Jim Pappas ’85 Current Gamma Theta Alumni Association President

Leadership, Aviation, and Navigating the Unexpected

Jim Pappas is a retired U.S. Air Force officer, military pilot, and UPS airline pilot living in Colbert, Washington. A 1985 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, Jim’s professional journey reminds us that a college degree may provide the foundation, but a career can take you somewhere entirely unexpected.

Jim successfully navigated a major career change and built a distinguished career in military and commercial aviation. As an officer and pilot, he gained firsthand insight into leadership, preparation, personal responsibility, teamwork, and making sound decisions when the stakes are high.

How Jim Can Help

Jim can support Gamma Theta members interested in:

• Military and commercial aviation careers

• Leadership and personal accountability

• Navigating an unexpected career change

• Personal finance and financial responsibility

• Evaluating professional opportunities

• Mentorship and practical life planning

• Turning an education into a meaningful career

  
  

Jim approaches mentoring as a respectful, two-way conversation. He believes the strongest advisor relationships allow both people to speak honestly, listen carefully, and learn from one another.

Jim’s Advice to Undergraduates

“Grades matter.”

It is simple advice, but it carries weight. Strong grades reflect discipline, consistency, and a willingness to do the work qualities that can open doors long after college. Jim encourages students to take their education seriously while remaining open to the unexpected opportunities that may completely reshape their plans. His own path from geology to the cockpit is proof that careers rarely follow a perfect flight plan. What matters is being prepared when the next opportunity appears.