INTERVIEW WITH DR. HEIDI ANDERSON
*When did you first become aware of the Aviation Sciences Program at UMES?
I became aware of the Aviation Science program when I started my research about UMES in 2018.
*When did you realize what it was all about? (how deep and wide the classes and career choices are)
Aviation Sciences offers our students so many opportunities. When I came to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in September 2018, I started a listening and learning tour right away. This gave me an opportunity to tour every building, learn about all of our amazing programs and meet many of my Hawk Family.
*Do you notice a difference in the students in that program than the others on campus? (are they more focused and career-oriented?)
It’s funny that you ask this question. The students in Aviation Sciences, especially those in the professional pilot track are not typical undergraduate students. These students value service to others early in their education. They know they have to be more serious learners because they realize that flying means that they will have people’s lives in their hands.
*Have your peers asked you about how they can do something similar?
I have spoken to other president’s about our program and, in fact, one of our sister-institutions in Delaware has a similar program and we have spoken about how to work together for the benefit of both programs and all of our students.
*What does the Aviation Sciences Program do right?
Aviation Sciences does everything right. They take motivated students and show them a solid career pathway in all aspects of aviation, including new drone technology.
*How could it be improved?
I think there is always room for improvement, but our Aviation Sciences program is solid. Soon we will be at the point where we need more planes and more flight instructors because of the number of students, but this is a good thing!
*What r some of the cool things you learned about it after you arrived at UMES? (flight simulators, et al..)
Soon after I arrived at UMES, we celebrated our Founders’ Day (Sept. 13, 1886). I was treated to a campus tour by one of our faculty historians and I quickly learned the important role women have played on our campus since our founding. To look back at how our 1100-acre historically Black doctoral research institution started with nine students and one instructor is amazing. Now, we revel in our history, but take pride in our advanced technology like flight simulators, advanced labs, and research that takes place here every day.
*What was your first impression when you arrived at the bucolic campus of UMES?
Our campus, and my home, are on 1100 acres of beauty and all of the wonderful things that the Eastern Shore has to offer. I love to walk the campus in the evenings, stop, and visit with students, faculty and staff that also take advantage of our lovely setting. The town of Princess Anne is very welcoming and I can walk to my favorite place to stop for a real Maryland crab cake. We’re also just a few hours drive to Philadelphia, Washington DC or Richmond, but to feel like you’re really able to enjoy every bit of nature on our campus is truly wonderful. It’s a perfect place to live, learn, and grow.
*What have you grown to like best about the Eastern Shore of Maryland?
Besides the crab cakes? The Eastern Shore really feels like home. The people are warm and friendly and there are so many golf courses that I may never have time to play them all.
*What have you grown to love the most about UMES?
I love everything about our university, but I really love my students. They are smart, funny, resilient, and brave and I love watching them proudly walk across the stage at graduation and soar off into the world to do great things.