May 1, 2025
From Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence
The Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence is proud to announce that Lynn McGlynn, Case Manager and Academic Advisor at Northland Community & Technical College (Northland), has been named Academic Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the efforts of an academic professional from Minnesota who has demonstrated exemplary job performance through their high-quality work and steadfast support of transportation-related educational programs.
Lynn McGlynn has dedicated over 35 years to aviation education, currently serving as Case Manager and Academic Advisor at Northland, as well as TCS for Talogy/TRUE Talent. In her role, she supports prospective and current students, oversees compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, and implements proactive retention strategies for aerospace programs. Her commitment to student success also includes placement services, helping graduates transition into meaningful careers. Recognized as Employee of the Year in both 1998 and 2000, Lynn’s strength lies in her ability to connect with others—a skill she treasures, especially when hearing stories from pilots, technicians, and industry partners.
For Lynn, students are at the heart of everything she does. She takes pride in learning about their aspirations, supporting them through their educational journeys, and celebrating their successes beyond the classroom. The relationships she builds often turn into lasting friendships, and her dedication to Northland has made her a beloved figure in the lives of many alumni. As she looks ahead to retirement, Lynn reflects fondly on the role she’s played in shaping the futures of countless students and the deep personal fulfillment she’s found along the way.
Before joining Northland, Lynn graduated from the Thief River Falls Area Vocational Technical Institute in 1980 with a focus on Secretarial and Shorthand studies. She worked at a local newspaper for 14 years before pursuing a new path in education. Though her childhood dream of becoming a flight attendant didn’t come true, her passion for aviation found a home at Northland. From early memories of watching planes with her mother to forming meaningful connections within the industry, Lynn’s journey has come full circle—built on passion and purpose.
Lynn has now been honored as the 2025 Minnesota State TCOE Academic Professional of the Year—an award that speaks volumes about her impact on students, colleagues, and the broader aviation community. One letter of support captured it perfectly: “Simply put, she is the beating heart of Northland Aerospace.” For Lynn, the recognition is deeply meaningful, but it’s the relationships she’s built and the lives she’s touched that truly define her career. Outside of work, she enjoys the simple joys of life—mowing the lawn, tending to her garden, going for walks, spending time with family and friends, and the occasional motorcycle ride. As she prepares for retirement, Lynn leaves behind a legacy marked by compassion, commitment, and a genuine love for people and aviation.
For more information about the TCOE Awards, visit https://www.minntran.org/tcoe-awards/
For the official news article, visit https://www.minntran.org/2025-tcoe-award-recipients/
The awards will be officially presented on August 6th at the MTTIA Conference in Brainerd, MN.
About the Minnesota State TCOE
Minnesota State hosts eight Centers of Excellence – each serving a major industry that faces serious workforce challenges. The centers collaborate with industry and educators to attract and prepare students for success in high-demand careers. Strategically located throughout the state, the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence drive workforce innovation through education and industry collaboration – and provide thought leadership on workforce development in their respective industries.