Debbie Schaum is an associate professor and the associate chair in the Applied Aviation Sciences Department. Here, she reflects on her 31+ years of experience working at Embry‑Riddle, supporting teams in the Air Race Classic and mentoring students to achieve their dreams.

What inspired you to join Embry‑Riddle, and what has motivated you to stay throughout the years? 

I was retiring from the Air Force, and Prof. Richard Bagby was actively recruiting me. At the time there were not colleges, just departments.

Aeronautical Science had no female faculty, and they needed another meteorologist. This position allowed me to be closer to my elderly parents and have flexibility to raise my two stepchildren. Most of military career was as an aviation meteorologist — teaching future pilots was a natural transition. 

Can you share a favorite memory or milestone from your time at the university?

When Dr. Sliwa was the president, I was approached by his wife to support her in the Air Race Classic, and that started my support. For a while, at Embry‑Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, I was flying. Students saw what I was doing and wanted to help, so they encouraged me to create a class! This class is offered during summer A and the class final is actually supporting the Race. 

One of my proudest moments was the second time we did the race from Prescott to Daytona with stops at a number of Universities in the Midwest. Our Daytona Beach team came in first overall. One of our other Teams, which consisted of two faculty members from the Engineering department, came in second.

I still teach the class, supporting predominately alumni. This year my class is supporting four planes — three C-172 teams from our Prescott Campus and one Mooney team, whose pilot is a retired air traffic controller.

What are some of the most significant lessons you’ve learned during your career here?

As a professor, you have to continue to learn and evolve. Each year the new students coming in are different. The way you teach has to keep up with the changes in their learning styles. You also have to be willing to keep up with new technology. 

What has been your favorite part of working at the university? 

My favorite part is watching the students mature and go on to amazing careers.