Travis Eckert

They say it’s best to keep your feet on the ground, but that’s never worked well for Travis Eckert. In his time at Indiana State University, Travis has seized every opportunity to leave behind the safety of solid ground and reach for something higher. This member of the class of 2019 represents the dreamer in every Sycamore and stands as a testament to the rewards of discipline and an adventurous spirit.

A double major in unmanned systems and aviation management, Travis has worked tirelessly to pursue his dream career as a fighter pilot and leader in the United States Air Force. But that hard work doesn’t begin and end in the classroom. As an undergrad Travis founded his own drone photography company, American Aerial Imaging, trained in the ROTC program, and was even deployed to Afghanistan when his reserve unit was called up to active duty.

And as if a tour in a war zone isn’t enough work, Travis coordinated with his professors to continue his education uninterrupted while overseas. He took his homework with him, kept up with his classmates, and was able to return after a not-so-typical semester abroad and jump right back in where he left off.