Shannon L. Jipsen Aviation Scholarship

The Shannon L. Jipsen Aviation Scholarship is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a student pursuing a degree in aviation technology or aviation safety. Who has a minimum GPA in their major of 3.5 and demonstrates financial need. This scholarship is made possible by way of a generous gift from Shannon L. Jipsen, 87 and 88, of Lee’s Summit, MO.

Shannon L. Jipsen came to UCM from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She majored in Business Administration/Marketing and graduated with a BSA in May 1987. While an undergraduate student at UCM, Jipsen first flew in a small airplane and her life was changed. A year later, she had earned a private pilot license and realized that “flying was going to be more than just for fun” and decided this was her choice for a career. Jipsen completed the master’s degree in May 1988, and was awarded a certificate of Outstanding Achievement from the Department of Power and Transportation. She then earned her commercial pilot and certified instrument flight instructor licenses while working as an adjunct instructor at UCM during the summer and fall of 1988.

Jipsen’s professional career took off quickly in December 1988, as a pilot from Executive Beechcraft in Kansas City. She was hired in 1991 by United Parcel Service (UPS) and was selected in 1994 to be a Check Airman for flight engineers. She was then upgraded to First Officer on the B-727 in 1995. Jipsen was appointed Chairperson of the Accident Investigation Committee for the Independent Pilots Association in 1996. Jipsen has set an example for those who follow her. She truly shows that dreams can come true when goals are set, and hard work and dedication is applied. Jipsen chose to give back to those who follow her in the UCM aviation program by establishing this scholarship in 1998.