Longtime OU academic advisor Mary Aldridge recently took on a new role within the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. Earlier this month, Aldridge moved over to the PACS Aviation Department where she will advise students toward their professional pilot, aviation management (flying and non-flying) and air traffic control degrees.
Aldridge has worked as an advisor for PACS' online programs since 2004. Being able to advise students in person is something she’s looking forward to.
“Where before everything was 100 percent online advising, I’ll now be seeing students face-to-face through daily scheduled appointments,” she said.
Although the new opportunity comes with a learning curve, Aldridge is looking forward to working with a new set of students.
“I see working in the aviation department as a unique opportunity. The students in this program are not here by mistake. It’s their passion,” she said. “Also, with there being a national pilot shortage, it’s going to be nice guiding them through a quality degree that will, essentially, help them be immediately employable.”
Before coming to PACS, Aldridge worked with the OU College of Business and the athletic department.
When she’s not advising future aviation professionals, she teaches PACS online classes and enjoys hiking, biking and visiting state and national parks.
