Stephen Ley

Faculty Member

Steve Ley

Biography

I am currently serving as an Associate Professor for the School of Aviation Sciences at Utah Valley University. Coursework includes traditional and online courses for aerospace management and technology-based disciplines. Special projects include the development of a new Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Technology Management that integrates high technology aerospace sustainment management into an advanced FAR Part 147 AMTS.
I also serves as Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator for the UVU Aviation Science program advancing Aerospace STEM courses to aspiring high school students and also serves as Treasurer for the newly formed Utah Aerospace Education Association.
In my former role as Chair, I provided leadership and strategic vision to the Professional Pilot and Aviation Administration Bachelor of Science degree programs within the School of Aviation Science.
This position was preceded by my role as Program Lead, Instructor, and FAA ASSURE UAS Research Lead for Kansas State University Polytechnic within the Department of Aviation Technology located in Salina, Kansas.
My industry experience includes leadership as Head of Customer & Services Training for Rolls-Royce Corporation based in Indianapolis, IN. During this tenure, I helped develop global operational strategies in training services development, deployment, and sales for US and international based teams. I constructed the Rolls-Royce Regional Customer Training Center in Indianapolis, IN, where training & conference services were provided to national and international customers in Regional, Corporate, Defense, Helicopter, and Energy business segments. I also held business development and customer facing roles within Rolls-Royce as Program Development Manager for Defense and Lead Regional Customer Services Manager for Corporate Aircraft. Direct field service support experience includes Rolls-Royce Spey, Tay, BR710, AE 3007 series propulsion systems for Gulfstream II, III, IV, V , Bombardier Global Express, Citation X, Embraer 135/145, and Legacy aircraft. I served in the US Air Force as an F-16 Aircraft Maintenance Specialist and Crew Chief during Operations Desert Shield & Desert Storm and have provided direct operational and maintenance support for General Aviation light single and twin-engine aircraft.

Education

Masters of Aeronautical Science (MAS), Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, 1994

Major: Management/Operations

BS, Purdue University, 1988

Major: Aviation Maintenance Technology

Teaching

AVSC 4500

Aerospace Aftermarket Support Services, Spring 2025

AVSC 4950

Aerospace Technology Management Capstone Project, Spring 2025

AVSC 4950

Aerospace Technology Management Capstone Project, Spring 2025

AVSC 4550

Aerospace Vehicle Certification-Reliability-Maintainability Systems, Spring 2025

AVSC 4710

Aviation Career Preparation, Spring 2025

AVSC 4700

Aviation Professional Seminars, Spring 2025

AVSC 475R

Current Topics in Aviation, Spring 2025

AVSC 1010

Survey of Aviation Science, Spring 2025

Presentations

Ley, Stephen (Co-Presenter), Think Autonomous Webinar Series, "Workforce Requirements for Emerging Technologies", NCAT. (December 21, 2022)
Ley, Stephen (Co-Presenter), “COVID-19 Educational Approaches_ Domestic and International Responses to Education During the Pandemic”, "(COVID 19's Impact on Education)", National Science Foundation (NSF) & Clemson University’s Center for Workforce Development, Washington DC. (October 24, 2022)
Ley, Stephen (Co-Presenter), 75th Annual Collegiate Aviation Education Conference & Expo, "Workforce Requirements for Emerging Technologies", University Aviation Association (UAA). (October 7, 2022)
Ley, Stephen (Co-Presenter), 2021 Virtual ATE Conference, "Aerospace Educational Programs’ Response to the COVID-19 Crisis", American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). (October 21, 2021)
Ley, Stephen (Co-Presenter), ATEC Professional Development Seminar, "SESSION IV_ EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN AVIATION", ATEC. (March 31, 2021)
Ley, Stephen (Co-Presenter), Global Youth Career Expo, "Careers in Unmanned Aviation​", Aviation Center for Excellence. (October 25, 2020)

Scholarly/Creative Works

Silcox, Fiona , Ley, Stephen , Sutliff, Dan , (2023) "Safety Culture in a Collegiate Flight Training Program" (Issue: 2, vol. 41). United States: University Aviation Association - Collegiate Aviation Review International. https://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/CARI/article/view/9665/8612
Nicklin, Zackary , Ley, Stephen , Andrews, Antone , (2023) "Recommended Core KSA Standards for Autonomous Systems Technicians" (Issue: N/A, vol. N/A). Thief River Falls, MN: National Center for Autonomous Technologies. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gn4kmjve9je1piv4qsnof/Core-Autonomous-Technician-Final-62-Revised-2.pdf?rlkey=kpnwl8srz2ax594ttktf9rqlb&e=1&dl=0
Silcox, Fiona , Ley, Stephen , Sutliff, Dan , (2022) "Organizational Culture Impact on Safety Within a Collegiate-Level Flight Training Program" (Issue: 2, vol. 40). United States: University Aviation Association - Collegiate Aviation Review International. https://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/CARI/article/view/9425/8440
Ley, Stephen , Organ, Aaron , (2020) "COVID 19 and Emerging Technologies that Will Impact Future Workforce Requirements" (Issue: 1, vol. 42). United States: The ATEC Journal.
Ley, Stephen C, (2020) "The COA Application Process_ Tips For A Smooth Takeoff" (Issue: Spring 2020, Issue No. 2, vol. 21). Provo, UT: UFRA Straight Tip Magazine. https://fliphtml5.com/nwrwz/rjkx/basic
Ley, Stephen C, (2020) "Options For Integrating UAS_ FAR 107 or COA?" (Issue: Winter 2020, Issue No. 1, vol. 21). Provo, UT: UFRA Straight Tip Magazine. https://online.fliphtml5.com/nwrwz/qulm/#p=10

Awards

Academy Awards - Best Delivery (Candidate-not selected)

Office of Teaching and Learning

Invited to submit application for award for the development AVSC 475R Research Topics in Urban Air Mobility & Autonomous UAS, created 2018-19 academic year. Submitted 25 February 2020. Submission was not selected.

Recognition - COVID 19 Transition

Wayne Vaught, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs - May 22, 2020

Specifically named and recognized by students for exceptional efforts during the transition to remote learning (due to COVID 19) via a letter of appreciation.