A “Momentous Time” for Kent State’s Aeronautics Program

As the fall semester gears up at Kent State University’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering, new announcements are making 2019 one of the most “momentous times” in the history of the school’s aviation programs.

The university recently opened their new FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center, a 17,800-square-foot training facility located at the Kent State University Airport in Stow, Ohio. The learning center was made possible with gifts totaling $6.5 million from FedEx Corp. The center was designed to serve the university's 264 Flight Technology students to accommodate demand from increased enrollment in Kent State's Aeronautics Program, which has increased 55 percent since 2010.

Kent State President Todd Diacon said the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center will accelerate the university’s commitment to graduate aviation professionals able to lead and excel in the growing global transportation sector. “We applaud the generosity of FedEx, who understands that our success in training world-class aviation students ultimately contributes to their success as well,” Diacon said. “We are grateful that FedEx recognizes the value and impact our graduates have in the aeronautics industry and their reputation for industry preparedness and leadership.”

The FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center was also the venue used to announce that Kent State was one of only three university programs nationwide selected this year to become a Delta Propel Partner. The program is offered by Delta Air Lines to create career opportunities for students studying to be future commercial pilots.

“This recognition by one of the world’s largest global airlines is a testament to the excellent training and education provided by our faculty and staff and embodied by our alumni presently employed by Delta and its regional partners,” said Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., dean, College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

Kent State flies the largest collegiate aircraft fleet in Ohio from their university-managed airport, and it operates a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control Laboratory.