NE North Dakota News

On February 21, the University of North Dakota (UND) hosted Kenyatta Ruffin for a fireside chat as part of Black History Month celebrations. The event, titled "Aim High: Leave a Legacy," took place at the Memorial Union and featured a discussion between Ruffin and Bob Kraus, dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.

Ruffin's extensive career includes roles as a U.S. Air Force officer, F-16 fighter pilot, United Airlines captain, and White House Fellow under the Biden administration. During the hour-long conversation, he shared insights on his influences, challenges faced, and mentors who have inspired him to encourage future aviators.

Art Malloy, UND Vice President for Student Affairs, opened the event by emphasizing Black History Month's importance and collective efforts toward equality. "We can all proudly observe Black History Month because it took each of us to achieve what has been achieved and, together, we can face any challenge that comes our way," Malloy stated.

Ruffin recounted how his passion for aviation began at age five after watching news coverage of the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy. Despite its tragic nature, he found inspiration in the astronauts' bravery. He pursued this interest through space camp and extensive reading from his local library.

By age 13, Ruffin was flying; by 14 he flew solo; by 16 he earned his private pilot’s license before obtaining a driver's license; and by 18 he became one of the nation's youngest certified flight instructors. Reflecting on this period with humor Ruffin said: “I could teach anyone to fly an airplane. The only problem was they had to drive themselves to the airport because I couldn’t legally drive yet.”

His dedication led him to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy where he graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering followed by distinguished military service logging over 750 combat hours in F-16s across deployments including Iraq & Afghanistan missions which provided memorable experiences such as providing air support during combat missions leading ground troops expressing gratitude saying "You saved our lives."

Ruffin later served strategically at Pentagon then became White House Fellow working within National Cyber Director Office during Biden Administration tenure drawing personal connections from childhood participation Tuskegee Airmen youth program meeting several original members whom served mentorship roles eventually deploying alongside historical lineage unit becoming surreal experience when donning same patch symbolizing real-life connection being part legacy himself further co-founding Legacy Flight Academy nonprofit introducing young underrepresented individuals aviation field fostering opportunities through mentorship scholarships educational programs impacting thousands lives along journey acknowledging vital role played supporters particularly mother long-time United Airlines attendant whose sacrifices supported dreams culminating proud moment sharing first captain flight together concluding chat quoting General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., notable military figure