December 10, 2018
History professor moderates panel on diversity in aviation at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Phil Tiemeyer, associate professor of history in the College of Arts and Sciences, moderated the panel "Breaking Boundaries in the Sky" Dec. 5 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
The panel featured aviators from diverse backgrounds as they share how they overcame barriers to become commercial airline pilots. Presenters were Beverley Bass, the subject of the Broadway musical, "Come From Away," and Refilwe Ledwaba, a South African social entrepreneur and pilot passionate about youth development and economic empowerment of women in Africa.
"It's great to see K-State faculty such as Dr. Tiemeyer involved in the national conversation on issues of racial and gender diversity as it relates to their fields," said Kimathi Choma, assistant dean for diversity, recruitment, and retention in the College of Arts and Sciences.
"So many children who visit the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum share the same sense of wonder about the miracle of flight," Tiemeyer said. "Sadly, our society through the decades has imposed restrictions — based on gender or race — on who can actually fulfill their childhood dreams to become a pilot. I'm excited that K-State played a role in presenting these female and African American aviation pioneers to the public."