Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Welcomes Jim Voska as Assistant Director for Prestigious Awards and Fellowships

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University announces Jim Voska as assistant director for Prestigious Awards and Fellowships. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/Jim Voska)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Voska as the new assistant director for Prestigious Awards and Fellowships on the Prescott Campus.

Voska brings a wealth of experience in higher education, career development and industry connections to this position. As assistant director, Voska will work closely with students, faculty and staff to identify promising candidates for nationally and internationally competitive scholarships, fellowships and awards.

“Jim brings extensive coaching and mentoring experience in higher education,” said Jennifer Schaeffer, director for Prestigious Awards and Fellowships. “His background in career services will be an asset in working with our students looking for prestigious award opportunities that align with their professional goals.”

Before coming to Embry-Riddle, Voska held key student service positions at Yavapai College, focused on internships and apprenticeship programs. His extensive background in education, which includes serving as the employment development coordinator for the Metropolitan Community College of Kansas in Missouri, provides him with a unique perspective that will benefit Embry-Riddle students. Voska has previously taught as an adjunct professor at Northern Arizona University in addition to his past service in the United States Air Force.

“I look forward to helping students reach their academic and career goals,” said Voska. “The awards and fellowships will open them up to new and sometimes unexpected achievements in their lives.”

The creation of this position demonstrates the university’s dedication to supporting and providing opportunities for its students. The position will also be the first full-time staff member for the Prestigious Awards and Fellowships department located on the Prescott Campus.

“Having Jim on the Prescott Campus will allow our students to meet face-to-face for coaching and advising sessions, attend developmental workshops and presentations on topics related to preparing their award applications, and receive holistic support throughout the application process,” added Schaeffer. “We hope to expand the footprint of our office and help even more of our students find life-changing opportunities.”

“I’m very excited to have Jim join our team,” said Dr. Ken Witcher, interim chancellor of the Prescott Campus. “This capability will give our students and faculty an advocate for recognition and identify additional opportunities for amazing applied research happening at our Prescott Campus.”

The Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships also wishes to thank Dr. Anne Boettcher, Ms. Pauline Filemoni, Dr. David Lanning, Dr. Kaela Martin and Dr. Bert Zarb for their service to the search committee for this position.

To learn more about current opportunities offered through the Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships, visit their ERNIE page.