Four-Star Air Force General Named to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Board of Trustees
U.S. Air Force General Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, who recently retired as a four-star general after 36 years of service, has been announced as the newest member of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Board of Trustees.
Before her retirement in 2024, Van Ovost served as the 14th commander of U.S. Transportation Command, one of 11 combatant commands in the Department of Defense.
"General Van Ovost's exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to her country make her an invaluable addition to our Board of Trustees,” said Mori Hosseini, chair of Embry-Riddle’s Board of Trustees. “Her extensive experience and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly enhance Embry-Riddle's mission and vision."
Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., said that the university takes great pride and gratitude in “General Van Ovost’s willingness to serve on our Board of Trustees.”
“With a diverse operational and training background, General Van Ovost brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Embry-Riddle,” he added. “General Van Ovost's distinguished career and profound knowledge of aerospace will significantly contribute to our university's continued growth and success. Furthermore, her significant success will serve as an example of the importance of hard work and resilience to our students.”
During her Air Force career, Van Ovost has been the commander of an air refueling squadron, a flying training wing and the Presidential Airlift Wing. She is a graduate of the Air Force Test Pilot School and is a command pilot with more than 4,200 hours in over 30 aircraft.
Prior to leading Transportation Command, Van Ovost served as the commander of Air Mobility Command.
She has held numerous staff and joint assignments, including serving as the director of staff for Headquarters Air Force; vice director of the Joint Staff; deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs (Europe, NATO, Russia) in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J5), Joint Staff; director of Mobility Forces for U.S. Central Command; vice commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center; and the joint operations division chief in the Operations and Plans Directorate (J3), USTRANSCOM.
Van Ovost graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1988 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. She holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, along with master’s degrees in Military Arts & Sciences and Strategic Studies from the Air War College on Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
Her decorations and awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster and the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster.
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