Ethan Thomas

I was initially drawn to attend the University of Arkansas based on its credibility with US News & World Report’s top online programs. Additionally, I worked with excellent mentors at my base education center that really helped me refine my professional and educational goals. Arkansas fit the bill exactly!

My favorite course throughout my graduate program was Economic Decision Making. It’s content and analytical skill set truly change how I look at finances, both professionally and personally.

As an Operational Tester, my unit is responsible for testing the integration of components and software onto our current fleet of operational aircraft. Developmental Test answers the question, “Does the system meet the requirements? Did the Air Force get what it paid for?” Operation Test answers the question, “Is this system valuable to the warfighter, and what capability does it provide or enhance?”

We are the last stop before recommending to the Air Force whether to field the system under test. This requires both a technical engineering background to be knowledgeable on the systems, test development, execution, and reporting, as well as program management skills to effectively manage program timelines, communicate with stakeholders, and report our findings to inform our senior leadership in decision making. The Master of Science in Engineering Management further honed my ability to be an effective team member and a good steward of taxpayer dollars, while providing the capability our Airmen need to accomplish the mission.

I was promoted to Captain, O-3, in May of 2021. I am currently serving in beautiful Las Vegas Nevada as a Flight Test Engineer. I was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to interview for the United States Air Force Test Pilot School class of 22B and 23A. It is a 1-year assignment at Edwards AFB where we complete a Master’s of Science in Flight Test Engineering while simultaneously orchestrating advanced, rapid Flight Test programs. Typically, students will qualify and flight test on 20-30 different aircraft. The TPS Class receive Requests for Information from numerous external organizations and manage the program from test development, through execution, and reporting our findings to decision makers. I am looking forward to the challenge, and grateful for the skills and knowledge I cultured during my time as a student at Arkansas. I have no doubt, that the completion of the MSEM degree aided in my initial selection and hopefully, my formal admittance in late December 2021. I am proud to represent the Razorbacks, both on the ground and at 30,000ft.