Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University has established a new tradition of international engagement through its International Ambassador Program, which connects students, faculty and industry partners around the world and is quickly becoming a key part of the university’s commitment to global collaboration, innovation, research and academic excellence. By aligning with ’s International Offices, the program offers a significant competitive advantage for both the university and the state.

“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening Florida’s economy — this strategic partnership with Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University will support the continued effort to expand investment, attract top talent and drive growth in Florida’s aerospace and aviation industry,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Congratulations to Embry‑Riddle on their success in building a partnership with SelectFlorida to bring innovative aerospace and aviation companies to Florida — expanding opportunities for economic growth on an international scale, benefiting Florida and Floridians.”

The International Ambassador Program brings together forward-thinking leaders from across Embry‑Riddle and positions them as liaisons for cross-cultural partnerships and academic exchange. By developing significant relationships with top institutions and industry partners abroad, the program ensures Embry‑Riddle remains at the cutting edge of aerospace education.

“Embry‑Riddle is playing a pivotal role in Florida’s mission to attract international companies by connecting world-class researchers and talent with countries where we’re focused on building new partnerships,” said Embry‑Riddle President P. Barry Butler. “By strategically aligning the International Ambassador Program with SelectFlorida and the state of Florida, the university has significantly enhanced its ability to attract international companies and foster global partnerships. This collaboration reflects a bold vision for the role higher education can play in driving worldwide cooperation and innovation. At its core, the program is about nurturing talent, expanding networks and creating opportunities that transform both lives and industries.”

The university’s first international faculty ambassador, Dr. Riccardo Bevilacqua, interim vice provost for Academic Affairs and the international ambassador to Italy, has established important connections with leading institutions and industry partners abroad, positioning ERAU at the forefront of aerospace partnership, innovation and education.

Bevilacqua, whose expertise in aerospace engineering and international relations has been recognized through various academic and professional honors, has played a pivotal role in forging these expanded relationships.

Cutting-edge International Partnerships with Industry-Leading Partners

A recent success is the addition of Progetti Speciali Italiani (PSI) to Embry‑Riddle’s Research Park at the John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex — known as the MicaPlex — which serves as the nexus between the university’s intellectual and technological resources. Incorporated in 2006 with a visionary approach towards transforming Italy’s aerospace industry, PSI brings a wealth of experience and innovation in the aerospace, defense, homeland security and energy sectors.

PSI’s presence at Embry‑Riddle’s Research Park marks a major milestone in international aerospace collaboration, made possible by SelectFlorida during a Florida state trade delegation mission to Italy in November 2024, which Bevilacqua facilitated. This achievement reflects the unwavering support of Florida’s leadership — including Gov. DeSantis — whose commitment to global partnerships and advancing the state’s economic, technological and educational infrastructure has been instrumental in attracting cutting-edge companies like PSI. Their vision ensures that Florida and Volusia County remain leaders in aerospace innovation and international cooperation. With PSI now part of the Research Park, the region stands to benefit from accelerated technological advancements and the creation of high-paying jobs, which offer career opportunities for local professionals and recent graduates.

Both PSI and Bevilacqua were recently recognized at a luncheon meeting hosted by Embry‑Riddle’s Research Park to raise awareness of the growth and economic opportunities presented by the International Ambassador Program.

"Our goal is to create a bridge not only between companies, but also between cultures of innovation," Bevilacqua said. "By fostering these partnerships, we empower our students and faculty to engage with leading minds globally and build the foundation for transformative research."

International Academic Collaboration

Bevilacqua’s success extends beyond connections with industry. He also helped formalize a partnership between Embry‑Riddle and the Italian higher education institution, Scuola Superiore Meridionale, in Naples. The agreement establishes dual-degree Ph.D. programs, joint research initiatives and faculty exchanges, thus fostering a shared culture of innovation. The dual-degree pathway enables students to earn credentials from both institutions, participate in transatlantic research and benefit from mentorship by leading scholars in aerospace engineering. Bevilacqua also facilitated the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sapienza Università di Roma, his alma mater in Rome.

The collaboration with Scuola Superiore Meridionale and Sapienza Università di Roma reflects a broader vision of international cooperation and academic excellence. Senior administrators from the three universities have emphasized the transformative impact of these partnerships, noting that they set a new standard for global academic collaboration. Students and faculty are afforded opportunities to expand their research networks, engage in cross-cultural professional development and access resources unique to world-class institutions.

Setting New Standards for Collaboration

As Embry‑Riddle expands its International Ambassador Program, the university is inviting passionate individuals to step into ambassadorial roles to help carry its mission forward. Whether facilitating the arrival of innovative companies or bridging academic communities, ambassadors play a vital part in shaping the future of aerospace education and research.

“Aligning our world class researchers like Dr. Bevilacqua with our economic development initiatives strengthens research opportunities and leverages our best and brightest in new ways that will help them attract research funding for graduate students,” said Embry‑Riddle Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Kelly Austin. “Dr. Bevilacqua’s willingness to build bridges on behalf of the university has led to the recruitment of innovative companies to Embry‑Riddle’s research park and the facilitation of their integration into the U.S. market, strengthening ties between Florida and the Italian aerospace sector,” he added.

The ongoing successes of the International Ambassador Program highlight the profound impact a single initiative can have on a university’s reach and reputation. By encouraging participants to travel, meet new partners and spark possibilities, the program proves that even without dedicated funding, the rewards are extraordinary — for Embry‑Riddle, its students and the global community it serves.