Samuel Pavel

Dr. Samuel R. Pavel is a distinguished academic leader, economist, and aviation expert with a diverse career spanning academia, industry, and government service. Currently serving as the Chair of the Aviation Department at Central Washington University, Dr. Pavel brings extensive experience in aviation management, air traffic control, and economic policy analysis.

Dr. Pavel holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized in labor and financial institutions. His research has focused on the economic impact of airports, air traffic control, and aviation industry regulation, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has also contributed to professional books and served as a consultant on economic impact studies, influencing infrastructure investments and policy decisions.

Before joining Central Washington University, Dr. Pavel was an Associate Professor and Aviation Management Program Coordinator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned multiple teaching awards. His prior academic appointments include positions at Purdue University North Central, the University of Notre Dame, University of Denver, Kalamazoo College, and Western Michigan University.

In addition to his academic career, Dr. Pavel has held key positions in the aviation industry, including roles as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. His professional service includes leadership roles in the University Aviation Association, where he served as President from 2017 to 2020.

A dedicated educator and researcher, Dr. Pavel continues to contribute to the advancement of aviation education and policy. His current work explores the role of Modern Monetary Theory in federal aviation financing. He remains actively involved in the aviation community through his service with the Experimental Aircraft Association and other professional organizations.