Daryl V. Watkins

Dr. Daryl V. Watkins is an Associate Professor of Leadership at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's College of Business, specializing in leadership education, organizational development, and complex environment leadership. He holds dual roles as a faculty member, administrator, and researcher with extensive experience in higher education, public transportation, and military aviation.

Education:

• Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership (University of Phoenix, 2009)
• Master of Science in Human Security and Resilience (Embry-Riddle, 2020)
• MBA in Information Technology Management (University of California, Irvine, 1998)
• Bachelor of Science in History (U.S. Naval Academy, 1987)

Research Focus: Dr. Watkins investigates leadership dynamics in complex systems, including toxic leadership, crisis management, and leadership competencies. His work emphasizes practical applications in aviation, organizational resilience, and global leadership development. Recent studies explore AI integration in leadership research and pandemic-era ethical leadership.

Key Contributions:

• Developed curricula for leadership education and organizational development
• Authored influential texts like Toxic Leadership: Research and Cases
• Lead projects funded by the Federal Aviation Administration and academic consortia

Awards & Recognition:

• Recipient of the 2019 CAPE Examiner of the Year Award
• 2024 Blackboard Catalyst Exemplary Course Winner
• 2024 Academic Forum Best Conference Paper for aviation leadership research

Professional Activities: Serves as a Baldrige Performance Excellence Program examiner, holds leadership roles in the International Leadership Association, and maintains certifications in coaching, project management, and mediation. He teaches courses on organizational change, critical thinking, and high-performance teams.

Professional Background: Former U.S. Navy F/A-18 pilot (Desert Storm veteran), toll road executive, and co-founder of technology startups. His experience bridges military, corporate, and academic leadership contexts.