"We have a lot to celebrate," said Chairman of the Embry‑Riddle Board of Trustees Mori Hosseini in bringing President P. Barry Butler to the podium for his 2018 State of the University address. "The news is good. Our enrollment and reputation continue to grow under Dr. Butler's leadership."

Butler shared credit for several points of pride with an audience of staff and faculty that filled the ICI Center on Clyde Morris Boulevard. He also delivered an update on the university's progress toward goals set in the five-year strategic plan approved earlier this year by the Board of Trustees.

Butler's first visual was of the new Student Union on the Daytona Beach campus, which he sees as stunning and futuristic, but also as a symbol of transformation and a signal of what's to come from Embry‑Riddle. "It speaks to bold spirit. It speaks about discovery. It speaks of community. It's not just a building, it is a symbol of our future."

Butler's vision is of an institution recognized as the unquestioned global leader in aerospace education and the definitive source of innovation in aviation and aerospace education and research. His goal for staff and faculty is to deliver the personal attention to students to ensure they graduate prepared to serve an industry that represents great potential for employment and innovation.

The aerospace industry is financially strong, globally connected and willing to invest in transportation technology that extends to urban mobility, according to Butler, who cites commercial space, supersonic and hypersonic flight and aviation data analytics as industry research priorities. To reflect the needs of industry, he said new programs in analytics are in development.

Butler sees Embry‑Riddle as well-positioned in comparison with other universities to prepare students for the workforce. In a time when higher education is grappling with expenses outpacing revenue from tuition, enrollment continues to grow at the residential campuses as well as at Embry‑Riddle Worldwide, now in its 25th year as a distance and online educator.

The power of relationships was a theme Butler returned to throughout his address. He cited strong partnerships with government and industry as a model for innovative programming. Examples of collaboration and cooperation include support from the State of Florida and the highly successful Microsoft Software & Systems Academy that helps veterans transition to well-paid jobs in information technology. Embry‑Riddle's expanding global presence was also mentioned, including the positive relationship that Worldwide has created with the aviation authorities of Singapore.

Embry‑Riddle is respected in the global industry, according to Butler, who added that the skills aerospace executives identify they want most are teamwork, an understanding of business by non-business majors, communication, "grit" and the ability to be proactive, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

Supporting Success, Ensuring Retention

A $2 million investment in FY19 Strategic Plan objectives will support initiatives to improve student experience and success, Butler reported. A team led by Dr. Randy Howard is developing program-specific enrollment goals that Butler said will result in "smart growth."

He added, however, that there is room for improvement in retention rates. While retention and graduation rates are increasing, Butler asked staff and faculty to make a personal commitment to help students succeed. He shared the story of visiting a top aerospace leader who recommitted himself to his academic pursuit thanks to a mentor. When Butler told the executive that during his first State of the University address he asked faculty and staff to make it a personal mission to engage with students every day, the executive urged him to, "Do it again this year."

Diversifying the student body is both a goal and an opportunity. Butler pointed to raising enrollment of women as one aspect of this overall objective, providing the example that female representation in pharmacy, medical and law schools was very low in the 1960s but now male/female enrollment is close to 50/50 in those professions. He reminded the audience to challenge existing stereotypes in order to increase diversity at Embry‑Riddle and our professions.

A recent improvement to the student experience that merited special mention was ERNIE Central, which consolidates student services in a "one-stop shop." Butler likened the service-oriented, customer focus to "the Disney experience," a comparison that brought a chuckle from the audience. He said ERNIE Central has served about 400 students over the summer and will move into the Student Union this fall.

Research and Its ROI

Recognition for research and innovation is a strategic goal that drives curricula and industry partnerships. Butler pointed out that the MicaPlex, a research incubator slightly more than a year old, is nearly at full occupancy. "It brings high-paying jobs and the buzz about what's happening there reflects well on us."

Moving forward, research will focus on aviation- and aerospace-related fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and simulation training. Butler also noted a continued investment in basic research. "We are looking for a return on investment, not just financially, but in terms of the value research brings to our reputation, programs and students."

In addressing development and alumni engagement, Butler described a realignment of development activities with the strategic plan and greater integration into the goals of the colleges. He highlighted this year's record 823 employee donors. He said $1.8 million in student scholarship support not only supports students today but also encourages them to become donors in the future.

In closing his address, Butler again encouraged the audience to see themselves as key players in the success of Embry‑Riddle students, particularly by encouraging retention and graduation. "Strive to be someone students will remember in the future."

He also linked the university's goals to its underlying values.

"Our future is built on our values: collaboration and teamwork, ethical and responsible behavior, professionalism, high standards of achievement, respect for the needs of individuals and putting Embry‑Riddle above self."

His final words were of encouragement and gratitude. "Help us achieve our future. Thank you all."