The Leadership Communication doctoral program at Kansas State University proudly announces its fall 2023 graduate. Lindsey Dreiling, Ph.D., completed her doctorate in leadership communication, an interdisciplinary program with faculty from the Department of Communications and Agricultural Education, the Department of Communication Studies, the College of Education, the Staley School of Leadership and the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication.
Lindsey Dreiling earned two B.S. degrees in professional pilot and technology management and a M.S. in counseling and student development.
Dreiling’s dissertation in the leadership communication doctoral program was entitled, Accelerated success through leadership: A narrative study of female aviation executives’ stories of leadership development. The study utilized images and stories of experience to illustrate the dynamic nature of women’s leadership development, encompassing personal actions, industry practices, and structured training opportunities. Addressing the gender gap in aviation leadership is not only a matter of equity but also has far-reaching implications for industry performance and meeting workforce needs. This research offers valuable insights for aviation companies, educational institutions, trade organizations, and government agencies seeking to support women’s advancement in aviation and harness the industry’s untapped potential. Dreiling’s major professor was Kerry Priest Ph.D., professor, Staley School of Leadership.
Lindsey Dreiling has spent more than 20 years immersed in the aviation industry. She is a commercial fixed-wing pilot, certified flight instructor-instrument (CFI & CFII), a multi-engine instructor (MEI), and she also holds a small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) remote pilot certificate. Through her training and professional roles, she developed expertise in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), aviation infrastructure, flight training, aviation curriculum development, leadership advancement, and aviation business strategy. She is currently the CEO and Owner of Dreiling Aviation Services, providing aviation consulting and small uncrewed aviation services to advance aviation companies in their missions.
“In the leadership communication graduate program, I learned the power of truly understanding my audience and the significance of co-creating knowledge, which deepened my approach to complex issues. This experience has shaped me into a curious, collaborative scholar, committed to fostering critical conversations and building strong networks for effective change,” said Dreiling.
As part of K-State’s land-grant mission, the Leadership Communication doctorate program is dedicated to research that strengthens Kansas and global communities. The program seeks to create bold, community-engaged scholarship that advances the public good. Answering to a call from various industries, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Leadership Communication doctoral students pursue research on leading change, engaging community, and advancing communication. Because of these focus areas, the program attracts widely diverse students with divergent career goals. Graduates of this program will use community-engaged research to transform the academic, nonprofit, government, private and civic sectors in which they live and work.
Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are currently being accepted. Learn more.
