Accelerating Takeoff
Kent State University's new FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center provides a world-class training ground to help aviation students and future pilots soar to even greater achievements.
The sleek, modern learning center, made possible with gifts totaling $6.5 million from FedEx Corporation, was unveiled during a grand-opening event in September. The celebration showcased bold new technologies and innovative teaching tools essential for world-class pilots of the future. The event finale featured a dramatic flyover by Kent State alumni and student flight instructors.
The new 17,800-square-foot center is the second building for the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, but the first located at the Kent State University Airport in Stow, Ohio. The state-of-the-art learning facility—housing classrooms, collaborative spaces, briefing rooms, flight simulator rooms, and faculty and staff offices—will allow the college to accommodate more students to meet the growing demand for commercial pilots, predicted to be more than 804,000 new pilots worldwide by 2038.
Kent State President Todd Diacon says the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center will accelerate the university’s commitment to graduate aviation professionals able to lead and excel in the complex, rapidly growing global transportation sector. “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.”
Enrollment in Kent State’s Aeronautics Program has increased by 55 percent since 2010, and this new space will allow the university to continue to expand its enrollment. “FedEx has made a long-term investment in our students,” says Christina Bloebaum, PhD, dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. “The FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center empowers us to broaden our educational reach, expanding student access to a nationally distinctive education and innovative spirit we inspire in our students.”
Partners in Flight
Kent State University’s nationally ranked Flight Technology program is one of only three nationwide that Delta Air Lines selected this year to become a Delta Propel Partner, a program creating career opportunities for students studying to be commercial pilots.
Through Delta’s Collegiate Pilot Career Path Program, the airline will interview, help train and recruit high-quality pilot candidates among Kent State students who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Delta will employ successful candidates as pilots upon graduation from the Flight Technology program, located in Kent State’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
Special "K" | Summer Discoveries | Goldwater Scholars | Meet the Kent State Class of 2023 | 50th Commemoration of May 4, 1970 | Noteworthy | Celebrating 50 Years of Glass | A Time to Give | Accelerating Takeoff