KENNETH
W. BARNARD
Professor of aeronautics
Since
the Wright brothers took their historic flight in 1903, aviation
technology has been jetting ahead. Kenneth W. Barnard, professor
of aeronautics at Kansas State University at Salina, has spent his
career training new pilots and creating programs, such as global and local climate training, to help advance
this ever-evolving industry.
In 1992 he was principal investigator for a $7.7 million Department of Defense grant that boosted K-State at Salina to one of the best equipped aviation programs in the nation. In 1995, he received the Kansas Governor's Aviation Honor Award. The award recognized Barnard's contributions to aviation including directing a joint program between the college and British Aerospace International Airline Pilot Training Program and helping the college become the first program in the world certified by both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority.
Barnard received his bachelor's degree from K-State, his master's degree from Pittsburg State University in 1982 and his Ed.D. from Oklahoma State University in 1998. He has been at K-State at Salina since 1977. He served as department head of aeronautical technology for 19 years and built the department from a two-year airframe and powerplant certificate program to a four-year bachelor's degree program in FAA approved FAR 141 professional pilot, and FAR 147 aviation maintenance and avionics.
Barnard received the Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence. in 2001, and chosen as a Wakonse fellow (innovative teaching) in 2002.
Barnard was elected to the University Aviation Association's board of trustees in 2002. Barnard is active as a flight adviser for the local Experimental Aircraft Association.
Barnard is a member of many professional organizations including University Aviation Association, the Aircraft Technical Education Counsel, the National Association of Flight Instructors, the Kansas Pilots Association, Civil Air Patrol, and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association. He has served as an adjunct faculty for the Army's prestigious Command and General Staff College. He has been active in the Kansas Army National Guard for 25 years, which included serving as commander of a UH60 helicopter battalion. He holds ratings for airline transport, multi-engine, single-engine, helicopter, instrument, airframe and powerplant, and is a certified flight instructor.
Barnard can be reached at 785-826-2681 or by e-mail at barnard@k-state.edu.