KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee College of Business Administration has welcomed two new staff members: James Cody as director of the College of Business Administration’s Aerospace/Defense Clearinghouse of Tennessee (AD TN) and Andy White as program director, Aerospace MBA program. Together, they bring more than 45 years of aerospace expertise to the college.
“Andy and James are great additions to our team,” said Alex Miller, associate dean of executive education. “Both have served in key leadership positions in the Air Force. They understand the challenges and opportunities facing the aerospace and defense communities.”
Cody and White also will be faculty members supporting executive education as part of a five-year, $25-million contract awarded to the university by the Air Force in 2006.
Cody returns to UT from the United States Air Force after serving as a fighter pilot and strategic planner for 25 years. A retired Air Force colonel who has worked extensively with the aerospace industry, Cody’s experience includes high-level organizational development, Air Force strategic planning and modernization, and management and program development for new and emerging missions. He also has commanded an Air Force F-16 fighter squadron, directing combined operations and maintenance programs. He served as division chief for the Headquarters Air Force Quadrennial Defense Review Office; senior military assistant and direct military adviser to the Secretary of the Air Force on critical and complex issues; and special assistant to the director, Joint Staff in the Pentagon.
Cody received his bachelor’s degree in business from UT; his Master of Military Art and Science (MMAS) from the School of Advanced Operational Art Studies, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; his Master of Airpower Art and Science (MAAS) from the School of Advanced Airpower Studies, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.; and his Master of Aeronautical Science (MAS) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
“I’m honored to be a part of AD TN and to be making a difference in the aerospace and defense sectors,” Cody said.
AD TN is the premier university source of managerial education and development for the aerospace/defense sector, tapping the expertise of faculty and subject matter experts and connecting them to leading aerospace/defense organizations.
White joins the college as director of the Aerospace MBA program, a 12-month executive MBA program tailored specifically for professionals in the aerospace and defense industries. The curriculum teaches the latest management and leadership practices in the field.
Before retiring as a lieutenant colonel, White served as a faculty member at Air University, public affairs director for Air Force Special Operations Command and a squadron commander. He also deployed seven times, including deployments as lead public affairs planner for the air component at the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He deployed to Iraq in 2004.
“I am thrilled to be continuing my relationship with America’s military and aerospace community. I get to work at a great university and support a team of senior faculty members with incredible expertise and a passion for aerospace issues,” White said. “Every day, we’re strengthening the people and programs that enhance the national security and economic strength of our country.”
White is a 1986 UT graduate. He also has a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University and a doctorate in education leadership from the University of Southern California.
“We are delighted to have both James and Andy transition from an Air Force career and join our college,” Miller said. “Their aptitude, leadership abilities and outreach skills will drive our renowned aerospace programming to even greater heights.”
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Contacts:
Cindy Raines, (865) 974-4359, craines1@utk.edu
Amy Blakely, (865) 974-5034, amy.blakely@tennessee.edu