Ronald Kelly

2006 | Ronald Kelly | Neil Pobanz | Carl Unger | Dennis Schuring
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Ronald Kelly has spent most of his adult life promoting aviation. He served in the Airforce from 1956 -1960 and in1958 was Airman of the Month, Alaska Air Command. In 1959 he began his flight training. Shortly after his discharge he enrolled at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Circumstances prevented Ron from pursuing a flying career, but his love of aviation took him to Southern Illinois airport where he performed many valuable duties on a volunteer basis. In 1964 he became Assistant to the Director of Airport Operations. In June of 1972 he was named Assistant to the Director of the Air Institute and Service at SIUC. He also retained the title of Assistant to the Manager of Southern Illinois Airport. 1977-1989 he was Director of SIUC's Air Institute and Service. This was a period of fantastic growth in enrollment and aircraft flight training. Ron retired in 1991, but working part time, has taught the General Aviation Operations class (AVM 374) in the SIUC off campus Aviation Management degree program both on and off campus ( offered on military bases around the USA). He has always ranked among the top instructors in the Off Campus program year after year. He was the SIUC representative to the IATA, the NATA and the NBAA.

Beyond employment his aviation activities were far reaching. He formed the Saluki Club in 1961. He helped form the first National Intercollegiate Flying Association team at SIUC in 1962. He was a Faculty Advisor SIUC "Flying Salukis" from 1962 through 1984. He was National Intercollegiate Flying Association Council member since 1973, serving as National Vice Chairman and Chairman in past years. He also was Alpha Eta Rho National Vice President since 1995. University Aviation Association Treasurer during much of the 1990's.

Ron has received many awards including the United Airlines William A. Wheatly Award in recognition for outstanding contributions to aviation education, from the University Aviation Association in 1983. He also holds accreditation from the American Association of Airport Executives.

Ronald Kelly | Neil Pobanz | Carl Unger | Dennis Schuring
...
Ronald Kelly has spent most of his adult life promoting aviation.He served in the Airforce from 1956 -1960 and in1958 was Airman of the Month, Alaska Air Command.In 1959 he began his flight training.Shortly after his discharge he enrolled at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Circumstances prevented Ron from pursuing a flying career, but his love of aviation took him to Southern Illinois airport where he performed many valuable duties on a volunteer basis.In 1964 he became Assistant to the Director of Airport Operations.In June of 1972 he was named Assistant to the Director of the Air Institute and Service at SIUC.He also retained the title of Assistant to the Manager of Southern Illinois Airport.1977-1989 he was Director of SIUC's Air Institute and Service.This was a period of fantastic growth in enrollment and aircraft flight training.Ron retired in 1991, but working part time, has taught the General Aviation Operations class (AVM 374) in the SIUC off campus Aviation Management degree program both on and off campus ( offered on military bases around the USA).He has always ranked among the top instructors in the Off Campus program year after year.He was the SIUC representative to the IATA, the NATA and the NBAA.

Beyond employment his aviation activities were far reaching.He formed the Saluki Club in 1961.He helped form the first National Intercollegiate Flying Association team at SIUC in 1962.He was a Faculty Advisor SIUC "Flying Salukis" from 1962 through 1984.He was National Intercollegiate Flying Association Council member since 1973, serving as National Vice Chairman and Chairman in past years.He also was Alpha Eta Rho National Vice President since 1995.University Aviation Association Treasurer during much of the 1990's.

Ron has received many awards including the United Airlines William A. Wheatly Award in recognition for outstanding contributions to aviation education, from the University Aviation Association in 1983.He also holds accreditation from the American Association of Airport Executives.

Ron Kelly