Dick Samuels with flight team members, and the Dick Samuels flight instructor building in the background. March 23 2018. (Embry-Riddle/Connor McShane)

Richard E. “Dick” Samuels, Longtime Embry‑Riddle Prescott Flight Instructor 

Jan. 17, 2022

Richard E. “Dick” Samuels, who was a longtime Embry-Riddle Prescott Campus flight instructor, passed away Jan. 17, 2022. Samuels, who retired in 2001, taught generations of flight students with his unconventional and direct style. He spent 22 years as a U.S. Air Force pilot, including assignments as a flight instructor, followed by another 22 years teaching at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus. The Dick Samuels Flight Instructor Scholarship, which is already supporting current students, was established and supported by former students and others who were inspired by Samuels’ love of flying. With more than $158,000 contributed, the Samuels Endowment guarantees scholarships for generations to come. In recognition of Samuels and the generosity endowment contributors, Building F6 on the Prescott Campus has been renamed “The Dick Samuels Flight Instructor Building.”