At , the runway to a career in aviation often begins just a few miles away at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, as seen by three recent graduates who are now part of the city’s airport operations team.

Julia Metivier, Sydney Webb and Dakota Bernier have each found their place at Ernest A. Love Field, supporting daily operations that connect their university to the broader community.

“I had the pleasure of teaching Julia, Dakota and Sydney during their time at Embry‑Riddle, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see them thriving at Ernest A. Love Field,” said Dr. Jules Yimga, chair of the School of Business and coordinator of the Aviation Business Administration program at Embry‑Riddle’s College of Business, Security and Intelligence.

Metivier, who graduated from the Aviation Business Administration program in 2020 and joined the city of Prescott’s airport in 2021, now serves as interim airport operations manager. She oversees a team of 10 employees responsible for every aspect of airfield management.

“Embry‑Riddle prepared me not just in the classroom, but through hands-on experience,” Metivier said. “Through networking and by making relationships with professors. One of the biggest things that I advocate for is getting out and meeting people — which was how I got this job.”

Metivier credits Embry‑Riddle faculty for helping her connect with leadership at the Prescott airport, whose recommendations helped her stand out during her job application. Now in her role at the airport, she sees herself as a bridge between Embry‑Riddle and Ernest A. Love Field.

“I like that I get to help bridge the gap,” Metivier said. “We’ve been trying to build relationships, and I’m able to connect with current students and alumni. I’m also getting involved in the community.”

From Classroom to Career

For alumni like Webb, every day brings variety — and responsibility. Webb serves as an airport operations specialist, fuel inspector and assistant wildlife hazard management coordinator. Her work ranges from ensuring FAA Part 139 compliance to rescuing wayward barn owls from the runway.

Department Chair and Associate Professor of Air Transport Economics Dr. Jules Yimga (left) reunites with three former students who now work at the Prescott airport. Here, they are alongside him and Airport Director Rick Crider, A.A.E. (center).
Department Chair and Associate Professor of Air Transport Economics Dr. Jules Yimga (left) reunites with three former students who now work at the Prescott airport. Here, they are alongside him and Airport Director Rick Crider, A.A.E (center).

 

“We do a bit of everything — terminal security, airfield maintenance, inspections,” she said. “Everything that a bigger airport would have separated, we all do in one.”

Webb, who earned a degree in Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Safety, said her coursework continues to pay off.

“My aviation safety minor definitely prepared me for this part of my career,” she said. “I feel like I’m more in tune with understanding how aircraft investigation works, and that definitely helped me with this job.”

Bernier, a 2025 graduate who earned her degree in Air Traffic Management with a minor in Aviation Business Administration, is one of the newest members of the airport’s operations technician team.

“We’re the first ones on the airfield at 6 a.m. — we open everything up,” she said. “We inspect the airfield and all the runways to make sure there are no discrepancies and that everything’s running smoothly.”

Bernier said Embry‑Riddle’s group-oriented classes helped her learn how to work in different environments — a skill that’s proven invaluable on the job.

“What I really liked about my classes at Embry‑Riddle was that they were very interactive,” she said. “We always had group projects and group discussions. Being able to work with people and navigate different personalities to get things done — that’s something I know I can transfer throughout my whole life, and it’s something I got in my classes.”

Partners in Prescott

The shared airspace between Embry‑Riddle and the city of Prescott has long symbolized a partnership between higher education and local industry — one that continues to grow stronger through graduates like Metivier, Webb and Bernier.

“Together, these three exemplify the strength of our local aviation community and the lasting impact of an Embry‑Riddle education,” said Yimga. “It’s wonderful to see how they’ve grown professionally and always rewarding to watch our graduates making an impact right here in Prescott.”

As that relationship continues to grow, Metivier said she’s inspired by how far it’s come. “I love having an impact,” she said.