Elizabeth City, N.C. — When Ezra Etzel graduated high school in 2012, he had one clear ambition—to fly. But like many young dreamers, financial hurdles stood in his way. He did not have the means to attend the schools with flight programs that his counselor recommended. So, he put his dream of flying on hold.

"I elected to forego chasing my dream, and I decided to get in touch with my heritage and Jewish roots," Etzel recalled.

Etzel, born in Brookville, Pa. and raised in Clarion, Pa, took the journey to study his heritage abroad. It was not until after returning to the United States in 2019 that fate intervened and around this same time, Etzel’s family relocated to Fayetteville, N.C.

"My mom came across an ad for ECSU, and we honestly had no idea a program like this even existed," Etzel said. "I was completely sold. An affordable education is hard to attain, and aviation is a highly coveted, hot field now. To be able to enter this beautiful world of flight so close to where it all started 120 years ago, and for only a fraction of the cost of overpriced big-name schools, was nothing short of miraculous."

Tomorrow, Etzel will walk across the stage with a degree in aviation science (professional aeronautics) and a minor in emergency management, ready to launch into a future he once thought unattainable.

Building Community

Initially, Etzel didn't know what to expect attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). But what he found was acceptance. "I have made some truly amazing lifelong friends in my time here, and I have always felt really appreciative of the inclusive and welcoming environment I experienced here," Etzel said. "I have learned so much outside of the classroom and have been able to experience a very different culture than what I grew up in or experienced anywhere else in my life."

Campus life for Etzel became more than what he'd imagined. Etzel's time at ECSU was about more than just flying. He immersed himself in campus life, taking on leadership roles and participating in diverse organizations like the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Women in Aviation International (WAI), the Dining Advisory Group, American Indian Programs, Order of the Sword and Shield, National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program (USCG AUP)—the first such program at an HBCU.

But his leadership didn't stop there. One of his proudest accomplishments was creating the Annual Halloween Fly-In Trunk-or-Treat at Elizabeth City Regional Airport. "What started as an idea exploded into an event with over 500 attendees," he said with pride. "It's been amazing to introduce youth to aviation in such a fun way."

The Village Behind the Viking

Etzel credits his professors and mentors at ECSU for shaping his personal and professional growth. Kevin Kupietz—department chair and assistant professor of emergency management—inspired his passion for emergency management and connected him with an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) apprenticeship, leading to his emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. Meanwhile, Robin Mangham—aviation program coordinator and lecturer—fueled his interest in air traffic control (ATC), a field he plans to pursue after graduation.

"Her passion and love inspired me and are some of the major reasons I applied to ATC school," Etzel said. "She also does the best at keeping track of her students' progress in the program and has always made herself available for advising and assistance to keep me on track to graduate."

Etzel also acknowledges his flight instructor, Cory Castle, for helping him earn his instrument rating—the qualification a pilot must have to fly under instrument flight rules—despite significant challenges. "It was one of the toughest things I've ever done," he said. "But persistence and the support of my mentors got me through."

Etzel's support was plenteous, and there are many he credits as part of the mixture that's making him who he is.

Eyes on the Horizon

After graduation, Etzel plans to take the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, a crucial step toward becoming an air traffic controller. He'll head to Oklahoma City for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) training if successful. In the meantime, he'll continue working in EMS and pursuing additional flight ratings.

"I see myself in air traffic control five years from now," he said. "But wherever I end up—whether in operations, dispatch or flying—I know I'll be doing something I love."

Advice for Future Vikings

Considering his journey, Etzel advises incoming ECSU students: "Stay focused. A lot of people get distracted in college with social life and fun and don't apply themselves. They throw away their academic career and waste their time and money. College is fun, but it's serious too," Etzel said.

For future aviation students, he advised, "Do not fall behind. The program is rigorous and demands your time and focus. Keep a good schedule, stay healthy and work hard."

As he prepares to leave ECSU, Etzel knows he's taking more than just a diploma with him. "I am a pilot today because of ECSU. I hope to become an air traffic controller because of ECSU. I am an EMT because of ECSU. I study French and Yiddish every day because of ECSU. I have had experiences I never dreamt of because of ECSU. I have new, incredible friends for life because of ECSU. And none of those are small things on their own, let alone altogether. I am a different person today, for the better, because of ECSU."

Etzel's story is a testament to the power of self-discovery, pursuing passions and overcoming uncertainty. Even the sky has no limits for Etzel—it's just the beginning.