Longtime aviation professor at University of Central Missouri (UCM) Dr. John Horine was presented the 2017 Friend of Aviation Award during an April 27th banquet at the Spring Conference of the Missouri Airport Managers Association (MAMA) held at the Lodge of the Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Missouri.
Dr. Horine has been a fixture in Missouri aviation for many decades and helped countless students enter aviation career fields. Retiring as professor emeritus of aviation, he started at UCM in 1961 as a professor of industrial arts and technology. He served in that role until 1969, when he became Chair of the Department of Power and Transportation, which included aviation programs. He returned to full-time teaching in the department in 1990, and continues to teach aviation subjects in retirement on an adjunct basis.
Through Dr. Horine’s leadership and efforts, UCM’s aviation program has grown into one of the largest and most respected university aviation training programs in the central United States, including programs for professional pilot, aircraft maintenance, and aviation management. He also helped develop the master’s degree program in aviation safety and directed Aerospace Education Workshop classes for teachers the past 35 years.
As UCM aviation students graduated and excelled in their careers, he stayed in contact with many of his students and used those relationships to help new graduates. Dr. Horine continues to stay active in state aviation issues by serving on MoDOT’s Aviation Advisory Committee.
“Many, many aviation professionals across this nation and world, including me, have been touched by Dr. Horine’s instruction, mentoring, and friendship” said Brian Weiler, current MAMA President and director of the Springfield-Branson National Airport. Â The Friend of Aviation Award was developed to recognize individuals that have made a significant contribution to support Missouri aviation.
In his remarks, Dr. Horine said he was touched and honored to accept this award, “I have made many friends and had much career fulfillment supporting this aviation industry that I love.”
MAMA is an organization comprised of administrators and operators of public use airports in Missouri. We provide a voice on issues impacting airports and offer professional development opportunities for members through education and networking.
