UND’s Jeremy Roesler honored with national aviation award
UND flight operations director recognized for leadership in FAA training modernization
Jeremy Roesler, director of flight operations at the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, has been recognized with a national award from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).
Roesler received the 2026 AABI Chairperson’s Award, an honor presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to collegiate aviation and the broader aviation education community. He received this recognition along with Ken Byrnes of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for their joint efforts in leading change in flight training at a national level.
Roesler serves as director of flight operations at UND, where he oversees one of the nation’s largest and most advanced collegiate flight training programs. The Odegard School is widely regarded as a leader in aviation education, preparing students for careers across the aviation industry.
According to AABI, the AABI Chairperson award acknowledges leadership and service supporting advancements in aviation education. Roesler and Byrnes were recognized for their work representing collegiate aviation interests in efforts related to modernization of Federal Aviation Administration Part 141 training regulations, which govern structured flight school programs. Roesler was specifically recognized for his work in bringing AABI-accredited schools together during the modernization process.
“Revisions to these FAA pilot training regulations do not happen very often. The last major revision was in the 90s. It is great that UND had one of the few seats at the table for this process,” Roesler said.
Others in collegiate aviation also highlighted the significance of his contributions.
“It is an honor to recognize Jeremy Roesler with the AABI Chairperson Award for his outstanding leadership and meaningful contributions to Part 141 modernization,” said Julie Speakes, chair of the AABI Board of Trustees and associate dean at Liberty University. “His deep operational expertise and commitment to collaboration strengthened collegiate aviation and helped shape regulatory improvements that will benefit flight training programs nationwide.”
Elizabeth Bjerke, associate dean of Aerospace at UND, agreed. “Jeremy was recognized for his outstanding work in bringing all of the AABI schools together during the FAA Part 141 modernization efforts,” she said.
The Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) is the premier accrediting body for collegiate aviation programs worldwide.
Founded in 1988, AABI is dedicated to advancing the quality and standards of aviation education by establishing rigorous criteria that programs must meet to earn and maintain accreditation. With a membership of more than 45 colleges and universities across the globe, AABI plays a vital role in ensuring that the next generation of aviation professionals receives a comprehensive, high-quality education that meets the demands of the ever-evolving aviation industry.
UND has a longstanding connection to AABI. It was one of the first four schools to have programs accredited by the organization and has maintained accreditation since 1992. John Odegard, the founder of the school, was instrumental in establishing early aviation accreditation standards that ultimately led to the formation of AABI, with that work beginning in 1976.
The Chairperson’s Award is among AABI’s distinguished honors, highlighting contributions that have a lasting impact on the aviation academic community. Roesler’s recognition reflects both his individual leadership and UND’s continued role in shaping the future of aviation training and standards.
