By Appointment
James Birdsong serves as the interim school director where he is responsible for all facets of the university’s aviation program, to include teaching, research, and outreach. In addition to his administrative role, he also teaches junior and senior-level aviation economics and global aviation courses. Birdsong is Auburn’s principal investigator for the FAA’s Technical Training and Human Performance Center of Excellence (TTHP COE) and serves as a member of the TTHP COE executive leadership committee. Prior to joining Auburn University, he served in the US Air Force for 20 years as a command C-130 pilot, headquarters staff officer, academic instructor, and squadron operations officer. He has held various positions in finance, operations, safety, systems acquisition, and strategic planning, and has extensive international aviation experience. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Auburn University.