BGSU aviation management senior jumpstarts career at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport

Honors College student John Michael Schmitz will graduate with two years of Part 139 airport experience

Bowling Green State University senior John Michael Schmitz has been fascinated with aviation for as long as he can remember, certain his future career would be in the industry.

That passion led the Alabama native to Bowling Green’s nationally recognized aviation program, where he has thrived academically and gained two years of hands-on experience at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, which is managed by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.

Through connections built at BGSU, Schmitz secured an internship at the airport that evolved into a part-time role with the port authority.

“The greatest part about this job has been how well it aligns with the curriculum BGSU offers,” Schmitz said. “I’ll be sitting in class working on something and then go to work only to see the same situations and challenges. It truly goes hand-in-hand. 

“I’ve gained excellent hands-on experience backed by the knowledge and skills I learned in the classroom.” 

(BGSU video/ Justin Camuso-Stall '14 and Benjamin Boutwell '24)

Schmitz, an Honors College student and Alumni Laureate Scholar, will graduate in May with a degree in aviation management and operations.

Bowling Green’s AABI-accredited aviation program is one of the largest in Ohio and one of the few in the country to have an airport within walking distance of campus. Students who follow the management and operations track are prepared for roles as airline managers, air traffic controllers, aviation consultants, operations managers and more.

As an airport administration and operations specialist at the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority – a role he balances alongside his coursework – Schmitz issues credentials to airport personnel, conducts field inspections and completes administrative tasks, including fuel reports, which are crucial for FAA inspections and Part 139 airport compliance.

It’s a fulfilling job, and one Schmitz said he can’t get enough of. 

“I love being there every day,” Schmitz said. “I’ve always had a fascination with the business side of things: how airports make their money, how they operate, what it takes to keep these massive machines going. My goal is to one day become an airport director.”

Schmitz credits his early career momentum to knowledgeable professors in the School of Aviation and mentorship from distinguished alumnus Paul J. Hooker '75.

He was paired with Hooker through the Alumni Laureate Scholarship program and has turned to him frequently for advice and to talk about their shared love of baseball. 

“I reach out to him any chance I can,” Schmitz said. “With his help and connections, I have been able to set myself apart in this industry. BGSU has been crucial in nurturing connections and supporting students with strong, knowledgeable professors and mentors who set their students up for success in the aviation world.

"I'm fully prepared for whatever comes next. Bowling Green truly sets you up to be successful in your future endeavors."