Aviation Careers Beyond the Cockpit: EKU Graduates Soar in Aerospace Management

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) isn’t just preparing students to pilot planes—it’s launching them into high-powered careers managing some of Kentucky’s most critical aviation hubs. From strategic innovation to airport operations, EKU aviation alumni are proving that aerospace management offers dynamic, impactful career paths.

Hannah Meredith, ’15, leads innovation initiatives as the senior manager of strategic innovation at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Megan Atkins Thoben, ’10, oversees operations and customer engagement at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) as vice president. And Christian Nelson, ’16, ensures smooth day-to-day operations as operations manager at Blue Grass Airport (LEX).

Their careers demonstrate how EKU’s aerospace management concentration prepares graduates to take on key leadership roles in the aviation industry, often breaking barriers along the way.

Meredith was honored this year as a Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Next Generation Leader for Entrepreneurship, exemplifying the innovation and leadership skills fostered at EKU.

A key milestone during her time as an aerospace management major was being the first intern at Blue Grass Airport. Meredith’s career took off after EKU, with roles ranging from data analyst to senior manager of terminal operations to now working in the innovation department at CVG Airport.

“I love what we do here,” she shared. “One of my passions is finding more accessible technologies that make travel easier for people who previously felt it wasn’t an option for them.”

Meredith’s career also represents advancement for women in aerospace management. According to the 2022 Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB) report, women make up less than 20% of the workforce in most aviation occupations. The report notes that the largest gender gaps are in senior leadership positions, professional pilots and maintenance technicians.

At times, Meredith said she has wondered if she’s been overlooked because she’s a woman, “But I learned to embrace it and say, ‘Yes, I’m the only girl here.’” Today, she mentors others to navigate similar paths.

Thoben felt uplifted by her colleagues throughout her career, saying, “Women are wonderful in chaos. And what more chaotic place to put in front of you than an airport? Being able to multitask and being able to think about multiple factors at once, then prioritizing them and being able to address them in a way that is most effective—that value in me has been seen and noticed by my male counterparts, and I have been elevated by them.”

While pursuing the aerospace management concentration of the aviation degree at EKU, Thoben learned how to efficiently organize airport operations and ensure the smooth coordination of flights, passenger services and ground activities, all while maintaining seamless travel experiences for passengers. This helped to prepare her for her current position where she runs one of the busiest airports in the world, overseeing everything from runway operations to airport communication systems to terminal operations.

Thoben graduated with her aviation degree in three years and has worked in airport operations for more than 14 years. Her success in the industry has earned her recognition in Louisville Business First’s Forty Under 40 list in 2021 and Today’s Woman Magazine as Most Admired Woman in the Young Executive Category in 2022.

Nelson was recently recognized with the 2024 Emerging Professional Award, by the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). At Blue Grass Airport, Nelson ensures regulatory compliance and manages daily operations, including telecommunications, credentialing and access, inspections and safety and security plans. In addition, he remains active in mentoring airport professionals and encourages those interested in aviation careers.

EKU is home to the only four-year aviation degree program in the state, boasting a 100% job placement rate. Concentrations are offered in the highly competitive professional flight program, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and aerospace management, which prepares students for careers at airports, airlines, corporate aviation and government agencies. Students in the program have opportunities for hands-on learning experiences at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Madison County, which was recently awarded federal funding to construct a $4.5-million general aviation terminal and broke ground on a new $25-million flight training center.

If media partners would like to interview graduates or faculty from the aerospace management program, contact Sarah Baker, EKU director of public relations, at media@eku.edu or 859-582-9260.