Departing NTSB Member John Goglia to Pursue Safety Initiatives in New Role at Saint Louis University

Contact:
Clayton Berry
Phone: 314.977.7117
berrycl@slu.edu

July 7, 2004

Departing NTSB Member John Goglia to Pursue Safety Initiatives in New Role at Saint Louis University

John Goglia Photo by James Visser

ST. LOUIS-- John Goglia, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board for nearly a decade, is joining the faculty of Saint Louis University. He will work with the University to create programs that address transportation safety and disaster prevention and preparedness.

Goglia will become a professor of aviation science in Saint Louis University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology. In addition to the teaching, research and advising components of his new role, Goglia will pursue initiatives that address safety internationally. He also will maintain an office in Washington, D.C., where he is widely noted as a tireless advocate for transportation safety.

“After spending years investigating accidents, I am on a mission to help prevent disasters and to prepare for those we can’t prevent,” Goglia said. “To accomplish my goals, I knew I needed an educational partner. Saint Louis University was the ideal choice.”

Goglia was appointed to the NTSB in 1995 after a long career in aviation maintenance. The first board member to hold an FAA aircraft mechanic's certificate, Goglia played a key role in focusing international attention on the increasing significance of aircraft maintenance in aviation accidents. During his tenure, Goglia was instrumental in raising awareness of airport safety issues and recently hosted a joint government-industry conference to highlight airport safety trends and facilitate improvements.

“John Goglia is a notable addition to our already outstanding faculty,” said University Provost Joe Weixlmann, Ph.D. “I have no doubt that our students will benefit tremendously from the 30 years of experience and dedication to safety he brings to the University.”

An outspoken advocate for greater compassion and sensitivity in dealing with surviving family members of victims of transportation accidents, Goglia received the 2001 Aviation Safety Award from the National Air Disaster Alliance.

Since his appointment as a member of the NTSB, Goglia has participated in numerous air, rail and bus accident investigations. He chaired the board's public hearings on the ValuJet crash into the Florida Everglades. He was the on-scene member at several major accidents, including a grade-crossing accident that killed seven high school students aboard a school bus.

Prior to becoming a board member, Goglia held numerous positions in the airline industry and was involved for more than 20 years as a union flight safety representative on accident investigation teams. He also operated his own aircraft service company for 12 years.

A longtime champion of aviation education, Goglia was a founding member and chair of the National Coalition for Aviation Education, an aviation industry organization that advances education among America's youth and aviation workforce. He was an original member of the steering committee to establish the International Society of Aviation Maintenance Professionals, a society dedicated to advancing safety and professionalism throughout the aviation maintenance industry.

Goglia also is no stranger to Saint Louis University. He has been a member of the dean’s advisory board to the college of engineering, aviation and technology for several years. Bjong “Wolf” Yeigh, Ph.D., dean of the University’s engineering, aviation and technology college, said he is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead with Goglia on board.

“John has a demonstrated a deep commitment toward improving safety,” Yeigh said. “We share his commitment, so it’s a great fit. We have the mechanisms in place to help him deliver safety education on an international scale.”

Founded in 1927, Saint Louis University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology is nationally recognized for integrating excellence in education with an emphasis on research. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked its aerospace engineering program among the top four in the nation. The college recently launched an innovative master’s degree program in aviation safety maintenance.

Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of 11,000 students on campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Through teaching, research, health care and community service, Saint Louis University is the place where knowledge touches lives. Learn more about SLU at www.slu.edu.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo for use in newspapers and other publications.

Read a story in the St. Petersburg Times about Goglia.