“Engineering, fundamentally, is applying our knowledge and experience to make the world a better place. To be an engineer is to demonstrate many of the most noble human and professional traits: discipline, hard work, intellectual integrity and practical application of knowledge. I’ve found my engineering education and experience invaluable to my success in life as a pilot, engineer, educator, leader and Air Force Officer. I thank the Purdue School of Aeronautics and Astronautics for providing such a great foundation for that success.”
Brigadier General David A. Wagie is dean of the faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He commands the 700-plus member faculty and oversees the annual design and instruction of more than 500 undergraduate courses for 4,000 cadets in 30 academic disciplines. He also directs the operation of five support staff agencies and faculty resources involving more than $250 million.
The General entered the Air Force in 1972 as a distinguished graduate at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He flew as a KC-135 aircraft commander and an EC-135 research pilot. Later, at the Air Force Academy, he served as an associate professor and deputy head of astronautics. He also held positions as deputy commandant, permanent professor fro military instruction, director of the Center for Character Development and vice dean of the faculty. While at the Academy, General Wagie served as a T-43 pilot, and he currently flies as a T-41 instructor pilot.
Among General Wagie’s numerous awards are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal and the Outstanding Military Educator Award, Department of Astronautics.
He obtained his Ph.D. from the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1984.