Mr. Fred Ritchey is Dean Emeritus and the inaugural Dean of the College of Aviation & Aeronautical Science at LeTourneau University. He earned his B.S. from LeTourneau University and his M.S. from the University of Texas, Tyler. He also holds an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certificate with Inspection Authorization and served as an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner from 1993 to 2004. Since joining LeTourneau in 1985, Ritchey has written and taught numerous technical courses and led his college through several significant curriculum changes. From 2007-2009 he was instrumental in the college’s acquisition, design, and transition to the Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center located at the East Texas Regional Airport. Mr. Ritchey retired as dean in the Spring of 2023 following 38 years of service to LeTourneau University. He and his wife Gail have been married for more than 40 years. They have two adult children Laura and Freddie who have given them two grandchildren.

Education and Training

Publications

• "Promoting Safety in Collegiate Aviation Programs", Aviation Accreditation Board International Winter Conference, 2012
• Panel presentation "Educating for Contemporary Electronic Flight Deck Technology", Council on Aviation Accreditation Winter Conference, February 2004

Professional Activities

• Board of Directors, Covington Aircraft Engines
• Professional Aviation Mechanics Association, member
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
• Academy of Model Aeronautics

Conferences attended

• Regional Airline Association
• Women in Aviation International
• The Aviation Accreditation Board International
• Risk Management
• The University Aviation Association

University Committee Assignments

• Committee On Committees
• Facilities Master Plan Sub-Committee
• President’s Leadership Council
• Long Range Strategic Planning Committee
• VP for Enrollment Management Search Committee
• Crisis Response Task Force
• Provost Search Committee (Chair)

Service (Community Involvement)

• Mr. Ritchey is a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Longview. He serves as Sunday school teacher.

Personal Statement

God has been so gracious to me! I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior when I was in the 7th grade. His grace has been evident all through my life. I have certainly done nothing to deserve the many good things He has given me and allowed me to do. In the twenty plus years, I have been a faculty member at LETU, I have seen God work in amazing ways.

When we think of God's blessing, we naturally think of all of the wonderful changes that have occurred on our campus with new buildings and a growing student enrollment. The real blessing of God, and what really gives me the greatest joy, is to see how He works in the lives of our students. One of my LeTourneau College professors, Roger Carr, once said that our students "are the wind in our sails."