Western Michigan University faculty member Stephanie Ward and student Reed Hudson have received top honors from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for their contributions to the state’s aviation sector. Ward, an instructor of airport operations, was named 2025 Aviation Educator of the Year, while Hudson, an aviation operations and management student, was recognized as Aviation Student of the Year. The awards were presented at the 2026 Michigan Airport Conference in East Lansing.
“We couldn’t be prouder to see Stephanie and Reed recognized for their excellence in the aviation industry,” said Dr. Raymond Thompson, dean of WMU’s College of Aviation. “Both of them demonstrate how the College of Aviation’s commitment to Experience-Driven Learning and connections within the industry propel our students to success.”
Each year, MDOT acknowledges airports and individuals in Michigan whose work has led to improvements in facilities, operations or public relations that help advance aviation across the state.
“The hard work and dedication these airports and individuals have made are truly commendable in making airports safe, connecting people, recruiting new talent and growing the economy,” said Bryan Budds, director of MDOT’s Office of Aeronautics.
Stephanie Ward is also manager of aviation planning at Mead & Hunt and has taught part-time at Western since 2020. Her course covers airport planning topics such as developing layout plans, public involvement and environmental review. Students gain practical experience through case studies at local airports.
“What’s really a passion for me is exposing young and older people alike to the wide range of careers in the aviation industry,” Ward said. “I love that past students connect with me on LinkedIn and will message me to say they used something from my class in their day-to-day life while on the job. It is very rewarding!”
Ward participates in industry events including teaching at American Association of Airport Executives symposiums and engaging with Women in Aviation International Girls in Aviation Day.
“Stephanie’s commitment to airport consulting shines through in her teaching, as she actively encourages interest and development within the airport planning field,” wrote her nominators. “Through teaching at WMU, she aims to attract talented professionals who can help enhance services at Michigan airports.”
Reed Hudson completed two summer internships at Cherry Capital Airport during his time at Western Michigan University (WMU), along with shadowing airport operations during winter.
“Reed has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and commitment to advancing his aviation education,” supervisors wrote in his award nomination.
Hudson has accepted a full-time position as operations supervisor at Cherry Capital Airport starting after his graduation this May.
“During my time at Western, being part of a community-driven environment exposed me to new perspectives on aviation and encouraged me to view the aviation world with a different lens. These experiences strengthened my motivation to pursue a career in aviation and continue developing professionally,” Hudson said. He originally intended to study flight science but shifted focus after meeting with administrators inspired him toward management.
“They inspired me with their passion and dedication, as well as their love for their jobs,” he added. “It awoke a similar passion in myself that I hope I can share with others as I start my new job!”
Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation is recognized among leading flight schools globally by Study International. It offers Michigan’s only comprehensive public university aviation program with more than 1,200 undergraduates enrolled—making it one of the largest programs nationally—and has over 85 years’ experience in training future aviators.
The university supports inclusive excellence for all students according to its official website. WMU enrolls more than 17,000 students each year (source), fields 16 Division I varsity sports as a Mid-American Conference member (source), promotes sustainability through LEED-certified buildings (source), holds several top-100 graduate program rankings nationally (source), and emphasizes learner-focused education that is research-oriented and globally involved (source).
For more information about news or events related to Western Michigan University visit WMU News online.
