Dr. Tom Tacker received his PhD. in Economics from the University of North Carolina in1987, BS in Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1977.He has been a professor in Embry-Riddle’s College of Business, teaching andresearching aviation and economic topics, since 1988. He has publishednumerous papers both in academic journals and the popular press andparticipated in a number of major research grants. Some highlights include:His work in 2000 and 2001 on NASA Research Grants on SATS (Small AirportTransportation System), 1995 National Federation of Independent BusinessesBest Paper of the Year Award, 1996 Leavey Award for Excellence in PrivateEnterprise Education.