M1 Abrams tanks — inspired awe and provided insights into the inner workings of the Air Force’s largest plane. The tours of the C-5M Super Galaxy, parked at Sheltair at Daytona Beach International Airport, came courtesy of Maj. David Cryder, assistant director of operations for the 9th Airlift Squadron and a 2014 graduate of Embry-Riddle.
From Airline Systems to Spacecraft, Cyber Defenders Thwart Attacks in Embry-Riddle Contest
Hackers have infiltrated the Iron Galaxy space system, targeting the satellite’s payloads. But the spacecraft must keep operating and delivering. This was one of the new scenarios that unfolded at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s latest capture-the-flag challenge. The annual competition made a giant leap into the space domain this year thanks to the team at CT Cubed, a cybersecurity consulting company, which integrated its Iron Galaxy training system into the competition.
Embry-Riddle Drone Teams Measure Least Known Parts of Atmosphere Most Violent Features of Hurricanes
As the warm ocean waters off Florida’s western coast supercharged Hurricane Milton into a Category 5 storm, a small drone clocked wind speeds of 235 miles per hour. In the storm’s eyewall, where winds are the strongest, the three-pound drone was thrust up and down at speeds of about 100 feet per second. Even for Dr. Josh Wadler, a meteorologist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University who has flown into many hurricanes, these velocities were difficult to describe.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Embry-Riddle's Online Bachelor's Programs Among Nation’s Top 15
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s online bachelor’s degree programs were rated the highest among private institutions and in the top 15 across the United States, according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings. Among all schools — both private and public — Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus tied for the No. 12 overall ranking, an advance of one spot from 2024. The publication assessed 350 U.S. schools for the 2025 rankings.
Ionic Propulsion Traceable Textiles Space Mission Design Embry-Riddle Entrepreneurship Competition
From quadcopter propulsion advancements to traceable textiles and space mission design tools, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s tenth annual TREP Expo highlighted the innovative spirit of the university community. The annual business competition challenges teams to create venture concepts and pitch them before a panel of industry experts, practitioners and scholars.
Embry-Riddle Alum and Astronaut Jared Isaacman Nominated to Lead NASA
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumnus Jared Isaacman — who recently commanded the Polaris Dawn mission where he completed the first-ever civilian spacewalk — has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be the head of NASA.
Seven Embry-Riddle Faculty Earn 2024 ERAU Research and Innovation Awards
Seven Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University faculty members have earned honors for their outstanding accomplishments in research and innovation. The ERAU Research Award Program named as its 2024 awardees: Dr. Eduardo Rojas-Nastrucci, Dr. Morad Nazari, Dr. Foram Madiyar, Dr. Riccardo Bevilacqua, Dr. Jonathan Snively, Dr. Aroh Barjatya and Dr. Radu Babiceanu.
Lightning in a Bottle: Embry-Riddle Team Seeks the Origins of Its Spark
Sparking the Next Generation The NSF grant awarded to Dr. Riousset also includes the creation of a self-guided, open-access course that seeks to prepare learners of all levels to conduct scientific research in planetary sciences, geosciences and astronomy.
Embry-Riddle Partners on Florida University Space Research Consortium
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has joined the Florida University Space Research Consortium, a new state research entity launched by Space Florida, the state’s independent aerospace finance and development authority. At its Nov. 7 meeting, the board of directors of Space Florida designated the Florida University Space Research Consortium as the state’s official research entity.
Ahead of Storm, Embry-Riddle Parking Garage Is Transformed Into Plane Hangar
With Hurricane Helene expected to bring rain and high winds to Daytona Beach, Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s flight department transported and secured 33 aircraft on the ground floor of a three-story parking garage. It was the first time that the garage on the Daytona Beach Campus had been used to secure a fleet of Cessna 172 single-engine planes — but it was not unanticipated.
Embry-Riddle Earns Nine Top-Five Honors, Including for Engineering and Overall Quality, in Latest U.S. News & World Report
Photo: Students work on an uncrewed aerial system in the Advanced Dynamics and Control Laboratory, which supports research activities to advance aviation and space technologies. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle/Bill Fredette-Huffman) In this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University held its place among the nation’s elite engineering institutions, claiming the No. 5 spot nationwide among Aerospace Engineering degree programs with a doctoral option.
Embry-Riddle Earns Nine Top-Five Honors, Including for Engineering and Overall Quality, in Latest U.S. News & World Report
In this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University held its place among the nation’s elite engineering institutions, claiming the No. 5 spot nationwide among Aerospace Engineering degree programs with a doctoral option. The publication awarded Embry-Riddle nine separate top-five rankings. Among regional colleges in the West, Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona, campus was No. 1 for best overall quality and No. 1 in the Best for Veterans category.
Aviation Leader Entrepreneur Kenn Ricci Named to Embry-Riddles Board of Trustees
Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci — a leading aviation entrepreneur and philanthropist — was confirmed March 29 to serve on the Board of Trustees of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Ricci is principal of Directional Aviation Capital, a firm that owns and invests in a wide range of aviation-related businesses. This portfolio includes Flexjet, a provider of fractional private jet services, and its many affiliates. Additionally, Ricci owns businesses serving numerous other sectors within aviation.
Aviation Industry Leader Named to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Board of Trustees
Steve Varsano, an aviation industry leader, founder of The Jet Business and internationally known broker of corporate jets, was confirmed on Oct. 27 to serve on the Board of Trustees of Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. “Steve Varsano brings a lifetime of industry relationships and business aviation expertise to his new leadership role with Embry-Riddle,” said Mori Hosseini, chairman of the Embry‑Riddle Board of Trustees.
Corruption Index - What are the Most Corrupt Countries in Latin America?
Global Governance, Headlines, Human Rights, TerraViva United Nations Global Governance By Gabrielle Gorder and Seth Robbins Reprint | | Print | Data collected by Transparency International looks at bribery, the diversion of public funds, officials using their office for private gain, conflicts of interest and legal protections for those denouncing corruption.
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