Kathleen Hildreth, a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, is extending her commitment to supporting future aviators through a significant philanthropic effort. Noted for her service as a VIP pilot in Vietnam and her contributions to military aviation maintenance testing, Hildreth now aims to address the industry’s need for new pilots.
She recently made a notable $1 million donation to Texas Woman’s University, with half of the funds allocated to scholarships for students in the inaugural class of the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences. The remaining $500,000 is set to match future donations to the school’s aviation program, further extending her impact.
Hildreth’s connection to the university, despite not having attended, came through business links from her Denton-based M1 Support Services, a company involved in military aviation support. Her business acumen and dedication have earned her a place on the Forbes list of “America’s Richest Self-Made Women” since 2019 and other accolades, including her recent induction into the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
The scholarships are vital for the participating students, each receiving about $40,000 in assistance to help cover their education and flight certification costs, which exceed $100,000. Among these students is Carolyn Young, who expressed her gratitude for Hildreth’s generosity, noting the encouragement it provides beyond her familial support.
This initiative reflects Hildreth’s ongoing efforts to leverage her experiences and resources to make a tangible difference in the future of aviation, particularly in supporting students embarking on the expensive path to becoming certified pilots.