Alumni Profile: Trena Boyd

Trena Boyd

Current Hometown: Billings, Montana (from Whitefish, Montana)  
Graduation Year: 1993
Major: Aeronautical Science 
Current Occupation: Pilot for Delta Air Lines

Trena Boyd

Why did you choose Rocky Mountain College?
I chose RMC because I was looking for a college that had an Aviation program and I also wanted to play sports in College. I was grateful to be offered a scholarship for Academics, Volleyball and Track while at Rocky.

Who influenced you the most while you were at Rocky? How did they influence you?
Although I had some amazing teachers in my major, I think the most memorable professor was Mark Moak. I took Art History and Jewelry and MetalSmithing from Professor Moak.  Even though I was not an Art Major, he gave me the same time and dedication helping grow my passion for the Arts. I competed in a student competition for my work one year and was able to win thanks to his commitment to teaching me his craft.

What is your favorite memory from your time as a student at Rocky?
There are so many memories to choose from between sports, friends, flying experiences that it is so hard to choose. One that stands out was my first solo flight. Not only was this the first milestone of my future career as a professional pilot but I was especially proud that I was the first in my class to solo that year and I did it with only 9 hours of flight time.

What was the most important thing you learned while attending Rocky?
I feel the most important thing I learned was how to be a team player. The diverse liberal arts classes, flying team competitions, volleyball and track team practices and games all gave me the important skills required to be a great team player. In order to be successful in the workplace, you must use skills that these RMC experiences taught me.  They include commitment, responsibility, respect for others, listening, and servant leadership.

Please describe your educational and career path.
After completing my 4-year Bachelors of Science degree at RMC I worked as an Aircraft Dispatcher for Big Sky Airlines, Flight Instructor, Corporate Jet Pilot, Commuter Pilot for Big Sky Airlines, Medevac Pilot for Billings Clinic/Edwards Jets Center, and currently Major Airline Pilot flying the 737 aircraft for Delta Air Lines.

What is your greatest professional achievement? 
Getting hired by Delta was one of the toughest things I’ve ever accomplished but I am also very proud to have been the Lead Pilot while flying Medevac for Billings Clinic/Edwards Jet Center. 

In what ways did your education from Rocky Mountain College prepare you for your career?
RMC gave me the aviation technical knowledge and licenses needed in order to become a professional commercial pilot. RMC taught me leadership, professionalism, communication, self-discipline, and maintaining composure under stress. These skills are essential in order to be a successful and safe pilot.

Trena Boyd

Contact

Alumni Relations
Bair Family Student Center