NATCA President Nick Daniels Meets With Aviation Students at University of Oklahoma

May 19, 2026

NATCA President Nick Daniels, National Training Representative Jamaal Haltom (Las Vegas ATCT, LAS), and NATCA member Nichole Surunis (Atlanta TRACON, A80), recently met with students, staff, and faculty at the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences at The University of Oklahoma. The meeting included a tour of OU's facilities, which was led by AT-CTI Program Director Stephen West.

Students were able to ask NATCA's representatives questions about air safety and the air traffic control profession. Most questions focused on the process of becoming a certified controller and best practices to advance in their careers. In all, the conversation lasted more than three hours. Following the discussion, Mr. West announced to the students a scholarship opportunity for a member of the Student Air Traffic Controllers Association (SATCA). The scholarship would fund a trip for the recipient to attend NATCA's Communicating for Safety (CFS) this September in Las Vegas. Nick and Jamaal vowed to personally donate to help offset airfare for the scholarship award winner.

The University of Oklahoma College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences (A&GS) is a top-tier institution known for housing the nation's largest meteorology program and the top-ranked aviation school. It is located in the National Weather Center and offers elite, research-driven education in weather, climate, and geographic information systems.

Find out more about the school.