New Dean at Embry-Riddle’s College of Aviation is Accomplished Pilot, Educator and Safety Expert

Stolzer is an experienced pilot and aviation safety expert. He joined the Embry-Riddle faculty in 2008 and most recently served as the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, and Professor and Chair of the Department of Doctoral Studies. His distinguished career as a professor, author, administrator, mentor and aviation authority spans 28 years.

“It is an honor and privilege to be selected to lead the largest and most well-respected college of aviation in the world,” said Stolzer. “The passion and focus of Embry-Riddle students has continued to impress me since I became a part of the Embry-Riddle family.  I look forward to working with the best faculty and staff in aviation education to foster personal and professional development and knowledge discovery for our students.”

Stolzer has accumulated over 8,000 hours of flight time in more than 40 makes and models of fixed-wing aircraft. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate and an A&P mechanic's certificate, plus a number of professional certifications from the American Society for Quality, a Project Manager Certificate from the Project Management Institute, and he serves on the Board of Trustees of the Aviation Accreditation Board International.

His teaching and research interests include Safety Management Systems, and aviation safety programs such as Flight Operations Quality Assurance and project management. He is the author of numerous publications, including two books on Safety Management Systems.

Stolzer’s many awards and recognitions include his election as Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2014. He has received the Meritorious Award from College of the Ozarks for Distinguished Achievement, the Federal Aviation Administration Air Transportation Centers of Excellence Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award, and the Paul A. Whelan Award and the President’s Award from the Aviation Accreditation Board International.

Stolzer holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Quality Systems from Indiana State University, a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle and a Bachelor’s degree from College of the Ozarks.