DENTON, Oct. 9, 2023 – Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has named J. Clinton Grant as the director of its upcoming Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences. Grant, a seasoned professional in the aviation industry, is set to commence his role on Oct. 23, bringing with him decades of experience in both the academic and corporate sectors of aviation.
Presently, Grant holds the title of Dean of Aviation, Business, and Logistics at Tarrant County College. His responsibilities there encompassed the programming for prospective professional pilots and aviation maintenance. Grant’s career in higher education began in 2000, where he has played a significant role in designing curriculum and spearheading developments in pilot training at Tarrant County College. Additionally, his professional journey includes aircraft maintenance roles with leading commercial airlines since 1988.
Grant’s educational background is equally impressive. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1988 with a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Technology and Avionics. He further enhanced his academic credentials with an MBA in Business Finance from the University of North Texas in 1996.
O. Finley Graves, TWU’s Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointment. He stated, “Clint Grant brings to the table a rich tapestry of aviation experience from both academic and corporate worlds. His esteemed reputation provides the Doswell School with immediate credibility. As we venture into our inaugural year, his leadership will ensure that our aeronautical sciences program thrives, successfully recruiting both faculty and students.”
Earlier this year, in May, TWU proudly announced the reception of a generous $15 million grant from the Doswell Foundation. This significant contribution, the largest the university has received from a foundation, aims to bolster the aeronautical sciences program by supporting faculty hires, procuring essential equipment, and offering scholarships.
As TWU gears up to launch its aviation program in fall 2024, it is actively seeking endorsements from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Post-launch, the university has plans to pursue approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. TWU’s new program will offer a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Sciences, featuring two distinct tracks: Professional Pilot Training and Aviation Management.
A pivotal objective of the aviation program is to amplify the number of female commercial pilots. The FAA-approved curriculum will enable graduates to apply for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certification, thus reducing the flight hours prerequisite from 1,500 to 1,000. This revision ensures that graduates can achieve their commercial pilot status more swiftly and economically.