Professor and Associate Dean of the Lewis University College of Aviation, Science, and Technology
Prof. R. Eric Jones is a veteran of the United States Navy where he worked as an aviation structural technician. He began his career repairing LC-130 aircraft, which supported the National Science Foundation on the continent of Antarctica. Prof. Jones earned numerous citations for his service.
Prof. Jones graduated from Emery Aviation College in Colorado Springs with multiple FAA licenses, including his Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument (CFII) and AMT. He holds an Advanced Ground Instructor/Instrument with endorsements for tailwheel, fire-bombing and mountain flight. He earned a BS in Aviation Maintenance Management from Lewis University and an MS from Illinois State University.
A 25-plus year career in aviation technical operations, Prof. Jones worked for Horizon, Midwest Express, United and Southwest Airlines. He has been a Lead, Overhaul, Line and Field Service Technician. Qualified on a host of aircraft including the Boeing 737, 777, 747, and the Airbus A-320/319 aircraft. He holds taxi and high power run certifications, is airworthiness release qualified and holds ETOPS and Category III Navigation Certification.
After leaving Southwest Airlines he accepted a position at Lewis University as an Assistant Professor, teaching pilot ground school, structures and advanced aviation systems courses. While at Lewis, he wrote the B.S.in Aviation and Aerospace Technology Degree and became Co-Chair of the Aviation Department.
He also professionally consulted on aviation issues for businesses, government, and during civil litigation. Prof. Jones is an also an active researcher landing a $990 Million IDIQ with the USAF. He is a frequent contributor to media outlets concerning aviation and aerospace topics. His comments have appeared in the New York Times, Business Insider, Aviation Week, and Smithsonian’s Air and Space Magazine.
Professor Jones is now a tenured Professor and Associate Dean for the College of Aviation, Science, and Technology at Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill. He is a passionate advocate for Autism issues and social justice. Professor Jones resides in Naperville. with his wife and is the proud father to three adult sons.