Sinclair Hires Program Director for Unmanned Aerial Systems

Aug. 5, 2013
The Workforce Development Division of Sinclair Community College is proud to welcome Andrew Shepherd as the new program director for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Aug. 5, 2013, Dayton, OH – The Workforce Development Division of Sinclair Community College is proud to welcome Andrew Shepherd as the new program director for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

With more than 10 years of experience in course development, accreditation, instruction and mentorship, Shepherd comes to Sinclair with an extensive knowledge in many areas of higher education and workforce training and development.

He was most recently with Riverside Research as the Collegiate and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Programs Manager, where he was responsible for content development and worked with Sinclair to structure many of the college’s current UAS training offerings. In addition, he continues to teach classes as an adjunct faculty member in Sinclair’s Aviation and Electrical Engineering Technology Departments.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Andrew joining us as Sinclair’s new program director for UAS,” said Deb Norris, vice president for workforce development & corporate services. “This is a field that will see substantial growth and be a huge benefit for the residents of the Dayton area for many years to come. Andrew will have an instrumental role in our program’s success.”

Shepherd earned his associate of applied science degree in aviation technology – professional pilot and airway science option – from Sinclair in 2004. He went on to earn both a bachelor of science degree in professional aeronautics and a master of aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He most recently earned his Ph.D. in business administration with a specialization in management of engineering and technology from Arizona’s Northcentral University (www.ncu.edu) in 2012.

Since 2009, Sinclair has been at the forefront of UAS training, offering comprehensive courses and short-term technical certificates in an emerging market that was named the number one area of focus for growing Ohio’s aerospace, aviation and defense industry. Sinclair’s UAS curriculum focuses on practical real-world applications of current and emerging nonmilitary UAS vehicle and sensor technologies using classroom instruction, leading-edge simulation and hands-on vehicle operations.

For more information on Sinclair Community College’s UAS program, visit uas.sinclair.edu.