Title: Associate Professor

Company: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Location: Ormond Beach, FL

ORMOND BEACH, FL, February 11, 2015, Debbie M. Schaum, Associate Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has been recognized by Elite American Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in higher education. Ms. Schaum is a retired major in the Air Force whose primary responsibility was working as a meteorologist in her former capacity. She has tried to open the doors of aviation and meteorology for women, who are traditionally under-represented in this field, by acting as a role model and reaching out to middle school children to give them an introduction into the field. This prompted her to pursue her current career path, and to begin working for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she teaches subjects related to aviation and aerospace, about 12 credit hours a semester, and primarily focuses on aviation and weather.

Ms. Schaum also creates curriculum for students that brings a real-life ingredient to the university with a program focusing on weather for air crews. Upon reflecting on a rewarding career, Ms. Schaum attributes her success to her prior experiences. Before joining the Air Force, she was a member of the ROTC and created a scholarship program for students. She has an innate understanding of students’ needs and reaches out to the middle school students to explain the real world benefits of math and science, always keeping in mind the importance of joining aviation and meteorology.

With more than 20 years of professional experience under her belt, Ms. Schaum continues to nurture an ever-emergent skill set; she holds a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Missouri System, Columbia, and a Master’s Degree in Management from Webster University. She enjoys hosting international exchange students, and feels she benefits from the lasting friendships she has made with these students.

Contact Debbie M. Schaum