(Black PR Wire) Miami Gardens, FL -- Captain Arnold J. Tolbert, a leader in the world of aviation schooling, passed this past Monday.

Captain Tolbert for the last 10 years, headed the Department of Aviation and Safety at Florida Memorial University, retiring in early May.

The former Air Force and commercial pilot assisted in turning the aviation program into a premier academic program at the historic Black university.

During Captain Tolbert’s tenure at the school, FMU became one of only four universities in the country and the only predominately Black university to be granted Cessna Pilot Center status. During his time at FMU Captain Tolbert helped secure an aircraft for the aviation students to train with.

He was born and raised in the town of Williston, South Carolina. He later graduated from the University of South Carolina with honors and a degree in geography in 1975. He then earned a master degree in safety from the University of Central Missouri two years later; and a doctorate safety engineering from Warren National University in 2007.

He received his initial flight training in the United States Air Force, flying the KC135 and was an instructor pilot in the T-37. He was hired as a commercial pilot with American Airlines in 1987 and earned the rank of captain in 2000. He retired from American in 2008 after 21 years of service and over 15,000 hours of flight time.

Captain Tolbert is the 2005 recipient of the Lt. General Harold L. George Civilian Airmanship Award from the Order of Daedalians for heroic acts and outstanding airship during an engine fire after takeoff on July 30, 2005. He also was awarded the 2007 Order of the Eagles Trophy which is the highest honor bestowed upon a crewmember by the American Airlines flight department.

Captain Tolbert was a member of several organizations, the most prominent of which was Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, The Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and the Greater Miami Aviation Association.

He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at his church, First Baptist Church of Ft. Lauderdale.

He is survived by his wife July and three grown children.

ABOUT FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

 Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution that offers 37 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1878, the University has upheld a commitment to provide an academic education solid foundation built upon the pillars of leadership, character, and service. As South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. For more information call 305 623 1452 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.

FMU is among the leading HBCUs in the nation leveraging partnerships with public and corporate partners to develop academic training and certification programs in emerging markets such as Energy and Environmental Science, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security and Computer Information Technology. FMU also offers a robust study abroad program and award-winning Broadcast Communications and Public Relations programs.

The university is also part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Sun Conference and offers eight collegiate sports programs, including men/women’s basketball, men/women soccer, men/women’s track and field, baseball and volleyball.

FMU offers 28 undergraduate degree majors and three graduate degree majors. The University holds a 92% retention rate for program participants. More than 14% of the student population are international students representing Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

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