Seasoned aviation professional to lead aeronautical program

Oct. 9, 2023 ― DENTON ― Texas Woman’s has selected a seasoned aviation professional to lead the university’s new Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences.

The university today announced that J. Clinton Grant will serve as director of the aviation program. Grant currently serves as Tarrant County College’s dean of aviation, business and logistics, which includes programming for prospective professional pilots and aviation maintenance, among other areas. He begins his role as director of the Doswell School on Oct. 23.

Grant, who himself is a pilot, has been in higher education since 2000 and has designed curriculum and led development in the area of pilot training at Tarrant County College. He has also held aircraft maintenance positions with major commercial airlines, beginning in 1988.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology and avionics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1988 and an MBA is business finance from the University of North Texas in 1996. 

“Clint Grant has a wealth of aviation experience that spans both the academic and corporate arenas. His reputation will give the Doswell School instant credibility and put our aeronautical sciences program in a strong position to flourish as it recruits faculty and students and launches its inaugural year,” said O. Finley Graves, TWU’s interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “We couldn’t be more pleased with his hire. We know he will hit the ground running when he assumes his role as director.”

The university in May announced a $15 million grant from the Doswell Foundation to support the new aeronautical sciences program. The gift, the university’s largest from a foundation, will support faculty, equipment and scholarships.

Texas Woman’s is seeking approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to begin the aviation program in fall 2024. Upon launching the program, the university will seek Federal Aviation Administration approval. Texas Woman’s plans to offer a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Sciences with two tracks: one in professional pilot training and the other in aviation management.

The aviation program’s top goal is to produce more women commercial pilots. FAA-approved coursework will allow graduates to apply for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certification, which reduces the number of flight hours required from 1,500 to 1,000. Graduates can become commercial pilots in less time with less expense.

Page last updated 10:19 AM, October 10, 2023