Local aviator becomes first college student elected to board of trustees for UAA

Brandon Carroll of Pickwick is the first college student to be elected to the University Aviation Association’s Board of Trustees.

Brandon Carroll, of Pickwick, is the first college student to be elected to the board of trustees for the University Aviation Association.
His 2026 position was officially announced at the UAA’s conference in October.
“I have been an intern for the UAA for the last three years and I have seen and experienced the way the UAA can contribute to, not only an individual student’s improvement and success, but also the improvement of aviation education in its entirety,” said Carroll, who attends University of Memphis. “Improving aviation education, opportunities and propelling students to success will subsequently improve the aviation industry as a whole. The opportunity to be a part of this positive contribution is what led me to running for the board of trustees.”
Carroll, who is pursing both a Bachelors of Science in Commercial Aviation and Professional Studies in Aviation, worked hard at campaigning to become a Member at Large for the UAA.
“ First, I had to I had to submit an application and personal statement. The current board of trustees review all of the applications and personal statements and selected three individuals to be in the election and on the ballot.
“Next, I had to do my best to solicit votes and campaign myself as the right choice leading up to the election,” he shared.
Carroll added, “The election took place during the annual UAA Collegiate Aviation Education Conference in Orange Beach California. The were paper ballots and an online voting system for those who were not in attendance.
“It took about four weeks for the results to come in and then I received the news I had won the election.”
Carroll said he believes his background will help the aviation industry grow.
“I am the first college student to be elected to the board of trustees for the UAA. This will allow me to bring an insightful perspective to the unique challenges that students face in the modern era of aviation education.
“I am also a student from a rural area where when I was growing up, there wasn’t a flight school nearby. This allows me understand firsthand the challenges of pursuing aviation from an area where there is little to no resources to enter the industry.
“With these perspectives I hope to increase access to aviation education and opportunities for students in rural areas as well as cater initiatives to the challenges students are currently facing in aviation education,” he explained.
Carroll is also an acting representative of the University of Memphis’ Aviation program and a flight instructor working at Savannah Hardin County Airport for Top Flight Training School.
“All credit of this accomplishment, all my accomplishments, goes to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. James 1:17 says “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow” This is a good gift and God deserves the glory,” he exclaimed.
According to the UAA’s website, the organization is the voice of the collegiate aviation to colleges, universities, the aviation industry, government and general public.
More information on the UAA is available online at www.uaa.aero.
Editor Jennifer Magie contributed to this story.