The Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Endowment

A heartfelt tribute to Tammera Holmes, a visionary leader who dedicated her life to inspiring young minds and breaking barriers in aviation.

Tammera Holmes, a visionary leader and passionate advocate for aviation, left an enduring legacy. As a 2000 Aviation Management graduate of Southern Illinois University, she broke barriers and inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams in the aviation industry. Tammera’s passion includes ensuring the next generation of Salukis and Aviation professionals have equitable access to educational and professional opportunities. She was passionate about ensuring that the educational environment at SIU reflected the diversity of the workforce and student body. To honor Tammera's memory and continue her mission, we're establishing the Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Endowment.

The Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Endowment

This fund will support faculty diversity initiatives within the School of Aviation to help ensure that the educational environment reflects the diversity of the workforce and student body. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to establish this faculty fellowship to create a long legacy at SIU that reflects Tammera’s accomplishments in the industry.

This endowment will give the School of Aviation the opportunity to contribute to curriculum design, research priorities and mentorship strategies that foster an inclusive environment for our students, faculty and staff. The faculty fellow would be able to utilize funds to enhance DEI efforts in the School of Aviation or the aviation industry. The Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Fellow would be available to a faculty member on a five-year term limit.

Why This Matters:

• Diversity Drives Excellence: A diverse faculty enriches the learning experience for all students, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a global mindset.

• Mentorship and Support: This endowment will provide funding for faculty to mentor students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, and support their academic and professional development.

• Innovation and Research: By attracting and retaining top-notch faculty, we can advance aviation research and innovation, shaping the future of the industry.

• Honoring Tammera's Legacy: This endowment will keep Tammera's spirit alive and her impact enduring.

Join us in honoring Tammera's legacy and shaping the future of aviation.

Let's soar together and make a lasting impact on the world of aviation.