Introducing Dr. Thomas Drape, Director of Prescott's School of Business

“Tom Drape is the right person at the right time to take on this role,” said Dr. Kathleen Lustyk, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “His vision for our school focuses both internally and externally; from expanding learning opportunities for our students by securing Experts in Residence, to collaborating nationally and internationally with business scholars and experts.”

“We continue to innovate our curriculum, integrating more focus on business analytics, aviation finance, unmanned aircraft systems, and other areas,” said Drape. “We create unmatched learning opportunities for our students, such as supply chain security, cybersecurity, as well as white-collar crime prevention as part of our Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination programs.”

Having worked to cultivate many beneficial relationships with local business experts, including those now holding Executive in Residence positions with the School of Business, Drape oversaw and advised students on an entrepreneurial student consultation project with startup company Eviation, which was voted as an honoree of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2018” by Fast Company.

“This is an exciting time for our School of Business,” said Drape. “Through our amazing faculty and talented students, we continue to build upon our unique strengths and innovate for the future, offering experiential, hands-on project-based learning opportunities for our students with real-world clients.”

Drape is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force with a rich experience in higher education, including serving on the Graduate Faculty at Azusa Pacific University. After joining Embry-Riddle in 2015, Dr. Drape has worked to enhance the Prescott campus’ bourgeoning business program by expanding the department’s B.S. in Global Business to include Supply Chain Management, and develop student horizons through Study Abroad across four continents and fifteen countries including China, India, South Korea, France, and Italy.

“I have no doubt that Tom will vertically advance our School of Business through continued growth,” added Lustyk, “All while maintaining the excellence for which Riddle is known.”

“Our strengths are what make us unique,” said Drape. “We are ready for take-off.”