Two Embry-Riddle Faculty Honored for Aviation Career Achievements

Lutte is an associate professor and chair of the Aeronautics Department at the Worldwide College of Aviation. (Photo: Becky Lutte)

The National Aeronautics Association (NAA) has recognized Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University faculty members Dr. Becky Lutte and Robert Sumwalt with one of its most prestigious honors for their outstanding career contributions to aviation.

The NAA named Lutte, associate professor and chair of the Aeronautics Department at the Worldwide College of Aviation, and Sumwalt, executive director of Embry-Riddle’s Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety, as 2025 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman & Stateswoman of Aviation honorees.

Founded in 1905, the NAA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to oversee the advancement of the art, sport and science of aviation and space flight. The McDonald award recognizes “outstanding living Americans” who have made “contributions of significant value to aeronautics,” according to a July 29 NAA news release announcing this year’s recipients.

“Embry-Riddle is extremely proud to have two faculty members honored with this significant award in the same year,” said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. “Congratulations to both honorees, who have a long track record and commitment to advancing aviation safety, education, policy and the industry.”

Lutte, an Embry-Riddle alumna who joined the university’s faculty in 2023, was recognized for “her significant contributions to aviation education,” including research on safety policy, sustainability, workforce development and online course delivery and design.

Proud of the many students she has mentored over the years, Lutte said that “it's an honor to be a part of a student’s academic journey” and a “rewarding experience” to see her students “cross the graduation stage.”

Lutte was also honored for her commitment to aviation safety and her influential role in shaping aviation policy. She previously worked with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, to tackle global challenges of air navigation safety, workforce development and the training and licensing of personnel.

Throughout her career, she has focused on strengthening the aviation workforce, particularly the recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented groups, and has testified before House and Senate committees.

In 2020, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao appointed Lutte to the newly formed Women in Aviation Advisory Board.

Lutte, who is a member of the leadership team for the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety, said, “I'm grateful I’ve had the opportunity to shape education, policy and safety through my work in teaching, research and service.”

Sumwalt is the executive director of Embry-Riddle’s Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety. (Photo: Robert Sumwalt)

Sumwalt, who joined Embry-Riddle in 2022 as Distinguished Fellow in Aviation Safety, was recognized for his “distinguished career as a pilot, public servant and safety advocate.”

Sumwalt served as a member of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for 15 years, beginning in 2006 and serving under four presidents. He chaired the board from 2017 to June 2021.  Sumwalt was also a pilot for 32 years, including 24 years with Piedmont Airlines and U.S. Airways.

“I’m humbled and appreciative to receive this recognition. However, anything that I’ve ever done has been because of the support of many others,” Sumwalt said. “Congratulations to the other recipients, and I’m especially pleased to be recognized alongside Embry-Riddle’s Dr. Becky Lutte.”

During his career, Sumwalt has served on numerous boards and committees to advance aviation safety, including, most recently, the National Airspace Safety Review Team.

Sumwalt said he was proud to join fellow aviation leaders who have earned the Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman & Stateswoman of Aviation award from the National Aeronautics Association, the oldest U.S. aviation club.

This includes Embry-Riddle’s co-founder, John Paul Riddle, who received the award in 1986.

The 2025-26 academic year marks 100 years since Embry-Riddle’s founding by Riddle and T. Higbee Embry.

“To have two of this year’s award recipients with ties to Embry-Riddle reinforces Embry-Riddle’s commitment to aviation and aerospace safety, a commitment that goes back to our founders,” Sumwalt said.