Sheree Utash Named 2026 Wichita Aero Club Trophy Recipient
The Wichita Aero Club honors the WSU Tech president for contributions to aviation and aerospace.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Awards
The Wichita Aero Club has named Sheree Utash the 2026 recipient of the Wichita Aero Club Trophy. The annual award recognizes individuals or organizations with Wichita-area ties who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in aviation or aerospace.
Why it matters
The honor highlights leadership in workforce development for the aviation and aerospace sector in the Wichita area. It recognizes Utash's role in training programs that serve the region's industry.
WSU Tech serves more than 8,000 students and is the managing partner for the National Center for Aviation Training. Utash has led the college since 2015 and was inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2024.
The players
Sheree Utash
Sheree Utash is president of WSU Tech and vice president of workforce development for Wichita State University, and has led the college since 2015.
Wichita Aero Club
The Wichita Aero Club is a Wichita-based organization that presents the annual Wichita Aero Club Trophy to recognize aviation and aerospace achievement.
WSU Tech
WSU Tech is Kansas' largest technical college, serving more than 8,000 students and managing the National Center for Aviation Training.
The details
Utash is president of WSU Tech and vice president of workforce development for Wichita State University. She previously led the National Aviation Consortium. The Wichita Aero Club will present the trophy at its Trophy Gala.
Timeline
2015: Utash began leading WSU Tech.
2024: Utash was inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
January 30, 2027: The Trophy will be presented at the Wichita Aero Club Trophy Gala.
Season Trajectory
The award highlights the aviation training pipeline anchored by the National Center for Aviation Training, which WSU Tech manages in Wichita. It reflects how regional workforce education supports the city's long-standing role in aviation and aerospace.
Wichita-area residents interested in aviation careers can look to WSU Tech's training programs as a pathway into the industry. The recognition signals continued investment in the region's aviation workforce.
The takeaway
Regional workforce education remains central to sustaining Wichita's aviation and aerospace industry. Leaders who connect training programs to employers help build the talent pipeline that the sector depends on.
Further reading
Explore more Lifestyle awards coverage for recognitions honoring leaders across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by General Aviation News.
