President Tatum participates in leadership experience aboard aircraft carrier

Northwest Missouri State University President Dr. Lance Tatum was a guest recently on board a U.S. aircraft carrier, joining civic, education and business leaders to observe the pride and professionalism of the men and women who serve at sea.

Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum recently joined civic, education and business leaders aboard the USS George Washington as a participant in the participate in the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Visitor program. (Photos provided by USS George Washington)

Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum (center) observed flight operations on the USS George Washington flight deck and interacted with its sailors.

Tatum was selected to participate in the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Visitor program Sept. 24- 25. The program selects individuals in leadership roles to take part in the unique experience, which provided Tatum with a firsthand look at life aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington.

Tatum departed the North Island U.S. Naval Air Station in San Diego on board a CMV-22B Osprey and landed on the deck of the USS George Washington. He had the opportunity to observe flight operations on the flight deck and below deck while interacting with sailors.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it was exciting to experience everything the Navy’s Distinguished Visitor program has to offer,” Tatum said. “The program provides a unique opportunity to foster awareness and understanding of the role of carrier aviation as well as demonstrate the high-level training required to keep America’s Navy ready to meet the nation’s needs.”

Tatum is in his second year as the president of Northwest, having assumed the role in June 2023. Before arriving at Northwest, he had served as senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Troy University since January 2019 while holding the rank of professor in its Sorrell College of Business—School of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management.

Tatum joined Troy University as a faculty member in 1998 and went on to serve as vice chancellor for its campus in Montgomery, Alabama; vice chancellor for its Global Campus; dean of the College of Education; and chairperson of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion as well as a Faculty Athletics Representative. Throughout his career, he held faculty positions in sport and fitness management at Troy University, and he began his academic career as an assistant professor of physical education at Gordon College in Barnesville, Georgia.

He has a Ph.D. in sport management from Florida State University. He earned a Master of Science in Education degree in foundations of education and a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, both from Troy University.

To learn more about Tatum, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/aboutus/president/.