Dr. Samantha Bowyer has been an educator in the aviation industry since the age of 19. She began her career as a flight and ground instructor at both Part 141 and Part 61 flight schools, eventually serving as Chief Flight Instructor. She later transitioned into traditional education, establishing a four-year aviation academy at a public high school in partnership with the Gatez Aerospace Academy. This experience led to her current role as Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science.
Dr. Bowyer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management, a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Project Management and a Doctor of Business Administration specializing in Project Management. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a certified flight instructor for single- and multi-engine airplanes, including instrument rating. Her research centers on applying project management skills and methodologies to enhance curriculum design and program development in aviation education.
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Bowyer enjoys flying her Cherokee 180, kayaking, backpacking the Appalachian Trail and spending time at the beach with her two children.
D.B.A. - Doctor of Business Administration in Project Management, Liberty University
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration in Project Management, Capella University
University Aviation Association--Member and Committee Chair
Women in Aviation International--Member and Faculty Advisor of the ERAU-DB Chapter
Project Management Institute-Member and PMP
Experimental Aircraft Association--Member and Young Eagles Mentor Pilot
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association--Member
National Association of Flight Instructors--Member and Volunteer
- Teacher of the Year, Embry-Riddle, Daytona Beach Campus
- Nominee Finalist, AY 2019-2020
- Nominee, AY 2020-2021
- Nominee, AY 2023-2024
- Outstanding Performance Award Winner, Aeronautical Science Department, AY 2019-2020
- Lifetime Membership of NAFI, awarded by the NAFI Board of Directors as recognition for service as project manager of the inaugural NAFI Summit 2023
- 2024 Jack Eggspuhler Award for Outstanding Service and Dedication to NAFI and its Members