Each year, Mead & Hunt presents the Michael A. Shutt Scholarship to a deserving student seriously pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in airport or transportation engineering, environmental, planning or airport management. We present this award annually at the Southwest chapter of American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE) Winter Conference.
This scholarship exists to honor a significant aviation professional and erstwhile Mead & Hunt employee. Mike Shutt grew up on a farm in south central Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois with an engineering degree in 1969. Mike was an influential aviation consultant for more than 35 years. At 29, he started his own aviation firm, and in 2002, he joined forces with Mead & Hunt, where he ultimately became a Vice President. He was an active member of Southwest Association of Airport Executives for more than 33 years and served as a SWAAAE corporate board member from 1999 to 2003. As a licensed pilot, he logged over 4,000 hours of flight time.
Mike was a leader and problem solver who displayed integrity and passion for the development of airports and aviation facilities. Mike’s contributions to the airport industry include the planning and engineering development for over 100 airports in California, Arizona, Nevada and the Western Pacific Islands.
Not only does this scholarship serve to honor Mike, but it also supports and promotes the future of aviation through supporting a future leader in the industry. This year’s scholarship recipient is Emily Gardner. Emily is a senior in the Aeronautical Management Technology Program at Arizona State University. Her goal is to attend law school and practice Aviation Law so that she can serve as an advisor within the airport community and help with all facets of airport enterprises.
At present, she holds several positions within the university, and also operates several state-of-the-art flight simulators to help students train for various flight certificates and pilot ratings. Outside of her academics and work life, Emily is involved in several student organizations, such as Women in Aviation, and Society for Women in STEM, Snow Devils. She is also the Vice President of ASU Women’s Club Soccer and an avid participant in Sun Devil Intramural sports.
Mike solved problems with innovation and creativity—key tenets we uphold in the aviation industry today. We are excited to have the opportunity to present a scholarship in his honor, and look forward to seeing what Emily will accomplish in the future. As we look at this upcoming generation of leaders, we have no doubt that our future is bright.
