(L-R) David Tidwell, Undergraduate Program Officer for the Department of Aviation at Auburn; Dr. James Birdsong, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, Aviation Department; John Dietrich; David Miller, Instructor, Auburn University and Cade Kennemer, Certified Flight Instructor, Auburn University.
John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff Carlson, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, recently visited Auburn University in Alabama to speak with students in the school’s Aviation Program about Atlas Air and to offer insights from their own careers.
Auburn’s aviation program has grown from 88 students in 2014 to more than 600 in 2021. Students will graduate with Aviation Management or Professional Flight degrees and have the option to take courses on air cargo operations.
John and Jeff were invited to campus to observe the thriving program and share the story of Atlas Air Worldwide and the many opportunities to build successful careers here.
David Tidwell, Undergraduate Program Officer for the Department of Aviation at Auburn, said the students, most of whom are in their junior or senior year, appreciated learning about the variety of careers available at AAWW.
“John’s and Jeff’s willingness to share what they have enjoyed throughout their careers and what they considered as they decided what to pursue next as they built their careers really resonated with our students,” he said. “That kind of insight is really valuable as our young professionals begin their careers.
John said he welcomed the invitation to visit Auburn and glimpse the workforce of tomorrow. And, he said, he was impressed with what he saw.
“Connecting with students who are pursuing aviation as their life’s work reminds us why we do what we do as we share our company’s unique story,” John said. “These impressive students are all prospective colleagues, and we hope they consider joining our great team at some point.”
Following the presentation, students led a tour of Auburn’s Flight Education facility.
“We welcome the interest in Atlas from this next generation of aviation leaders,” Jeff said. “It’s clear that we will learn from them as well.”
