Timothy Powell

Alumni Office, Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics

Airline pilot credits college with providing a solid foundation for his career

Major/year graduated

Consumer Economics, 1987

Current occupation/location

Captain, 737, United Airlines

What do you love about your current role?

I have been living my childhood dream for over 30 years!

How did your time at FACS help prepare you for your life or career?:

FACS provided me with a background in business, economics and consumer sciences which affects every aspect of my life. My degree launched me towards opportunities I never would have had without it, such a teaching English in Japan and becoming an airline pilot.

Who was your favorite or most memorable faculty member and why?

Anne Sweaney was instrumental in helping me forge my path while in school and after graduation. Her networking skills and desire to help others was always on display. Something as simple as saying, “You know Tim, you should get in touch with this person. You just never know where it will lead.” She always has a positive attitude and a willingness to help.

What is one memorable experience you had as a student in FACS?

A fond memory I have actually happened after I graduated and returned from Japan. I had no job, but Anne Sweaney was on board with conducting a survey on what would eventually become known as a “smart home.” I was hired to help collect data on plugs, outlets, wiring and aesthetics from a wide cross section of consumers to determine preferences for the homes of the future run by computers! I was in on the ground floor! The plugs never materialized, but the “smart home” is now a reality.