It is with sadness we report the passing of Korhan Oyman, Ph.D., the distinguished aviation and airport management scholar whose leadership, intellect and vision over a remarkable 22-year career at Florida Tech ensured the College of Aeronautics would soar to new levels of excellence and quality.
Dr. Oyman passed away Aug. 17.
Born in Turkey, Dr. Oyman attended Istanbul University, graduating from the Department of Public Finance in 1990, according to the Turkish aviation news site AirportHaber, which reported on his passing and once employed him as a columnist. He earned a master’s degree in aviation safety from University of Central Missouri and completed his doctorate in civil aviation management in 1998 in his home country at Anadolu University.
After serving on faculty and as deputy director of the School of Aviation at Anadolu University, he spent two years as chair of the founding team and later managing director of Istanbul’s second international airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.
“Throughout his career, Oyman has made significant contributions to the fields of airport management, airline administration, aviation training, and civil aviation planning,” wrote AirportHaber. “He is particularly remembered for his role in the establishment and development of Sabia Gokcen Airport, making him one of the most prominent figures in Turkish aviation history.”
Dr. Oyman came to Florida Tech in 2004 as an assistant professor in the College of Aeronautics. He rose through the ranks, serving as division director (akin to undergraduate program chair), then associate dean. In July 2013, he was named dean of the college (and full professor).
From his mentorship of young university leaders to his spearheading the development of critical graduate programs, Dr. Oyman’s impact at the College of Aeronautics – and the university overall – was substantial.
Munevver Subasi, senior associate provost for academic affairs, first met Dr. Oyman (like her a native of Turkey) when she came to Florida Tech as a faculty member in 2010.
“Many of us who know Dr. Oyman well would describe him as a friend, a supportive colleague, a trusted confidant and so much more,” she said. “He was someone who made a lasting impression, remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the person he was.”
Dr. Oyman’s largest single impact on the university itself was his leadership on a multi-million-dollar contract between Florida Tech and Turkish Airlines to provide pilot training. From 2016 to 2018, this brought in over $40 million to the university – a significant and important revenue stream at the time.
“Dr. Oyman’s passion and care for the success of the College of Aeronautics and its faculty, staff and students was unmatched,” said Rian Mehta, interim dean at the college and a friend and mentee of Dr. Oyman’s. “He truly poured his soul into COA and Florida Tech and left a lasting impact on the success of our college.”
The impact was felt by students, as well, who enrolled in programs Dr. Oyman helped create and launch, including Doctor of Aviation (Av.D.) and Master of Science in Aviation – Aviation Management.
“Korhan’s contributions to Florida Tech and its community are difficult put into words,” Subasi said. “I am deeply saddened by this loss, and I know that many of us will miss his humor, warmth and enthusiasm, as well as his unwavering commitment to supporting and growing the College of Aeronautics and Florida Tech.”
After his tenure as dean, Dr. Oyman served as the university’s provost from 2019 to 2020, when the COVID pandemic stared. He remained a professor and Florida Tech employee until his passing.
Mehta said Dr. Oyman’s legacy will live on in both the people and the programs at Florida Tech.
“On a personal level, I am deeply saddened by the loss of not only a mentor but a close friend. We will look to honor Dr. Oyman’s legacy by taking the College of Aeronautics and its students to new heights, something which was the entire focus of his 22-year career at Florida Tech.”
