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Professor Parker W. Northrup III, Colonel, USAF (Retired), serves as the Chair of the Flight Department and Assistant Professor of Aeronautical Science at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott Campus. In this role, he oversees operations, maintenance and support functions for over 850 flight students, facilitating more than 50,000 flight hours annually using a fleet of Textron-Cessna 172S and Diamond DA42 aircraft. Beyond administrative duties, Professor Northrup actively engages in teaching, both in the cockpit and online courses focusing on leadership and the role of airpower in U.S. national security strategy.
Before joining Embry‑Riddle in 2017, Professor Northrup amassed over 24 years of service in the United States Air Force, accumulating more than 3,500 flight hours, primarily in the B-52 Stratofortress. His distinguished military career includes commanding roles such as leading the Air Force Element-Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the 5th Operations Group and the 11th Bomb Squadron. In recognition of his exceptional performance, he received multiple Department of Defense commendations and was awarded the 1996 Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious USAF flight of the year.
Professor Northrup's academic credentials are extensive, holding a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University, a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Louisiana Tech University and two master's degrees from Air University. He also possesses FAA certifications as a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor. Beyond his duties at Embry‑Riddle, he contributes to the community as a member of the Prescott Airport Advisory Committee.
