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Home // Programs & Centers // Executive MBA // Meet our EMBAs

Bill Edwards EMBA '11

Title and company: Pilot, Delta Air Lines

Hometown: Richmond, Va.

Undergraduate/graduate education: Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, William & Mary; Masters of Public Administration, Troy State University.

Bill EdwardsCareer experience:  Currently, I'm flying for Delta Air Lines. I've been there since 1998. Normally, I'm on the road 3-5 days per week flying passengers all over the country.

I recently retired from the Virginia Air National Guard after spending over 22 years in the US Air Force and Air National Guard. I had the privilege of flying a few of the world’s greatest aircraft, with over 2500 hours of flying in the F-16 and a few hundred hours in the F-22. My last job with the Air Force was working on the staff at Langley Air Force Base in Aerial Events. Our job was to recruit and retain America's finest to serve. We were in charge of Air Force demonstration teams and the Heritage Flight Program. I thoroughly loved that job, especially the five sorties I got to fly in a P-51 Mustang.

Hobbies/interests: My passions are working with youth and playing golf. My wife Becky and I have been teaching Sunday school for high school students for over 10 years. Also, I had the opportunity to serve as a Big Brother for nine years. We have been on many mission trips with our youth choir, times we will never forget. Nothing motivates me more than spending time with young people and having a positive impact on their lives.

Why did you select the EMBA program at William & Mary?

Since I graduated from W&M, the prospect of coming back to "my old school" was important to me. When I had the option to use my GI Bill to further my education, I jumped at the chance. The EMBA program has given me more ability to explore other opportunities at my stage in life. Additionally, I had something to prove to myself after a "less than stellar" undergraduate career. I’m blessed to be a part of an outstanding program.

What are some highlights of your experience here?

The number one highlight of the program has been the interaction with my classmates. I’ve met some tremendously talented and accomplished individuals. They have made a significant impact on me. The professors at W&M are the best. However, I would like to highlight a few that really stood out to me. Brad Lindsey is a tremendously gifted teacher who is incredible in the classroom. John Strong took the historically intimidating subject of Finance and made it fun and understandable for all. Larry Ring continued to challenge us each class and always went above and beyond to look after his students.

What impact has the EMBA program had on life?

The program is a team effort, not only with my classmates, but also with my better half. She certainly has made sacrifices for me to succeed in the program. However, we have found by doing something each day, the task can be done. We make sure to have some quality time together each week. My performance at work and volunteering has definitely improved as a result of my EMBA experience. We learn something worthwhile in every class and most every assignment. I like to put that knowledge to work.

What's next for you?

The first thing that will change for me is taking some time to relax. It’s been over 13 years since I was only working one job. My plan is to continue to fly and look for consulting, speaking, and nonprofit opportunities.