News

West Virginia Teacher to Head GTCC’s Transportation Division

GREENSBORO - Dr. Richard Pagan, a professor of aviation science and aviation administration at a West Virginia college, has been hired to be division chair for transportation at Guilford Technical Community College.

He succeeds Ed Frye who retired last month after 13 years at GTCC.

Like Frye, Pagan is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and is an expert in aviation, which will be a large part of his work at GTCC's Davis Aviation Center on Regional Road. Pagan also will be over the non-aviation programs in the transportation division.

He is expected to be on the job at GTCC on March 21, leaving Pierpoint Community and Technical College in Fairmont, WV, where he has taught since 1997.

Jeff Faircloth, chair for automotive systems technology, has been interim division chair since Frye's retirement.

Pagan has a doctorate from West Virginia University; a master's degree of aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University; and two associate of applied science degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.

He began his higher education teaching career at Pierpoint when it was still a part of Fairmont State University. He has been teaching courses in the aviation maintenance program, avionics and aviation administration. He also has specializations in aerospace training.

Pagan said that he is "extremely impressed with the scope of operations of the Transportation Division and with the level of involvement with the transportation industry." He added, "My desire as I come onboard is to pick up the baton as Mr. Frye passes it on to me.

"Mr. Frye is to be commended for the fine work he has done in support of the Transportation Division and GTCC. As a visionary leader, my vision for the Transportation division is to make it the 'leader' in transportation systems technology not only in North Carolina but extending beyond its borders."

CONTACT: Contact ROBurchette@gtcc.edu

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