- News
- Aug 10, 2026
- 3 min read
Duncan Family Foundation Establishes Aviation Professorship at Western Michigan University
The position will focus on technical education, research, and curriculum development.
The Duncan Family Foundation has established a named professorship in aviation technical operations at Western Michigan University’s (WMU) College of Aviation. The position is intended to prepare future leaders in technical education, research, and curriculum development, enabling graduates to ensure the safe and reliable operation of aircraft.
College Dean Raymond Thompson noted that Duncan Aviation recognizes the direct relationship between the strength of the industry and the quality of training provided to the next generation of professionals. He said the newly established professorship will strengthen the university’s ability to provide knowledge precisely aligned with the needs of the aviation sector.
The professorship is named in honor of Duncan Aviation Chairman Emeritus J. Robert Duncan. It will support WMU’s academic programs, including its existing bachelor’s program in technical operations and certification program in technical leadership, as well as a future master’s program in maintenance management. The donation was made as part of WMU’s Giving Day in March.
Andy Richards, chief operating officer of Duncan Aviation’s Michigan operations, emphasized that WMU’s aviation school is internationally recognized for the high quality of its education and is an important source of talent for the company. He said that as the industry becomes more complex, the university continues to demonstrate its commitment to quality, and although aviation remains a highly technical field, its development ultimately depends on the talent and passion of its employees.
The partnership between Duncan Aviation and WMU dates to 2008, when the company launched an aircraft maintenance internship program for students at the college. A named scholarship was added in 2014. The two organizations work together at Battle Creek Executive Airport (KBTL).
The Duncan Family Foundation has established a named professorship in aviation technical operations at Western Michigan University’s (WMU) College of Aviation. The position is intended to prepare future leaders in technical education, research, and curriculum development, enabling graduates to ensure the safe and reliable operation of aircraft.
College Dean Raymond Thompson noted that Duncan Aviation recognizes the direct relationship between the strength of the industry and the quality of training provided to the next generation of professionals. He said the newly established professorship will strengthen the university’s ability to provide knowledge precisely aligned with the needs of the aviation sector.
The professorship is named in honor of Duncan Aviation Chairman Emeritus J. Robert Duncan. It will support WMU’s academic programs, including its existing bachelor’s program in technical operations and certification program in technical leadership, as well as a future master’s program in maintenance management. The donation was made as part of WMU’s Giving Day in March.
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Andy Richards, chief operating officer of Duncan Aviation’s Michigan operations, emphasized that WMU’s aviation school is internationally recognized for the high quality of its education and is an important source of talent for the company. He said that as the industry becomes more complex, the university continues to demonstrate its commitment to quality, and although aviation remains a highly technical field, its development ultimately depends on the talent and passion of its employees.
The partnership between Duncan Aviation and WMU dates to 2008, when the company launched an aircraft maintenance internship program for students at the college. A named scholarship was added in 2014. The two organizations work together at Battle Creek Executive Airport (KBTL).
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